As the largest train station in the world, it is no surprise that Grand Central Terminal is an iconic landmark in New York. What’s more, the station serves over 750,000 individuals on a daily basis, and when the holidays come around, more than a million people can pass through the station every day. It has 44 platforms, and 67 tracks pass through it.
Despite its wide array of amenities, you will not find any lockers or cloakrooms inside the station to store your luggage. Fortunately, there are several reliable options available in the surrounding area to store your baggage, freeing you to enjoy the unique atmosphere of Grand Central Terminal.
Grand Central Terminal History
Before we delve into luggage storage options, let’s take a brief look at Grand Central Terminal, fondly known as Grand Central Station.
Opened in 1913, this historic landmark is more than just a transport hub. Grand Central Terminal is a masterpiece of Beaux-Arts architecture that captivates both travelers and architecture enthusiasts. Its main concourse, adorned with an astronomical ceiling mural and the famous four-faced brass clock, is one of the most-photographed interiors globally.
Apart from serving as a central node for subway lines and commuter trains, Grand Central Terminal is a bustling city microcosm, with a variety of dining options, shopping outlets, and even cultural events.
Grand Central Station Left Luggage Lockers
A few decades ago, Grand Central Terminal used to offer its visitors lockers to store their luggage in. But, that all changed after the September 11th attacks. As a precautionary measure, New York had all of the on-site storage facilities in its major stations and terminals removed. This means that you will no longer be able to find storage lockers in Grand Central Terminal, or in any other stations for that matter, including Penn Station and Port Authority.
Luggage Storage Near Grand Central Terminal Station – Apps
The sharing economy has disrupted numerous industries, including the hospitality industry (think Airbnb) and the ride-hailing industry (think Uber). Similarly, the sharing economy has tried to fill the sudden vacuum created by the removal of storage facilities, and it has succeeded.
Companies like Vertoe and Stasher will partner up with several different locations, including stores, gift shops, and hotels, to provide you with places to store your belongings. What these companies will do is that they’ll notify you of the closest locations to where you are that have space to store your luggage.
Given their business model, these companies tend to be cheap. For example, Stasher will allow you to store your luggage for an entire day, and all you’ll have to pay is $6 for those 24 hours. Additionally, Stasher will insure your luggage, meaning that if something were to happen, the company would reimburse you for up to $1,000.
To maximize cost-effectiveness, some companies will charge you by the hour, making you pay only for the time you’ve used.
Stasher
Stasher partners with local businesses and hotels to offer secure luggage storage. They have multiple locations near Penn Station and Grand Central Terminal, and their prices begin at $6 per item per day. Stasher’s user-friendly app makes it easy to find and book storage.
Vertoe
Vertoe is another popular luggage storage service that operates in a similar way to Airbnb. They partner with local businesses like retailers and hotels to provide storage spaces for customers. With prices as low as $5.95 for 24 hours of storage and insurance of up to $5,000 per item, Vertoe is a great alternative to traditional on-site lockers. They have over 125 locations in New York City alone, many of which are open 24/7.
LuggageHero
LuggageHero is a highly recommended luggage storage service near Grand Central Terminal. With a focus on safety, convenience, and simplicity, LuggageHero offers storage for every kind of luggage, regardless of size. You can store anything from backpacks and suitcases to ski equipment. The service is flexible and easy to use, with payment options by the hour or daily. After the first day, you’ll only pay $5 per bag, making it an affordable choice for longer stays. You can access LuggageHero’s services through their app, which provides a map of storage locations in NYC.
Bounce
Bounce is a luggage storage-sharing company offering competitive prices starting at just $4.75 per piece per day at Grand Central Terminal. With over 380 storage locations in NYC, you won’t have to travel far to find a place to drop off your luggage. Bounce also offers baggage insurance of up to $3000, adding an extra layer of security for your belongings.
Mobile Luggage Pick Up and Drop Off
If you’re looking for a more convenient option, consider using a mobile luggage pick up and drop off service like My Bag Check. They will pick up your luggage, store it for you, and deliver it wherever you want, including Grand Central Terminal. While the prices are a bit higher for this service, the convenience of having your luggage handled for you might be worth the extra cost.
Alternative Luggage Storage In New York
Although companies like Vertoe are cheap, they can be inconvenient for people hauling heavy luggage. Fortunately, there are alternatives.
Schwartz Travel
Another luggage storage option near Grand Central Terminal is Schwartz Travel, a travel service company offering safe and secure luggage storage in New York City. Located just a 10-minute walk from the Terminal, Schwartz Travel has been providing storage services since the 1990s.
Hotels Offering Grand Central Terminal Luggage Storage for Guests
The following hotels near Grand Central Terminal offer luggage storage services for their guests. While the services are generally free for guests, it is advisable to confirm the details with the hotel before your arrival.
- Grand Hyatt New York: Located adjacent to Grand Central Terminal, the Grand Hyatt New York offers luggage storage services for its guests. The hotel’s prime location and upscale amenities make it an attractive option for travelers.
- The Westin New York Grand Central: Just a few blocks from Grand Central Terminal, this luxurious hotel provides luggage storage services for its guests. The Westin also features a state-of-the-art fitness center and an on-site restaurant.
- The Dylan Hotel: Situated a short walk from Grand Central Terminal, the boutique Dylan Hotel offers luggage storage services for its guests. The hotel’s stylish décor and convenient location make it a popular choice for travelers.
- The Roger Smith Hotel: Located a few blocks from Grand Central Terminal, the Roger Smith Hotel offers luggage storage services to non-guests for a nominal fee. This service can be particularly useful if you’re only in the city for a short time and need a convenient place to store your bags.
- The Lexington Hotel: Situated near Grand Central Terminal, the Lexington Hotel provides luggage storage services to non-guests for a fee. This service can be helpful if you’re exploring the city before checking in or after checking out of your accommodations.
No, there are no lockers or storage units available at Grand Central, but you can always use LuggageHero to store your bags nearby. There are many storage locations available near the terminal.
The cost of storing your bags near Grand Central depends on the service you choose. It can be very cheap or a bit overpriced. The most cost-effective option is LuggageHero, which allows you to store your bags for only $1 per hour with a maximum fee of $8 per day.
Yes, storing your bags near Grand Central Terminal is often completely safe when you choose a luggage storage service provider. These providers often offer insurance and regularly check the shops for rules and regulations to ensure safety.
Explore Grand Central Terminal
Before venturing out, take some time to explore the architectural marvel that is Grand Central Terminal. Highlights include:
- The Main Concourse: Marvel at the beautiful Beaux-Arts architecture, the opulent chandeliers, and the stunning celestial ceiling mural.
- The Whispering Gallery: Experience the unique acoustics in this arched walkway located near the Oyster Bar.
- The Grand Central Market: Delight your taste buds with a variety of gourmet food options available in this bustling market.
Things To Do Near Grand Central Terminal
There are several iconic attractions within walking distance of Grand Central Terminal. Some of these include:
- The New York Public Library: Just a few blocks away, the New York Public Library is an architectural gem and an essential destination for book lovers. Don’t miss the beautiful Rose Main Reading Room.
- Bryant Park: Adjacent to the New York Public Library, Bryant Park is a lovely urban oasis where you can relax, enjoy free public events, or grab a bite to eat.
- The Chrysler Building: This Art Deco masterpiece is only a short walk from Grand Central Terminal. While the building’s interior is not open to the public, its exterior is worth admiring.
- The United Nations Headquarters: Located along the East River, a visit to the United Nations Headquarters offers insight into global diplomacy and history. Guided tours are available.
Shopping and Dining Experiences
The area around Grand Central Terminal is home to numerous shopping and dining options. A few popular destinations include:
- Fifth Avenue: Renowned for its luxury boutiques and iconic department stores, Fifth Avenue is a shopper’s paradise.
- Madison Avenue: This upscale shopping street is known for its high-end fashion boutiques and designer stores.
- Pershing Square Café: Just across the street from Grand Central Terminal, this bustling eatery is a great spot for breakfast or a quick meal.
- The Campbell: This historic cocktail bar, located within Grand Central Terminal, offers a sophisticated atmosphere and expertly crafted cocktails.
Born and raised amidst the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple, I’ve witnessed the city’s many exciting phases. New York is not just a city to me; it’s a living, breathing entity. When I’m not exploring the city or penning down my thoughts, you can find me sipping on a cup of coffee at my favorite local café, playing chess or planning my next trip. For the last twelve years, I’ve been living in South Williamsburg with my partner Berenike.