You’ve just landed. Schiphol is huge, loud, and smells faintly of stroopwafels and jet fuel. You have a ten-hour layover, and the last thing you want to do is drag a 20kg hardshell suitcase through the cobblestone streets of the Jordaan. It’s a literal drag. This is where luggage lockers Amsterdam airport save your sanity.
But honestly? Most people mess this up. They wander around the arrivals hall looking lost, or they assume they can just toss their bags in a locker for a week without checking the rules. It doesn't work like that. Schiphol is one of the busiest hubs in Europe, and they take security very, very seriously. If you’re looking for a spot to stash your gear, you need to know exactly where to go before you get stuck behind a tour group of fifty people.
Where to Actually Find the Lockers
Schiphol doesn't make it impossible, but it isn’t exactly a treasure map. You’ll find the storage spots in two main areas: before security and after security. This matters. A lot. If you’ve already checked out and are in the public "Plaza" area, you can’t just stroll back into the departures lounge to grab a bag you left behind a metal detector.
The most popular spot is the Basement. Specifically, between Arrivals 1 and 2. Just look for the signs that say "Baggage Storage." It’s tucked away, but it’s massive. There are also lockers located in the transfer areas—piers D and E—for those who are staying airside.
Wait, there’s a catch.
The lockers in the transfer areas (after you’ve gone through passport control) are only for short-term stays. We’re talking 24 hours max. If you’re planning on heading into the city for a couple of days while your heavy winter gear stays at the airport, you need to use the lockers in the public area or the staffed baggage depot.
How the Tech Works (And Why Your Cash is Useless)
Forget about coins. If you’re carrying a pocket full of Euros hoping to feed a machine, you’re out of luck. Schiphol’s luggage lockers are strictly cashless. You’ll need a Visa, Mastercard, or a major debit card.
The process is pretty straightforward. You find an empty locker, put your stuff in, and close it. The screen will prompt you to pay. Once the payment clears, you get a ticket.
Do not lose that ticket.
It’s your only way back in. Some people take a photo of the ticket on their phone, which is smart, but the scanner actually needs to read the physical barcode or the printed number in most cases. If you lose it, you’re looking at a tedious process involving airport staff, ID verification, and a "lost ticket" fee that will definitely ruin your mood.
Sizing and What Actually Fits
Not all lockers are created equal. You’ve got options ranging from "small" (basically a backpack and a coat) to "large" (a full-sized suitcase).
The dimensions usually look something like this:
- Small: 43 x 34 x 80 cm
- Large: 58 x 50 x 80 cm
If you have something weird, like a surfboard or a cello, the lockers won't help you. For the bulky stuff, you have to go to the staffed Baggage Depot. It’s located on the level below Arrivals, between Arrivals 1 and 2. They can hold items for up to 30 days. It costs more, but they’ll take your skis, your bike box, or that giant wooden tulip you bought on a whim.
The Cost of Convenience
Let’s talk money. Using luggage lockers Amsterdam airport isn't cheap, but compared to the price of a taxi because you couldn't handle your bags on the train, it’s a bargain.
Usually, you’re looking at about €6 to €10 for a 24-hour period for a standard locker. The price scales based on the size. The staffed depot is a bit pricier, often starting around €9 or €10 per item per day.
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Keep in mind that the price resets every 24 hours. If you’re 25 hours late, you’re paying for two full days. No exceptions. The machines are heartless.
Security is No Joke
This is a major international airport. You cannot just leave a bag leaning against a wall while you go get a coffee. It will be confiscated, the terminal might be evacuated, and you will be fined.
Even inside the lockers, security is tight. Every single bag that goes into a locker at Schiphol is scanned. If you have something suspicious, or even just something that looks weird on an X-ray, security might open the locker.
Also, don't store perishables. If your bag starts smelling like old cheese (even if it's high-quality Gouda), they will remove it.
When the Lockers Are Full
It happens. During peak summer months or around the holidays, the lockers can hit capacity. If you show up and everything is red, don’t panic.
The staffed Baggage Depot almost always has room. It’s a bit more of a walk, but they have much more "floor space" than the locker banks. Another alternative is using third-party services like LuggageHero or Bounce, which partner with local shops and hotels just a short train ride away in Amsterdam Centraal.
However, staying at the airport is usually easier. The train from Schiphol to the city center takes about 15-20 minutes and runs constantly. Stashing your bags at the airport means you can jump on that train unencumbered, enjoy your bitterballen in the city, and then grab your bags right before you check in for your next flight.
Why Schiphol Beats the City Center for Storage
You might think, "I'll just take my bags to Amsterdam Centraal and leave them there."
Sure, you can. But the lockers at the central station are often packed. Like, really packed. Plus, you have to navigate the crowds at the station with your bags first. If you’re returning to the airport anyway, it makes zero sense to haul your luggage into the city just to put it in another locker.
The Schiphol lockers are cleaner, more secure, and situated right next to the train platforms. It’s the superior move for anyone on a layover.
Practical Steps for a Smooth Experience
If you're planning on using these facilities, here is exactly how to handle it so you don't end up sweating in the middle of the terminal.
First, check your bag for anything you might need in the city. Passport? Power bank? Raincoat? (It’s the Netherlands; it will probably rain). Once that locker clicks shut and you pay, you can’t just "quickly pop it open" to grab your sunglasses without paying for a whole new session. Opening the locker ends your rental.
Second, make sure your credit card is actually working. European card readers are sometimes picky with certain international cards. Having a backup—like Apple Pay or a different card—is a lifesaver.
Third, give yourself an extra 20 minutes on the way back. While picking up your bag is usually fast, there can be a queue at the payment kiosks, or you might struggle to remember exactly which locker bank you used. There are several different zones, and they all look remarkably similar when you’re in a rush to catch a flight to JFK.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception is that the lockers are "unlimited." They aren't. Most lockers at Schiphol have a 7-day limit. If you leave your stuff there for 8 days, it gets emptied and moved to a central lost and found or a long-term storage area. Getting it back involves a lot of paperwork and a much higher fee.
Another thing: weight. While the lockers don't have a scale, you have to be able to lift your bag into the slot. Some of the "large" lockers are at eye level. If you can’t lift your 30kg suitcase over your head, you’re going to have a hard time. In that case, go straight to the staffed depot where they handle the heavy lifting for you.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check your layover time. If it’s less than 4 hours, by the time you store your bags, take the train, and clear security again, you'll have about 45 minutes in the city. Maybe stay at the airport.
- Locate the Basement. Upon arrival, follow the "Baggage Storage" signs down to the level below the main Plaza.
- Validate your card. Ensure your travel card has no foreign transaction blocks.
- Take a photo of your locker number. Even if you have the ticket, knowing the locker bank number helps staff find your bag if the system glitches.
- Pack a small "day bag." Keep your essentials in a small backpack so you can ditch the heavy stuff immediately.
Storing your luggage at Schiphol is the difference between a miserable day of lugging weight through crowds and a breezy afternoon exploring the canals. Just remember: stay in the public area for long-term storage, keep your ticket safe, and don't try to pay with cash.