Recommendation: Use the self‑service lockers on the concourse for short-term holds and the staffed left‑baggage desk for assistance or long‑term deposits. Lockers physically available around the main entrance and near platform access points; self‑service units operate continuously, while the staffed desk follows daytime hours.
Practical details: Locker sizes cover small (daypack), medium (carry‑on) and large (checked‑sized case). Typical tariff range is roughly CHF 5–15 per 24‑hour period depending on size; most machines accept contactless cards and the national rail app for payment. The staffed counter issues receipts and can accommodate items that exceed locker dimensions or require paperwork.
If lockers are full or your item is oversized, arrange one of these alternatives: hotel cloakrooms, local luggage‑delivery companies that pick up and drop off in the city, or third‑party short‑term storage platforms. For live availability and exact opening hours, check the rail hub map and services page on SBB.ch or the SBB Mobile app before arrival.
Quick tips: secure loose straps, keep the locker number and payment receipt/QR code, photograph the outer appearance of your case and the locker number, and avoid storing prohibited items. For urgent questions on capacity or exceptional items, contact SBB customer service listed on the official site.
Baggage options at Luzern Hauptbahnhof
Use the coin- and card-operated lockers in the main concourse for short-term bag deposits; a staffed cloakroom at the SBB Travel Centre accepts oversized items and longer deposits.
Locker sizes: small (backpack), medium (carry-on trolley) and large (full-size suitcase). Typical tariffs run about CHF 4–8 per 24-hour period depending on compartment size; terminals usually accept coins, Maestro/Visa and contactless payments.
Location and hours: lockers are located beside platforms 1–3 inside the arrival hall and remain accessible 24/7; the staffed counter at the Travel Centre operates during daytime (roughly 06:00–21:00 – confirm current times on SBB.ch).
How to use lockers: choose an empty compartment, pay at the kiosk or with the app, keep the printed ticket or note the numeric code – keep proof of payment until retrieval. Automated units often limit unattended storage to a few days; notify the service desk for extensions or unusual items.
When lockers are full or items exceed size limits: request a temporary deposit at the Travel Centre, arrange a courier delivery to your next address, or check nearby hotels for short-term hold options. For jammed compartments or lost codes contact the Travel Centre or call SBB customer service immediately.
Security tips: avoid leaving passports, large sums of cash, medications or irreplaceable documents inside public compartments; photograph the compartment number and payment receipt, and verify locker availability via the SBB Mobile app before arrival.
Exact location of on-site baggage lockers and left-baggage office within Bahnhof Luzern
Use the automated baggage lockers in the underground pedestrian tunnel for quick short-term deposits; for oversized or insured checked items, go to the staffed left-baggage desk at the SBB Travel Centre on the main concourse (south side, by Bahnhofplatz).
Automated locker location: enter the main hall from Bahnhofplatz, take the stairs or elevator down to the pedestrian underpass that connects platforms; the lockers run along the east wall of the tunnel between the underpass entrance and platforms 1–3, marked with blue/grey locker signage and an SBB logo. Units are visible from the concourse level if you stand near the platform-1 access stairwell.
Staffed desk location: the SBB Travel Centre is on the concourse level facing Bahnhofplatz, immediately adjacent to the ticket machines and the information counter; the left-baggage counter sits inside the Travel Centre on its right-hand side when entering from the concourse, behind glass and marked “Left Baggage / Gepäckaufbewahrung”.
Facility | Exact spot | How to reach | Nearest landmark | Availability / payment |
---|---|---|---|---|
Automated baggage lockers | Underground pedestrian tunnel, east wall (between underpass entrance and platforms 1–3) | Main concourse → stairs/elevator down to tunnel → walk east along tunnel | Stairwell to platform 1 / SBB Shop visible on concourse | Accessible 24/7; pay at locker terminal with card or contactless; multiple sizes |
Left-baggage desk (staffed) | SBB Travel Centre, main concourse (south side, next to Bahnhofplatz exit) | Enter Travel Centre from concourse → counter on right-hand side | Ticket machines / information desk / main entrance toward Bahnhofplatz | Opening hours match Travel Centre; accepts cards, cash; oversized items accepted and insured for a fee |
Locker opening hours, typical availability and busiest times to avoid
Prefer automated lockers outside commuter peaks: arrive before 09:30 or after 19:00 to secure a large compartment; during summer months and on event days large units often exceed 80% occupancy by late morning.
Automated units in the main concourse operate round‑the‑clock year‑round; staffed left‑baggage counters generally run weekdays roughly 06:30–20:00 with reduced hours on Saturdays and limited or no service on Sundays and public holidays – always check on-site notices for temporary changes.
Small compartments usually remain available outside peak windows; medium and large boxes are limited in number. Expect the highest demand on weekdays 07:00–09:00 and 16:00–18:30 (commuters) and on weekends 10:00–14:00 (tourists). Major festivals or sports fixtures shift peaks earlier and increase midday pressure.
Avoid searching for a large locker during the listed peak windows; if arrival during a peak is unavoidable, target the least busy concourse area, or plan to arrive 60–90 minutes ahead of museum openings, concert start times or boat departures to improve chances.
Practical tips: if no large unit is free, split items across two small lockers or use a commercial bag‑drop app/service nearby; photograph the compartment number and save the receipt/code; carry valuables with you; prefer card payment machines to reduce time at the terminal.
Locker sizes, weight or dimension limits and items prohibited from storage
Recommendation: Select a medium or large compartment for checked suitcases; reserve small boxes only for cabin bags and backpacks – mismatch causes refusal at the locker door.
Typical compartment dimensions (internal): Small – approx 55 × 35 × 20 cm (fits standard carry-on/backpack). Medium – approx 70 × 45 × 40 cm (weekend case). Large – approx 85 × 55 × 45 cm (large suitcase). Extra‑large/box – up to ~120 × 60 × 50 cm (sports bags, bulky boxes). Always measure external sizes before depositing; external case measurements must fit within listed internal dimensions.
Weight and linear limits: Standard locker compartments accept up to 30 kg per unit. Items with any single linear dimension over 120–130 cm are unlikely to fit standard compartments and should be taken to the staffed baggage desk. For extremely heavy or bulky consignments (over 30 kg or awkward shapes), use the manned baggage counter where different limits and handling fees apply.
Items not permitted in unattended compartments: explosives, fireworks, compressed gas cylinders, flammable liquids and gases, corrosive or toxic chemicals, radioactive material, biological hazards, firearms and ammunition (unless formally declared and processed through the manned baggage counter), live animals, human remains, perishable food likely to spoil, soil‑loaded plants, and high‑risk industrial goods. Lithium‑ion batteries fitted into devices are generally allowed if the device is switched off and terminals protected; large spare batteries are refused.
Valuables and packing advice: Do not leave cash, passports, travel documents, jewellery or irreplaceable electronics in unattended compartments. Secure items in locked suitcases or use the staffed baggage desk for insured deposits. Label deposited items clearly with contact details and retain the receipt; unclaimed items follow the rail complex’s lost‑property procedures. If in doubt about acceptability, ask the staffed baggage counter before attempting to deposit.
Current pricing, accepted payment methods and how to pay for a locker
Expect typical rates between CHF 6 and CHF 18 per 24 hours: small units ~ CHF 6–8, medium ~ CHF 9–12, large ~ CHF 13–18. Some machines offer hourly fares for short stays (≈ CHF 2–4 per hour, minimum one hour) while staffed counters sometimes charge a flat daily rate; exact tariffs are displayed on each unit and at the counter.
Accepted payment methods
Automated locker cabinets normally accept: Swiss franc coins (CHF), contactless debit/credit (Visa, Mastercard), Maestro, and mobile NFC wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay). TWINT is commonly supported. Banknote acceptance is rare on the machines; bring coins or a card. Staffed counters usually process card and cash payments and may accept international debit cards.
How to pay and collect your locker
Step 1 – Choose unit and duration: Tap the touchscreen or use the panel to select an available compartment and the intended hold time (hours or 24-hour blocks).
Step 2 – Pay: Follow on-screen prompts: insert coins into the coin slot or tap/insert your card. For mobile wallets, hold your device to the reader until confirmation appears. If paying with TWINT, scan the QR code if one is presented.
Step 3 – Receive access: After successful payment the machine issues either a physical key, a PIN code printed on the receipt, or an electronic confirmation stored in the locker operator’s app. Keep the receipt; the PIN or key is required to reopen the compartment.
Step 4 – Extensions and refunds: To extend, return to the same unit or use the operator app/kiosk and pay the additional fee before expiration. Refunds for unused time are uncommon; contact the staffed counter immediately if a payment error occurs.
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Step-by-step: reserve, open, extend rental or retrieve stored baggage
Reserve a locker online at least 24 hours before arrival to secure the size you need; if you book late, use the on-site kiosk but expect reduced availability.
1) Reserve: choose date/time, select size, pay with contactless card or app, then save the booking reference and QR or 6‑digit PIN sent by e‑mail. Take a screenshot and note the locker bank number.
2) On arrival: approach the locker bank shown in your booking confirmation, wake the touchscreen, scan the QR or enter the PIN exactly as received, confirm the compartment number displayed and wait for the door to pop open before inserting bags.
3) Closing and proof: push the door fully closed until the green indicator lights or the display confirms “locked”; keep the on‑screen receipt or e‑mail – it contains the expiry timestamp and the retrieval code required later.
4) Opening without prior booking: use the kiosk menu, pick rental duration, pay (card/contactless), collect the generated QR/PIN; for coin machines bring CHF coins but card is faster and widely accepted.
5) Extend rental: use the same app/website or the kiosk’s “extend” option, enter your booking reference or PIN, choose additional hours/days, pay the prorated fee; extensions usually process immediately and a new expiry appears on screen and in e‑mail.
6) Forgotten PIN or lost booking e‑mail: go to the staffed left‑baggage counter with photo ID and any proof of payment; staff will verify ownership and can release contents after matching details or issuing a replacement code (expect identity checks).
7) Retrieval after hours: if electronic lockers allow remote unlocking, use the app/website; otherwise contact the emergency number posted on the locker bank and report the locker number and booking reference – document calls with timestamps and photos of the locker face and door.
8) Jammed door, damaged items or dispute over contents: photograph the locker and item, press the on‑device help button, note the incident number given by staff, file a written claim at the left‑baggage office within 24 hours; keep receipts for any replacement purchases.
9) Overstay and uncollected items: fees are charged per extra day; long uncollected items are transferred to central lost‑property after the published holding period – retrieve them from lost‑property with ID and the original booking details, and expect administrative handling fees.
Quick practical tips: photograph the locker number and your packed items, save the booking e‑mail offline, use contactless payment to avoid coin jams, and keep a charged phone to access QR/PIN codes.
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Nearby private bag-drop, hotel holding and app-based alternatives when lockers are full
If lockers are full, book a bag-drop via an app or leave items at a participating hotel; expect typical day rates CHF 5–12 per item and courier pick-up from CHF 25 (local short run) to CHF 60+ (longer distances or oversized pieces).
Quick options and typical walk times
- App-based networks (Stasher, Bounce, Radical Storage, LuggageHero): locations usually within 300–1,000 m of the main railway hub; same-day drop-offs and 24/7 retrieval at some partners.
- Hotels near the central rail hub: most will hold bags for registered guests free; non-guests often accepted for a small fee (CHF 5–10) – ask at reception before dropping off.
- On-demand couriers/porters: app or phone booking for door-to-door pick-up and delivery to airport, hotel or address in the city; ideal for bulky items or multiple pieces.
How to book and what to check
- Search the app or website by address (use the central railway hub postcode) and filter by opening hours and price.
- Reserve and pay online when possible; bring printed or digital booking confirmation and ID to the drop-off point.
- Check weight/size limits and prohibited contents in provider terms; fragile or valuable items often excluded or require insurance add-on.
- Confirm exact drop-off address, opening window (some shops close afternoons) and a phone contact for faster retrieval.
- For courier services, photograph items and pack with a tag; note pick-up time slot and rush fees for same-hour service.
- Insurance: free basic coverage often limited (typically CHF 500–2,000); pay for higher coverage if contents exceed that value.
- Payment: most apps accept card and Apple/Google Pay; many hotel drops accept cash or card at reception.
- Peak times: mornings 07:00–09:30 and afternoons 16:00–19:00 are busiest – pre-book to guarantee a spot.
- For oversized items (bikes, skis): request a specialized courier; day rates for handling and transport are commonly CHF 30–80 depending on distance.
FAQ:
Does Lucerne (Luzern) train station offer luggage storage for day travellers?
Yes. Lucerne main station has self-service luggage lockers that travellers can use for short-term storage. Lockers come in different sizes and are located inside the station building, making them convenient if you want to explore the city without dragging bags. If lockers are full or your item is oversized, there are alternative options nearby such as hotel storage or private luggage services.
How do the lockers at Lucerne station work, and what should I expect to pay?
Lockers operate on a pay-per-use basis and accept cards or contactless payment directly at the locker terminal. You choose a size, follow the on-screen steps to pay and secure the locker with a PIN or code, and keep the receipt or code for retrieval. Fees vary by locker size and duration of storage; the exact amount appears on the locker screen or on the station map available from the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) website. Availability can change during busy periods, so check the station layout or SBB station information before arrival to find the current locker locations.
What are good options if I have oversized luggage, need long-term storage, or want extra security?
If your suitcase or bike won’t fit in a station locker, consider one of these choices: ask your hotel if they will hold bags for a fee or free before check-in/check-out; look for local commercial luggage storage companies in Lucerne that accept large or fragile items; use courier or luggage-forwarding services that pick up and deliver to hotels or addresses. For extra security, keep valuables and travel documents with you rather than in public lockers, photograph the item and locker receipt on deposit, and note any time limits or claim deadlines listed on the locker terminal. For the latest locations, opening hours and formal policies, consult the SBB station page for Lucerne or contact station staff before you travel.