Arriving in London with a suitcase and no place to go yet? Or maybe you checked out of your hotel but your flight isn’t for hours? You’re not alone. Every day, thousands of travelers struggle with what to do with their bags in a city that moves fast. The good news? London’s major train and tube stations have reliable, affordable luggage storage options - and you don’t need to book weeks ahead.
Where to Find Luggage Storage in London
You don’t need to hunt around. Most major London stations have official left luggage services right inside the terminal. These aren’t random lockers tucked behind a vending machine - they’re staffed, secure, and monitored. Here are the top stations with reliable options:
- London Victoria - Right next to the main entrance, near the taxi rank. Open 6:30 AM to 11:30 PM daily.
- London Waterloo - Located in the main concourse, close to the South Western Railway ticket office. Open 6:00 AM to midnight.
- London Paddington - Near the main exit onto Praed Street. Open 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
- London King’s Cross - In the main hall, opposite the Starbucks. Open 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM.
- London Euston - Behind the ticket hall, near the escalators to the underground. Open 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
- London Liverpool Street - Near the main entrance on Bishopsgate. Open 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
- London Charing Cross - Inside the main station building, near the coffee shop. Open 6:00 AM to 10:30 PM.
These are the busiest stations, so they’re your safest bet. Smaller stations like Stratford or Croydon don’t always offer this service - check ahead if you’re not sure.
How Much Does It Cost?
Prices are simple: you pay per bag, per hour or per day. No hidden fees, no deposits. Here’s what you’ll pay in 2026:
| Storage Duration | Price per Bag | Max Bag Size |
|---|---|---|
| 1 hour | £4 | Up to 20kg |
| 4 hours | £8 | Up to 20kg |
| 8 hours | £12 | Up to 20kg |
| 24 hours | £18 | Up to 20kg |
| Extra day | £12 per day | Up to 20kg |
Most places let you store up to two bags per person. Oversized items (like skis, golf clubs, or large suitcases over 20kg) cost extra - usually £3-£5 more per bag. If you’re carrying a bicycle or musical instrument, ask at the counter. Some stations have special racks for those.
Payment? Cash isn’t accepted anymore. You need a debit or credit card. Apple Pay and Google Pay work fine. No one takes cash anymore - not even for tips.
How It Works: Step-by-Step
It’s easier than ordering a coffee. Here’s what to expect:
- Walk into the station and look for signs that say "Left Luggage" or "Baggage Storage". They’re usually near ticket offices or main exits.
- Approach the counter. Staff will ask how many bags and how long you need to store them.
- You’ll get a receipt with a barcode. Keep it safe - you need it to get your bags back.
- They’ll tag your bags with a matching barcode and take them to a secure room behind the counter.
- When you return, show your receipt. They’ll hand your bags back. No ID needed - just the receipt.
Security is tight. All bags go into locked, monitored storage rooms. Cameras cover every entrance. No one else can pick up your bags - not even if they have the same receipt number. You must be the person who dropped them off.
What You Can’t Store
Not everything fits. Even though they’re called "left luggage" services, there are limits:
- No dangerous goods: flammable liquids, gas canisters, weapons, or fireworks.
- No perishables: food, plants, or anything that smells or could spoil.
- No live animals: even small pets in carriers.
- No high-value items: jewelry, cash, passports, laptops. They won’t take responsibility for these.
They’ll turn away a bag if it smells like fish or has a broken bottle inside. Don’t try to sneak anything in - staff check everything. If you’re unsure, ask first. Better safe than stuck without your bag.
Alternatives to Station Storage
What if your station doesn’t have a service? Or you’re staying near a park or museum? There are other options:
- Hotel concierge - Even if you’re not staying there, some hotels (like the Premier Inn chain) let non-guests store bags for £5-£10. Ask at the front desk. Private lockers - Companies like Stasher and Left luggage London offer drop-off points at cafes, shops, and hostels. Prices start at £6 per bag per day. You book online, show a QR code, and leave it with a local business. It’s flexible but less secure than station storage.
- Amazon Locker - No, seriously. Some Amazon Lockers in London (like the one at Stratford Centre) let you drop off small packages. But they’re not for suitcases - only parcels under 10kg.
Stick with station storage if you can. It’s cheaper, safer, and open longer than most private services.
Pro Tips for Using Luggage Storage
- Go early - The busiest times are 8-11 AM and 4-7 PM. Lines can be 15-20 minutes long. If you arrive at 7 AM, you’re in and out in 5 minutes.
- Label your bags - Even though they’re secure, a name tag helps if you grab the wrong one by accident.
- Don’t forget your receipt - If you lose it, they can still find your bag, but you’ll need to fill out a form and wait 10-15 minutes while they verify it.
- Check closing times - If your flight leaves at midnight, don’t plan to pick up your bag at 11:45 PM. Most stations close at 11 PM.
Also - no one’s ever been robbed at these stations. The system’s been running since the 1980s. There’s a reason it’s still here.
What to Do If You Miss the Last Pickup
Missed the last train? Your bags are still safe. Most stations hold luggage overnight and release it the next morning at opening time. You won’t pay extra. Just show up when they open and ask for your bags. No need to panic.
If you’re staying in London for a few days and need to store bags for multiple days? You can leave them for up to 30 days. After that, they’re moved to a long-term facility - and you’ll get a letter in the mail. That’s rare, but it happens.
Final Thoughts
Storing luggage in London isn’t a hassle. It’s a normal part of the city’s rhythm. Whether you’re a tourist with a backpack or a commuter with a suitcase, these services exist to make your day smoother. The prices are fair, the locations are easy to find, and the system works.
Next time you arrive early or check out late, skip the stress. Walk into the nearest station, hand over your bags, and enjoy the rest of your day. London’s got you covered.
Can I store my luggage at London Underground stations?
No, only major train stations like Victoria, Waterloo, and King’s Cross offer official left luggage services. Underground stations (like Oxford Circus or Tottenham Court Road) don’t have storage. Stick to the mainline rail terminals.
Is luggage storage safe in London?
Yes. All stations use monitored, locked storage rooms with CCTV. Staff are trained, and bags are tagged with unique barcodes. No one else can claim your luggage. Theft is extremely rare - the system has been running for over 40 years without major incidents.
Can I store a bike or golf clubs?
Yes, but it costs extra. Most stations allow oversized items like bikes, skis, or golf clubs for an additional £3-£5 per item. Ask at the counter - they have special racks for these. Don’t try to squeeze them into a regular locker.
Do I need ID to pick up my luggage?
No. You only need the receipt with the barcode. Staff scan it and hand back your bags. No passport, no driver’s license - just the paper receipt you got when you dropped them off.
What if I lose my receipt?
If you lose it, go to the counter and explain. They’ll ask you for the date, time, station, and number of bags. They’ll search their system and verify your identity by asking a few questions. It takes 10-15 minutes, but you’ll get your bags back. No extra charge.
Can I store luggage for more than 24 hours?
Yes. The daily rate is £18 for the first 24 hours, then £12 per extra day. You can leave bags for up to 30 days. After that, they’re moved to a long-term warehouse, and you’ll receive a notice by mail. Most travelers don’t need more than 3 days.