Swiss Locker Sizes and Prices: How to Store Luggage at Swiss Stations
What’s in This Article
- Swiss Locker Sizes at Major Stations
- Comparing Swiss Locker Prices
- Choosing the Right Swiss Locker for Your Needs
- Tips for Maximizing Space in Your Swiss Locker
- Security Features of Swiss Lockers
- How to Access Your Swiss Locker
- Extra Services Offered by Swiss Locker Facilities
- Factors to Consider When Renting a Swiss Locker
- Frequently Asked Questions
A locker that looks big enough can still fail if your suitcase has hard sides, wheels, or a wide handle. Swiss train stations offer several locker sizes, but prices and payment options can change by station and season. This guide helps you choose the right Swiss locker by checking size, cost, rental time, access, and safer storage options.
Quick Answer
Swiss lockers at major SBB stations usually come in S, M, L, XL, and XXL sizes. At stations such as Zürich HB, Basel SBB, and Lucerne, size S lockers start around CHF 5 to CHF 6 for the first 6 hours. XXL lockers usually cost around CHF 12 to CHF 15 for the first 6 hours. Modern lockers usually allow storage for up to 96 hours, with extra payment due when you collect your items.
Key Takeaways
- Check the exact locker size on the official SBB station page before you travel.
- Expect size S lockers to start around CHF 5 to CHF 6 for the first 6 hours at major stations.
- Choose XL or XXL lockers for large suitcases, sports bags, or more than one bag.
- Use modern SBB lockers for short storage up to 96 hours, not long-term storage.
- Use staffed luggage storage if your bag is too large or you need storage for many days.
Swiss Locker Sizes at Major Stations
Swiss lockers come in several sizes, so you should match the locker to your actual bag shape. SBB says locker sizes vary by station, so always check the station page before you rely on one size.
At major stations such as Zürich HB, Basel SBB, and Lucerne, SBB lists these common modern locker sizes:
| Locker Size | Listed Dimensions | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| S | 35.1 x 55.5 x 45.7 cm | Small backpacks, coats, and day bags |
| M | 35.1 x 55.5 x 62.0 cm | Cabin bags and medium soft bags |
| L | 35.1 x 55.5 x 94.5 cm | Longer bags, ski bags, and tall luggage |
| XL | 52.5 x 85.5 x 45.7 cm | Wide suitcases and larger travel bags |
| XXL | 52.5 x 85.5 x 94.5 cm | Bulky luggage or more than one bag |
Measure your bag with wheels, handles, and side pockets included. A soft bag may fit into a smaller locker, while a hard suitcase may need one size larger.
Comparing Swiss Locker Prices
Price depends on locker size, station, rental time, and season. According to SBB station pages, modern lockers at Zürich HB, Basel SBB, and Lucerne use the same common price range for the first 6 hours.
| Locker Size | First 6 Hours, Low Season | Extra 6 Hours, Low Season | First 6 Hours, High Season | Extra 6 Hours, High Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | CHF 5 | CHF 2 | CHF 6 | CHF 3 |
| M | CHF 7 | CHF 3 | CHF 8 | CHF 4 |
| L | CHF 9 | CHF 4 | CHF 10 | CHF 5 |
| XL | CHF 10 | CHF 5 | CHF 12 | CHF 6 |
| XXL | CHF 12 | CHF 6 | CHF 15 | CHF 8 |
SBB says locker prices can change during regional events and holiday periods. Check the exact station page on your travel day, especially if you plan to store luggage during a busy event.
Note: A larger locker may cost more, but it can save money if it lets you store two bags together.
Choosing the Right Swiss Locker for Your Needs
Choose a Swiss locker by starting with your largest item, not your smallest one. If you carry one day bag and one coat, a size S or M locker may work well. If you carry a hard suitcase, ski bag, stroller, or sports gear, start by checking L, XL, or XXL options.
Think about how often you’ll need to open the locker. If you need your charger, passport, medicine, or travel pass during the day, keep those items with you instead of packing them deep inside your bag.
Modern SBB lockers usually allow a standard rental period of 6 hours and a maximum rental period of 96 hours. Older blue cash lockers use a 24-hour standard period and a 72-hour maximum period.
Tips for Maximizing Space in Your Swiss Locker
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Use vertical space | Stand narrow bags upright when the locker shape allows it, but avoid forcing the door shut. |
| Keep access items near the door | Place items you may need first near the front before you close the locker. |
| Use packing cubes | Packing cubes help soft items fit into small gaps around harder luggage. |
| Remove loose straps | Tuck away straps, scarves, and handles so they don’t block the locker door. |
| Choose one size larger | Pick a larger locker if your suitcase has wheels, hard corners, or a thick handle. |
You can make better use of a Swiss locker by packing before you reach the station. Group small items in one bag, fold coats flat, and keep loose items from falling behind larger bags.
Place heavier items at the bottom when the locker shape allows it. This keeps your luggage stable and makes it easier to remove lighter items later.
Products Worth Considering
Note: You need to set up key cards to use by yourself. Please watch the how-to video before setting and installation. Manage key cards freely. The lock is programmable. You can reset, add or delete key cards by yourself. YOU CAN EVEN SET ONE KEY CARD TO UNLOCK MULTIPLE LOCKS. The lock uses 13.56MHz IC cards, which is more sensitive and secure than common 125kHz ID cards.
ONE KEY FOR MULTIPLE LOCKS – These RFID cabinet locks are fully programmable, allowing you to unlock multiple locks with a single key card or fob. Simply program your key to the desired locks and test functionality before installation. Need help with programming? Contact us for detailed instructional videos.
Durable Construction: Metal body measures 1‑3/16 in (30 mm) wide for strength and reliability
Security Features of Swiss Lockers
Swiss lockers at major SBB stations use payment systems that help control access. Modern red and grey lockers accept payment options such as CHF coins, payment cards, Twint, Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay at many locations.
Some blue lockers use smartphone payment with Visa, Mastercard, American Express, PostFinance Card, PostFinance Pay, and Twint. Other blue lockers still accept CHF coins, but SBB says many blue lockers will move toward cashless operation.
Warning: Don’t leave passports, cash, bank cards, medication, or irreplaceable items in any public locker.
A station locker gives you useful short-term storage, but it doesn’t replace travel insurance or secure hotel storage. Keep your receipt, access code, phone, and payment method safe until you collect your bags.
How to Access Your Swiss Locker
Locker access depends on the station and the locker area. Some major stations offer very long access hours, while others follow station-specific opening times.
Zürich HB lists weekday locker hours from 4:15am to 1:15am and weekend access as always open for one listed locker area. Basel SBB and Lucerne list locker access as always open for their listed locker areas.
With modern lockers, you usually pay at the control panel when you store your bag. When you return, the locker stays closed until you pay any extra charge that applies after the first rental period.
Pro tip: Take a photo of the locker number and payment screen before you leave the station.
Extra Services Offered by Swiss Locker Facilities
If your luggage doesn’t fit in a locker, check staffed luggage storage at the SBB Travel Centre. SBB says these counters can store luggage from one day up to one month, but capacity isn’t guaranteed.
SBB bases daily staffed storage prices on the on-site locker rates, usually CHF 6 to CHF 16 per item per day. SBB also lists a fixed monthly storage price of CHF 120 and a 23 kg weight limit per luggage item.
SBB also offers door-to-door luggage services in Switzerland and Liechtenstein. The listed door-to-door price includes a CHF 50 flat charge plus CHF 12 per luggage item, with luggage such as bags, suitcases, sacks, and boxes allowed up to 23 kg.
For selected hotels and holiday homes, SBB’s Luggage Special service lists CHF 44 for 1 to 4 luggage items. This service usually delivers two days after collection, but Sundays and some public holidays can extend the delivery time.
Factors to Consider When Renting a Swiss Locker
Location matters first. A locker inside a major station such as Zürich HB, Basel SBB, Lucerne, Bern, Lausanne, or Geneva can save time if your train arrives or leaves from that station.
Payment method matters next. Carry a card or mobile payment option, but keep some CHF coins as a backup where cash lockers still operate.
Check the maximum rental time before you leave the station. SBB may empty modern lockers after 96 hours and older cash lockers after 72 hours, so use staffed luggage storage for longer periods.
Also check station opening hours, luggage size, and your collection time before you pay. A small check before storage can prevent stress when your train time gets close.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the standard sizes of Swiss lockers?
At many major SBB stations, modern lockers come in S, M, L, XL, and XXL sizes. Common listed dimensions range from 35.1 x 55.5 x 45.7 cm for size S to 52.5 x 85.5 x 94.5 cm for size XXL.
How much do Swiss lockers cost?
At major stations such as Zürich HB, Basel SBB, and Lucerne, modern lockers commonly start at CHF 5 to CHF 6 for size S during the first 6 hours. XXL lockers commonly cost CHF 12 to CHF 15 for the first 6 hours.
How long can you keep luggage in a Swiss locker?
Modern SBB lockers usually have a standard rental period of 6 hours and a maximum rental period of 96 hours. Older blue cash lockers usually have a 24-hour standard rental period and a 72-hour maximum period.
What happens if you leave luggage too long?
SBB says lockers may get emptied after the maximum rental period. You then need to contact or visit the SBB Travel Centre and pay the required charge to collect your items.
Can you store luggage that doesn’t fit in a locker?
Yes, some SBB Travel Centres offer staffed luggage storage for larger items or longer storage needs. SBB lists prices from CHF 6 to CHF 16 per item per day, with a 23 kg weight limit per item.
Final Thoughts
The best Swiss locker is the one that fits your bag, your schedule, and your payment method without stress. Check the official SBB station page before you travel, then choose the smallest locker that fits your full luggage shape. Use staffed luggage storage when your bag is too large or your storage period goes beyond the locker limit. With a few checks before you store your bags, you can move through Swiss stations with less weight and more confidence.
References
- Lockers, SBB, accessed May 2026
- Help with lockers, SBB, accessed May 2026
- ShopVille, Zurich main station, SBB, accessed May 2026
- Basel SBB station, SBB, accessed May 2026
- Lucerne station, SBB, accessed May 2026
- Depositing luggage at the SBB Travel Centre, SBB, accessed May 2026
- Door-to-door luggage, SBB, accessed May 2026
- Luggage special, SBB, accessed May 2026
