Left Luggage in Europe: the Ultimate Guide to the Best Luggage Storage Facilities and Services
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It’s normal to try and plan as much as possible into your trip to Europe.
Traveling to multiple destinations allows you to maximize your trip.
BUT MOVING FROM ONE DESTINATION TO ANOTHER REQUIRES CHECKING OUT OF ACCOMMODATIONS AND MOVING YOUR LUGGAGE FROM PLACE TO PLACE.
Where to store luggage when traveling in Europe might seem like a daunting question, especially if you’re traveling with valuables like laptops, jewelry, or personal mementos.
Luckily, there are plenty of affordable and secure luggage storage options across Europe.
They’re especially useful if you are staying in short-term rentals like a VRBO or an Airbnb.
BELOW IS THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO LEFT LUGGAGE, FROM HOTEL OPTIONS AND LUGGAGE STORAGE FACILITIES TO NEW LUGGAGE PICK UP SERVICES THAT MAKE IT EASIER THAN EVER TO TRAVEL WITH YOUR BAGS.
Left Luggage in Europe: the Ultimate Guide to the Best Luggage Storage Facilities and Services
Hotel Luggage Storage
If you’re staying at a hotel, the staff is able to hold your luggage for the day of your check in or check out.
This convenience is one of the reasons that I usually choose to stay at hotels rather than short-term rentals like VRBO or AirBnB.
IT'S ESPECIALLY USEFUL WHEN ARRIVING BEFORE THE AFTERNOON CHECK IN TIME, OR WHEN DEPARTING LATER THAN THE MORNING CHECK OUT TIME.
The process for storing luggage with the hotel is very straightforward.
The hotel staff will tag your luggage and store it in a secure room.
You then pick up your luggage either at hotel check in, or whenever you come to pick it up if departing later that day.
THIS LUGGAGE STORAGE SERVICE IS INCLUDED IN YOUR HOTEL STAY AT NO EXTRA COST.
Be sure to hold onto the luggage tag or ticket so that you can easily collect your luggage.
It may feel like a formality if you've been staying at the hotel for a few days and have gotten familiar with the front desk staff.
But keep in mind that the morning staff will likely be gone by the time that you come to pick up your bags later in the evening.
The easiest, and cheapest, method for storing your luggage is with the hotel itself.
I’VE BEEN VERY FORTUNATE WITH HOTEL LUGGAGE STORAGE.
It’s more convenient than taking your bags to a luggage locker, and it generally feels very safe.
But it should be mentioned that hotel luggage storage is not the most secure method of storing your luggage.
Bags are usually placed in a small closet or a dedicated luggage storage room.
AT GOOD HOTELS, THE DOOR TO THE LUGGAGE STORAGE ROOM IS LOCKED, AND ONLY HOTEL STAFF ARE ABLE TO ACCESS IT.
But I've also stayed at hotels (and hostels!) where the luggage storage room was left wide open, and rather than staff taking luggage in and out, guests were simply directed to leave their things there.
Under this system, I realized that security relied solely on the honor system.
As with everything, assess the situation presented to you.
If your hotel’s luggage storage room feels insecure for whatever reason, ask the front desk about luggage storage facilities in town.
Luggage Storage Facilities
If you're not staying at a hotel, then you’ll need to find an alternative for storing your luggage.
The two most common types found throughout Europe are train station luggage storage facilities and dedicated luggage storage companies.
There’s also been noticeable growth in advertising by peer-to-peer luggage storage marketplaces, which I would not recommend. (More on that below.)
Train Station Luggage Storage
The oldest and most common type of luggage storage can be found at Europe’s train stations.
Train station luggage lockers are very common due to their convenience and close proximity to the daily traffic around train stations.
💡 Some Americans ask me why we don’t have similar storage options at U.S. train stations. Luggage lockers are uncommon in the U.S. due to a mix of security concerns and the cost associated with maintaining lockers at low-traffic train stations.
IF YOU’RE LIKE ME, YOU MIGHT FEEL CONFLICTED WHEN YOU STORE YOUR LUGGAGE AT THE TRAIN STATION.
Logically, it’s more secure than the hotel since your luggage is placed in its own locker, with a dedicated code that only you know.
But leaving your things in a public place can make you feel anxious or worried.
Adding to the angst, some train stations may not be located in the best neighborhoods.
I’VE NEVER HAD ANY NEGATIVE EXPERIENCES WITH TRAIN STATION LUGGAGE STORAGE, THOUGH.
A wall of luggage lockers at Berlin Hauptbahnhof.
In Germany, many luggage lockers still take cash.
⚡Here’s how to use train station luggage lockers, and why getting there early in the morning is so important!
First, confirm the local train station offers luggage lockers with a quick Google search.
Luggage lockers are usually located in tucked-away spots, such as near bathrooms or downstairs from the main concourse.
Choose a locker size that will fit all of your luggage; you may want to place your luggage in an open locker to ensure that everything will fit.
SELECT THE APPROPRIATE LOCKER SIZE ON THE AUTOMATED SYSTEM AND PAY FOR THE DURATION THAT YOUR BAGS WILL BE STORED.
The luggage locker duration can vary by location, with some offering hours long blocks and others defaulting to a full day rental.
Payment is typically made by credit card, though you may also encounter luggage lockers that only accept euro coins.
Next, store your luggage in the locker, securely close the locker, and set a passcode.
REMEMBER, DON’T LOSE THE PASSCODE! IT’S YOUR KEY TO RETRIEVE YOUR BAGS.
Luggage lockers often fill up by midday, which is why it’s important to deal with luggage storage early in the morning to beat the crowd.
In many tourist destinations throughout Europe, train station luggage storage fills up so quickly that dedicated luggage storage companies have sprung up to meet the overflowing demand.
Dedicated Luggage Storage Companies
Dedicated luggage storage companies offer fixed-location facilities with self-service luggage lockers for quick and secure luggage storage.
I’VE USED STOW YOUR BAGS IN BOTH BOLOGNA AND MADRID AND REALLY ENJOYED THE EXPERIENCE.
Their locations are easy to find and situated close to the main train stations, and offer around-the-clock surveillance and staff assistance via intercom should anything go wrong.
Luggage storage companies typically have locations close to main train stations.
Luggage lockers are clearly numbered and come in a variety of sizes.
Just like with other luggage storage options, read Google reviews and be sure that the location is clearly marked before schlepping your luggage.
The process with these luggage lockers is the same as those found in train stations: choose the locker size, pay via the automated system, place your luggage inside the locker, and then securely shut it.
ONE GREAT DIFFERENCE, THOUGH, IS THAT MOST DEDICATED LUGGAGE STORAGE COMPANIES ALLOW YOU TO PRE-BOOK A LOCKER ON THEIR WEBSITE, WHICH MAKES AN EARLY MORNING DROP-OFF LESS ESSENTIAL.
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Peer-to-Peer Luggage Storage Marketplaces
Unlike secure luggage lockers at train stations or dedicated storefronts, luggage storage marketplaces like Bounce or LuggageHero rely on local businesses or individuals to hold your bags.
For me, this raises some red flags about the safety of your belongings and the liability of handing them over to a “trusted location.”
In many European cities, it’s common for corner shops, dry cleaners, cafés, and small newsstands to earn extra cash by accepting parcels for delivery services like UPS or DHL.
Luggage storage marketplaces have latched onto the same model, connecting travelers with businesses that are willing to hold bags for a fee.
WHILE THIS SETUP MIGHT SOUND CONVENIENT, IT OFTEN MEANS YOUR BELONGINGS ARE LEFT IN BACK ROOMS OR UNDER COUNTERS WITH LITTLE TO NO OVERSIGHT. 🫤
These aren’t secure luggage lockers or luggage storage facilities; they’re everyday shops trying to make a bit of side income.
Luggage Pick Up Services
If you’d rather skip the hassle of hauling your bags across town altogether, luggage pick-up services like LUGGit are an absolute game changer.
Instead of schlepping your suitcase to a train station or hoping your hotel has secure storage, LUGGit sends a professional “Keeper” straight to your location to collect your bags.
THEY’LL COLLECT YOUR LUGGAGE, SECURELY STORE IT, AND THEN DELIVER IT TO YOUR NEXT STOP — WHETHER THAT’S YOUR HOTEL, THE AIRPORT, OR ANOTHER ADDRESS IN TOWN.
Luggage pick up services like LUGGit are the best option for travelers who don’t want to haul their bags to a luggage storage facility.
LUGGit currently operates in major European cities like Lisbon, Madrid, Florence, Athens, and Prague, and they have a 4.9/5 Trustpilot rating and glowing reviews.
While the service isn’t available everywhere yet, it’s such a luxury that I had to include it here.
I know all about that urge to enjoy your last few hours in town without dragging your suitcase behind you — and LUGGit helps make that possible.
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Conclusion
In the end, deciding where to store luggage when traveling in Europe doesn't have to be stressful.
There are plenty of options to keep your belongings safe:
Store your luggage with your hotel, or in luggage lockers at train stations or dedicated luggage storage companies.
Or, optimize your time with a luggage pick up service that will collect your luggage and deliver it to your hotel or airport.
JUST BE SURE TO AVOID SERVICES WITH QUESTIONABLE SECURITY.
And don’t forget that luggage lockers fill up in the mid-morning and may be unavailable in the afternoon, so get your bags stored early!
With the right preparation, you can enjoy a luggage-free day and explore your destination with peace of mind!
Until next time. 🧳
xx,
Angela
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