Cost of Luggage Storage in Krakow

11 Sep 2024

Traveling light is the ultimate secret to unlocking a city’s full potential, making your exploration more enjoyable and spontaneous. This is especially true in a historical and culturally rich destination like Krakow, a city of cobblestone streets, magnificent squares, and hidden courtyards that invite you to wander. Whether you have a few hours to spare after checking out of your hotel, are waiting for a late flight, or simply want to enjoy a full day of sightseeing without being weighed down by your bags, knowing your luggage storage options can fundamentally enhance your travel experience. Dragging a heavy suitcase across the uneven pavement of the Old Town or trying to navigate a crowded museum with a backpack is far from ideal. This is where a reliable bag storage service becomes an invaluable travel companion. This guide will help you navigate the two main types of services available: the traditional on-site storage lockers at Krakow’s major transportation hubs and the modern, flexible network of convenient nearby locations offered by Qeepl.

A bridge over a river in Krakow with buildings and a boat passing underneath

Finding a secure place to store luggage frees you to fully immerse yourself in the magic of Krakow. Imagine effortlessly climbing the Town Hall Tower for a panoramic view, delving into the solemn history of Wawel Castle, or sitting down for a leisurely meal at a café in the Jewish Quarter, all without the cumbersome burden of your belongings. The peace of mind that comes with knowing your bags are safely stowed away allows for a more relaxed and authentic visit. Choosing the right luggage storage solution depends on your itinerary, budget, and desired level of convenience. From traditional, self-service lockers to a more personalized and widespread network, Krakow offers solutions to fit every traveler’s needs, ensuring your time in this captivating Polish city is as comfortable and memorable as possible.

Prices and Operating Hours

Krakow, as a major European travel destination, provides several on-site luggage storage options at its busiest transportation hubs. These facilities offer travelers a place to secure their belongings, but it’s important to understand their pricing, hours, and limitations before planning your day. These traditional options, while conveniently located for arrivals and departures, can sometimes be more expensive and less flexible than modern alternatives. They typically come in two forms: automated storage lockers of various sizes and manned left-luggage offices. Knowing the details of each can help you make an informed decision.

Krakow Glowny Railway Station

Krakow Glowny is the city’s central railway station and a primary gateway for many visitors. Located in the heart of the city, it offers both automated luggage lockers and a manned storage service. These options are ideal for travelers arriving or departing by train who need a temporary place for their bags. However, during peak tourist seasons, the lockers can fill up quickly, and the pricing structure can be less economical for longer storage periods or multiple bags.

  • Automated Lockers: These storage lockers are available in various sizes to accommodate everything from a small backpack to a large suitcase. The prices for a 24-hour rental are typically as follows:
    • Small Locker: Approximately 25 PLN per day.
    • Medium Locker: Approximately 30 PLN per day.
    • Large Locker: Approximately 40 PLN per day.
  • Operating Hours: The automated lockers are accessible 24/7, offering great flexibility for travelers with early-morning or late-night train schedules.
  • Manned Storage: For oversized items or for those who prefer a staffed service, a manned luggage storage office is also available. The cost is generally calculated per item.
    • Price: Around 30 PLN per piece of luggage per day.
    • Operating Hours: Typically open from early morning (around 7:00 AM) until late evening (around 10:00 PM).

Krakow Bus Station (MDA)

Adjacent to the Krakow Glowny railway station is the Małopolski Dworzec Autobusowy (MDA), the city’s main bus terminal. Given its proximity to the train station, it serves as another critical transport hub for both domestic and international travelers. The convenience of having bag storage facilities here is immense for anyone catching a bus or arriving with time to kill before their check-in. Similar to the train station, the bus station provides automated lockers for secure self-service storage.

  • Automated Lockers: The lockers here are a practical solution for travelers needing to store luggage for a few hours or a full day.
    • Small Locker: Around 28 PLN per day.
    • Large Locker: Around 42 PLN per day.
  • Operating Hours: These lockers are accessible during the bus station’s operational hours, which generally align with the first and last bus services, roughly from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM. It is always best to double-check these times upon arrival, as they can sometimes vary.

John Paul II International Airport Krakow-Balice

For those flying in or out of Krakow, the John Paul II International Airport (KRK) provides a dedicated left-luggage service. This is particularly useful for travelers with long layovers or those whose flight times don’t align with their accommodation schedules. The service is located in the arrivals hall of the passenger terminal, making it easy to find right after you land or before you head to check-in. Unlike the self-service lockers at the stations, this is a fully staffed facility.

  • Pricing: The cost is based on the size of the item and the storage duration. It can be one of the more expensive options, especially for multiple or large bags.
    • Small Items (e.g., handbag, small backpack): Approximately 30 PLN per day.
    • Standard Suitcase: Approximately 50 PLN per day.
    • Oversized or Non-standard Items: Approximately 60 PLN per day.
  • Operating Hours: The facility operates 24/7, which is a major advantage for passengers on flights at any hour of the day or night, ensuring you can always drop off or retrieve your belongings regardless of your travel schedule.

Qeepl’s Luggage Storage

As an innovative and traveler-centric alternative to traditional luggage lockers, Qeepl offers a flexible, secure, and affordable solution by partnering with a wide network of local businesses across Krakow. This network includes vetted hotels, trusted shops, and welcoming cafes that have dedicated, secure space to store luggage. This decentralized approach means you’re no longer tied to storing your bags only at transport hubs. Instead, you can find a convenient storage spot right where you need it—whether that’s near a museum, in the heart of the Old Town, or close to a restaurant you plan to visit.

The service stands out for its simplicity and affordability. The cost starts from just US$4.90 for a bag per day, with no hidden fees or complicated size-based pricing tiers. This flat-rate model is often significantly more economical than the per-locker or per-item fees at airports and train stations, which can quickly add up, especially for families or groups. For instance, while a single large suitcase might cost 40-60 PLN at a traditional facility, Qeepl provides a predictable and budget-friendly price.

Security is a top priority. Every Qeepl location is carefully selected and verified to ensure the safety of your belongings. Most of our partner venues are equipped with security cameras, and your bags are stored in a designated area away from public access, attended to by on-site staff. Furthermore, to provide complete peace of mind, every booking includes an insurance guarantee of US$1,000, protecting your items against the unexpected. This combination of convenience, affordability, and security makes Qeepl an ideal choice for the modern traveler seeking a smarter way to explore.

A room filled with various luggage options, including stacked suitcases and wall-mounted shelves

Qeepl’s extensive network of partner locations is strategically spread throughout Krakow, ensuring you can always find a convenient bag storage spot that fits seamlessly into your itinerary. This eliminates the need to travel back and forth to a train station or airport, saving you precious time and transport costs. You can drop your bags near the first attraction on your list and pick them up near your last, maximizing your freedom. Here are some of the most popular and strategic areas where you can find a Qeepl location:

  • Krakow Old Town: As the historic heart of the city and a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Old Town (Stare Miasto) is where most visitors spend their time. Its magnificent Main Market Square (Rynek Główny), the iconic Cloth Hall, and St. Mary’s Basilica are must-sees. The cobblestone streets, while charming, are challenging for rolling luggage. Finding a luggage storage point here allows you to explore these historic lanes unburdened, climb towers for breathtaking views, and visit museums without hassle. Dropping your bags at a Qeepl location just a few steps from the main square means you can dive right into your adventure.

  • Kazimierz District: Krakow’s historic Jewish Quarter, Kazimierz, is a vibrant and atmospheric neighborhood filled with synagogues, poignant historical sites, and a bohemian mix of art galleries, quirky shops, and trendy cafes. It’s a district best explored on foot, allowing you to soak in its unique character. Having a place to store luggage nearby is perfect for visitors wanting to spend a day wandering its streets, visiting the Galicia Jewish Museum, or exploring sites related to Schindler’s List, including the nearby Oskar Schindler’s Enamel Factory. A convenient bag storage spot lets you transition smoothly from solemn sightseeing to enjoying the district’s lively evening scene.

  • Krakow Bus Station: For travelers arriving or departing from the MDA bus station, or for those making a day trip, having a storage option right by the terminal is incredibly practical. Instead of being confined to the station’s lockers, which may be full, you can book a guaranteed spot at a nearby Qeepl partner. This allows you to drop off your bags immediately upon arrival and head straight into the city, or to explore for a few more hours after checking out of your accommodation before catching your bus. It bridges the gap in your schedule perfectly, turning travel time into more sightseeing time.

How It Works?

Using Qeepl to store your luggage is designed to be as simple, fast, and convenient as possible. The entire process can be managed from your smartphone or computer in just a few minutes, giving you a secure and guaranteed spot for your bags so you can get on with enjoying your day. Here’s a step-by-step guide to how this seamless luggage storage service works:

  1. Download the Qeepl App or Visit the Website: The first step is to access the Qeepl platform. You can either download the user-friendly mobile app, which is available for both iOS and Android devices, or simply visit the official website. The platform is designed with an intuitive interface to make finding and booking storage a breeze.

  2. Register and Choose a Location: Quickly sign up for an account. Once registered, you can use the interactive map to search for storage locations in Krakow. You can search by your current location, an address, or a landmark like “Wawel Castle.” The map will display all available Qeepl partners nearby, along with their operating hours and user ratings, helping you choose the most convenient spot for your plans.

  3. Book Your Storage: Once you’ve selected the perfect location, you can reserve your spot. Simply specify the number of bags you need to store and the expected drop-off and pick-up times. The booking is completed with a secure online payment. You will receive an instant email confirmation with all the details of your reservation, including the exact address and contact information for the location. This pre-booking guarantees your space, so you won’t have to worry about full lockers.

  4. Drop Off Your Luggage: Head to your chosen Qeepl location at the scheduled time. Show your booking confirmation to the staff member on-site. They will verify your reservation, securely attach uniquely coded tags to each of your bags, and then store them in a designated, secure area that is not accessible to the public. The whole process takes only a couple of minutes.

  5. Enjoy Your Day: With your luggage safely and securely stored, you are now completely free to explore Krakow. Enjoy the city’s sights, sounds, and flavors without any baggage to hold you back. You can rest assured that your belongings are in safe hands, protected by both on-site staff and Qeepl’s insurance coverage.

  6. Pick Up Your Luggage: When you’re ready to retrieve your bags, simply return to the storage location. Present your booking confirmation or the security tags you were given at drop-off. The staff will quickly retrieve your luggage, and you’ll be on your way. It’s that easy!

Detailed map of Krakow highlighting Old Town and key landmarks with transport routes

Special Offer

To make your visit to Krakow even more seamless and affordable, Qeepl is delighted to offer a special promotion exclusively for first-time users. We believe that once you experience the freedom of exploring a city hands-free, you’ll wonder how you ever traveled without it. This introductory offer is our way of welcoming you to a smarter, more convenient way of traveling.

When you make your first booking for luggage storage in Krakow, simply use the promo code TRAVELCODE at checkout. You can apply this code whether you are booking through the Qeepl mobile app or on our website. The discount will be applied to your total, making our already cost-effective service an even better value. This is a perfect opportunity to try out a modern luggage storage solution that prioritizes your convenience and peace of mind. Let us take care of your bags while you create unforgettable memories in the beautiful city of Krakow.

FAQ

Do I need to book luggage storage in Krakow in advance?

In Krakow, many luggage storage options accept walk-ins. However, availability can be limited during busy travel periods. With Qeepl, you can easily book in advance and secure your spot at local hotels or shops.

Are airport luggage lockers in Krakow safe?

Airport luggage lockers in Krakow are generally considered safe. They are monitored, often located in secure areas, and many require electronic access. However, as with any storage, it’s best to keep valuables with you and use lockers for larger items.

Can I leave my luggage at the airport in Krakow for a few days?

Yes, most airports in Krakow allow you to store luggage for several days, with fees depending on duration. These facilities are secure, but storage periods may have limits depending on the airport.
As an alternative, Qeepl offers safe, insured storage in Krakow not only for days but also for weeks or even months.

Do hotels in Krakow charge for luggage storage?

Hotels in Krakow often store luggage for free if you’re a guest. Some may charge a small fee, especially after checkout or for longer storage. Policies vary, so it’s best to check with the hotel in Krakow directly.

Can I leave my luggage at a hotel in Krakow if I’m not staying there?

Hotels in Krakow generally provide luggage storage only for registered guests. Some hotels may make exceptions, but it’s not guaranteed. If you’re not staying there, you’ll usually need to use a paid luggage storage service nearby (e.g. Qeepl).

How safe is hotel luggage storage in Krakow?

Hotel luggage storage in Krakow is generally safe, as bags are kept in designated areas. Some hotels secure items behind the front desk or in locked rooms. Still, it’s wise not to leave valuables and to confirm the hotel’s storage policy.

Can hotels in Krakow hold your luggage for you after checkout?

Hotels in Krakow will often hold your luggage for a few hours after checkout as a courtesy. If you need storage for longer than that, policies vary and many hotels may not allow it. In such cases, services like Qeepl provide safe, insured luggage storage at local hotels and shops in Krakow for as long as you need.