New York is a big city with plenty to explore. It is filled with fine restaurants, iconic buildings, and important landmarks; even its terminals and stations can be breathtaking. Grand Central Terminal anyone?
So, if you find yourself in the Big Apple, whether it’s for a few days or just for a few hours, you would do well to explore the city that got Sinatra to sing and inspired countless filmmakers to create some of their best work.
However, all of this is easier said than done if you are weighed down by too much luggage, which is why we are going to look at various New York luggage storage locations so that you can truly enjoy this marvelous city for all of its wonders.
Luggage Storage Companies In NYC
The power of the sharing economy is behind some of the most famous companies today: Uber and Airbnb are prime examples. Also, the model of the sharing economy has been responsible for revolutionizing the business of luggage storage.
A few decades ago, you could store your luggage in any of the major stations that offered lockers and other storage facilities. However, after 9/11, New York decided to tighten the security over the entire city, and one of its measures was disposing of all of the lockers and storage spaces in major stations. In response to this shortage, several companies appeared on the scene, offering travelers alternative ways of store luggage, depending on the size.
There are a few companies that operate in this space, so let’s take a closer look at a few of them:
Stasher
This is another European company trying to carve a place for itself within the American market. Stasher offers luggage storage in New York at a flat rate of $6 per day of storage, and $5 for each additional day. Stasher’s main advantage is that they have no size restrictions and work with a very responsive customer experience team.
In fact, to maximize convenience, the company has established locations at several of the major stations and terminals in New York, including Penn Station, Port Authority Bus Terminal, Grand Central Terminal, and both JFK Airport and Newark Airport. Better yet, many of the locations provided by Stasher are open around the clock, all-week-round.
Any luggage you store with Stasher is insured for up to $1,000. In other words, should anything happen to your belongings while in storage, Stasher will compensate you for the damage.
Vertoe luggage storage
Seeing as it is present in more than 20 major cities in the US as well 45 international cities, Vertoe is the largest provider of on-demand short term storage in America. The company has partnered with more than 125 locations within New York alone, and this is not to mention the fact that they are adding new partners to their network at a very high rate.
With regards to rates, Vertoe is relatively cheap: You can store a bag for an entire day for the very reasonable price of $5.95. Additionally, the company will offer group deals.
Finally, if you aren’t happy with the location Vertoe points you to, not only can you pick another one, but you can also write a review of the location, warning other traveler to steer clear of this particular partner.
You can access Vertoe through their website or through their mobile application.
LuggageHero
LuggageHero is another big player in this space. The company was originally established in Copenhagen back in 2016, but it wasn’t long before the company made its way across the Atlantic and found a permanent residence on American shores.
LuggageHero actually boasts of more locations within New York City than its aforementioned competitor: 250 locations. Furthermore, the company plans to expand even further, adding a few hundred extra locations within the coming years. Additionally, LuggageHero is preparing to make its way into other cities.
When it comes to payment, LuggageHero can be a bit pricier than Vertoe. Whereas Vertoe will let you pay by the day, LuggageHero will ask you to pay by the hour, where every hour will cost you $2. That said, there is a cap, which means that you don’t have to pay more than $12 for the entire day. So, even though it is pricier, you will only pay for the time you use up.
Also, LuggageHero will insure your baggage for up to $2,000.
Radical Storage (previously known as BAGBNB)
This company offers a variety of convenient locations in NYC, referred to as “Angels.” These storage sites can be found in hotels, bodegas, restaurants, and notable attractions like Grand Central Terminal, Hudson Yards, Wall Street, and the World Trade Center. The charge is as low as $4.90 per item per day, with a guaranteed 3-minute check-in process. Reservations must be made online in advance and are non-refundable.
Nanny Bag
Nanny Bag is very similar to LuggageHero. It asks that you pay $2 an hour for every bag your store, but the cap is set at $6 for the entire day. So, Nanny Bag is cheaper than LuggageHero in that respect. Moreover, Nanny Bag offers insurance for up to $2,000. Another thing is that the company will not penalize you if you cancel your reservation so long as your time has not started.
Bounce
Bounce is very similar to Vertoe. They ask you to pay a flat rate of $5.90 per day for every bag you store, and their insurance is for up to $5,000.
Luggage Storage Solutions at Major Transportation Hubs in New York City
When visiting New York City, finding convenient NYC luggage storage options at major transportation hubs (train stations and bus stations) is essential for a hassle-free experience. This detailed guide will provide an overview of luggage storage facilities at Penn Station, Grand Central Terminal, Port Authority Bus Terminal, JFK Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and Newark Liberty International Airport.
Penn Station
Penn Station, located in Midtown Manhattan, is one of the busiest transportation hubs in New York City. Although there are no official luggage storage facilities within the station itself, you can find several nearby options, such as Stasher and LuggageHero. These facilities offer secure storage for your bags, allowing you to explore the city without being weighed down.
Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Terminal, another major transportation hub in Midtown Manhattan, also does not have luggage storage facilities inside the station. However, you can find a number of luggage storage providers in close proximity, such as LuggageHero and Vertoe. These services offer convenient, short-term storage for your belongings while you explore the city or wait for your train.
Port Authority Bus Terminal
Located in Midtown Manhattan, the Port Authority Bus Terminal is the main gateway for interstate buses into New York City. The terminal itself does not offer luggage storage services, but you can find nearby options like LuggageHero and Vertoe, which provide secure storage locations within walking distance of the terminal.
JFK Airport
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is one of the busiest airports in the United States. Travelers can find luggage storage facilities within the airport itself, operated by Terminal Storage. This service is available at Terminal 1, Terminal 4, and Terminal 8. Storage fees vary depending on the size of the luggage and the duration of storage.
LaGuardia Airport
LaGuardia Airport, located in Queens, is another major New York City airport. Currently, there are no luggage storage facilities within the airport. However, you can use off-site services like LuggageHero and Vertoe, which have storage locations near the airport. These providers offer convenient and secure storage options for travelers flying in and out of LaGuardia.
Newark Liberty International Airport
Newark Liberty International Airport, situated in Newark, New Jersey, is one of the main airports serving the New York metropolitan area. While the airport does not provide on-site luggage storage services, there are off-airport options like LuggageHero and Vertoe. These services offer a range of secure storage locations in the vicinity of the airport, providing a convenient solution for travelers with layovers or early arrivals.
Luggage Storage Solutions Near Popular NYC Attractions
New York City is home to numerous iconic attractions, and visiting them without the burden of luggage can make your experience even more enjoyable. This guide will help you navigate luggage storage options near popular NYC attractions, including the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Central Park, Broadway Theaters, and major museums like MoMA, the Met, and the American Museum of Natural History.
Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty, located on Liberty Island, is accessible via ferry from Battery Park in Manhattan or Liberty State Park in New Jersey. Although there are no luggage storage facilities at the statue or on the ferries, you can find several options near Battery Park, such as LuggageHero and Vertoe. These services offer convenient and secure storage locations within walking distance of the ferry terminal, allowing you to visit the statue without carrying your bags.
Times Square
Times Square, known as “The Crossroads of the World,” is a major commercial and entertainment hub in Midtown Manhattan. There are no official luggage storage facilities in Times Square, but nearby services like LuggageHero, Vertoe, and Schwartz Luggage Storage offer secure storage options for your belongings. With your luggage safely stored, you can explore the area’s shops, restaurants, and attractions with ease.
Central Park
Central Park is a massive urban oasis in the heart of Manhattan, offering a variety of recreational activities and attractions. While there are no luggage storage facilities within the park itself, you can find nearby options such as LuggageHero and Vertoe, which have multiple storage locations around the park’s perimeter. These services make it easy to enjoy a leisurely stroll, bike ride, or picnic in the park without being weighed down by your bags.
Broadway Theaters
The Broadway Theater district is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in live theater and musicals. Although the theaters do not offer luggage storage, several nearby storage providers like LuggageHero, Vertoe, and Schwartz Luggage Storage exist. These facilities offer secure storage options within walking distance of popular theaters, allowing you to catch a show without worrying about your belongings.
Museums (MoMA, Met, American Museum of Natural History)
New York City is home to world-class museums, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the Metropolitan Museum of Art (the Met), and the American Museum of Natural History. While these museums do not offer luggage storage, they do provide coat check services where you may be able to store small bags or backpacks (subject to the museum’s discretion and policies).
Alternatively, you can use nearby luggage storage services like LuggageHero and Vertoe. These providers have multiple storage locations around the city, ensuring that you can find a convenient spot to store your luggage while you explore these cultural institutions.
Luggage Storage Options in New York City Hotels
When staying at a hotel in New York City, you might need luggage storage options, whether it’s due to early check-in, late check-out, or need a secure place to store your bags during the day. This guide will provide an overview of luggage storage options typically offered by NYC hotels and what you can expect from these services.
Luggage Storage for Hotel Guests
Most hotels in New York City offer luggage storage services for their guests. This service is typically available at the hotel’s front desk or concierge, where your luggage will be securely stored in a dedicated luggage room or behind the front desk. You will usually receive a claim ticket for your bags, which you must present when you pick up your luggage.
These luggage storage services are often complimentary for guests, making it a convenient and cost-effective solution. However, it’s always a good idea to check with your specific hotel about their luggage storage policies, as some may charge a nominal fee or have restrictions on the duration of storage.
Luggage Storage for Non-Guests
While many hotels offer luggage storage services exclusively for their guests, some may accommodate non-guests for a fee. It’s essential to call the hotel ahead of time to inquire about their luggage storage options for non-guests, as not all hotels will offer this service. Fees for non-guest luggage storage can vary, so be sure to ask about the costs when inquiring about the service.
Benefits of Hotel Luggage Storage
- Convenience: Storing your luggage at your hotel means you won’t need to seek out a separate storage facility or transport your bags to another location.
- Security: Hotels often have dedicated luggage storage rooms or secure areas for storing luggage, ensuring your belongings are safe.
- Flexibility: Many hotels offer luggage storage services that accommodate guests’ various schedules, such as early check-ins and late check-outs.
Alternatives to Hotel Luggage Storage
If your hotel does not offer luggage storage services or if you’re not staying at a hotel, there are alternative options available throughout New York City. These include:
- Luggage storage providers like LuggageHero, Vertoe, and Schwartz Luggage Storage, which offer secure storage locations at various points across the city.
- Locker rental services, which can be found at transportation hubs and some tourist attractions.
- Some local businesses and cafes may offer luggage storage services, although availability and security can vary.
Alternative Luggage Storage Options In New York
Even though you can’t store your bags in any of the stations and terminals in New York, there are many traditional storage facilities scattered throughout the city. These are basically offices that give you lockers where you can store your luggage, leave it there, and then come pick it up when you’re ready. Also, some of these facilities will offer you additional perks as an incentive to do business with them. These perks may include free Wi-Fi or access to a computer or printer.
Schwartz Travel & Storage
One of the most reputable companies in the travel industry, Schwartz’s offices are located on 357 West 37th St. between 8th and 9th Avenues, making them close to Penn Station as well as the Port Authority Bus Terminal. The company is on the ground floor, and they are never closed. Better yet, you don’t need a reservation to walk into their offices; you just have to show up with your bags and your ID or passport.
Their prices are also very reasonable. Each bag will cost you $2.50 per hour, with a maximum cap of $10 for the entire day. Furthermore, the company offers insurance of up to $2,500.
Luggage Keeper
Located on 357 W 36th Street, also between 8th and 9th Avenues, Luggage Keeper enjoys a strategic location that makes it near Penn Station, the Port Authority Bus Terminal, and Times Square.
They are a bit pricier as they offer a flat rate for any luggage you might want to store. Any small bag will cost you $7 a day, and any medium bag will cost you $10. As for large bags, those cost $17.
Moreover, Luggage Keeper offers its customers free Wi-Fi and printing along with the ability to charge their devices, including their phone, should the need arise.
CBH Luggage Storage – NYC
Their offices are located a bit more north than the Luggage Keeper and Schwartz: You can find CBH on 31 West 46th Street. They are close to Times Square and Grand Central Terminal, and Port Authority Bus Terminal is only a few blocks away.
Their rates are close to those of Schwartz as they offer storage for $2.50 per hour for every bag you store. That said, they also have daily rates that are close to those of Luggage Keeper’s: A regular sized bag may cost you anywhere from $7 to a maximum of $10, while an oversized bag can reach anywhere from $15 to $20 for the entire day.
Even though CBH is open around the clock, you will have to make a special reservation, especially if you want to use their facilities from 10 pm to 8 am. And, in the event of needing your bag beyond their normal business hours, you will have to pay an extra $59.
On the plus side, CBH offers several other services, including free phone calls, free Wi-Fi, and printing services. They also have a lounge area, a refrigerator, and a microwave that you can make use of. Over and above, CBH offers package receiving as well as key-exchange services. They can also arrange pickups from the midtown area.
Born and raised amidst the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple, I’ve witnessed the city’s many exciting phases. 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.