In this post, we will try to help you find the best option for where to store luggage in Chicago, including a new trend in Airbnb-inspired luggage storage.
- Luggage Storage - (the sharing economy method)
- Storage at Airports
- Train and Bus Stations
- Storage at Museums
- Things to Do in Chicago
- Free Tours By Foot
TIP: For budget travelers, it is worth considering purchasing a tourist pass. Tourist passes help you save up to 50% off of the retail prices of attractions by bundling several together.
To learn more, check out our post comparing the different Chicago Tourist Attraction Passes.
LUGGAGE STORAGE (THE AIRBNB METHOD)
Vertoe
Vertoe and its competitors employ a system similar to Airbnb.
They find convenient locations for travelers, such as souvenir and gift shops or convenience stores, that are open early and close late and have the capacity and the security to hold and secure your luggage.
Vertoe, in particular, has over 10 locations in Chicago and over 150 locations in the United States, some of which are open 24/7.
Vertoe’s rates are among the cheapest in the US with bags costing just $5.95/day (online price) and they also offer deals for groups.
See their pricing page for more information.
There's no need to worry about the safety and security of your bag, as they offer $3,000 in insurance and provide complimentary tamper-proof security seals at their locations.
Click here to find Vertoe locations.
Vertoe users get to rate and review each of their locations (reviews that you could read before checking your bags).
There are several other companies offering a similar service.
Some have a few side benefits that are worth noting below. Some might offer more convenient locations or hours for you than Vertoe.
Bounce
Bounce offers 2 options. The first is similar to Vertoe. You pay $2/bag/hour with a limit of $6/bag/day.
The other option is a “pick-up/drop off" service. There are currently 145 storage locations where you can drop off your luggage. Contact them for more information.
They offer $3000 insurance.
You can also save an additional 5% off by using the promo code FREETOURSBYFOOT at checkout.
Radical Storage
This company has different locations where you can keep your luggage which they call ‘Angels’.
These sites could be a coffee shop, a laundromat, or even a restaurant.
You can expect to pay about $5 per bag per day. Pick-ups after midnight will be charged an extra day, so keep track of time!
Reservations are non-refundable.
Use customer reviews to find an ‘Angel’ that is right for you.
Click here to make your reservations.
Stasher
Stasher is a British company making inroads in the North American Market with a presence in Chicago.
One feature that stands out is that they claim most of their locations are open 24 hours a day.
$6/day/bag. $5/day/bag for each additional day
$1000 in insurance.
Nanny Bag
Another reputable company that has locations throughout the world. Prices are $2/bag/hour up to $6/day with $2000 of insurance.
Reservations and payments are made through their website and there is no fee for canceling as long as your reservation time has not started.
LUGGAGE STORAGE AT THE AIRPORTS
Unfortunately, TSA no longer allows lockers at airports in the United States, so you won't find self-service luggage storage at any airport in the country.
You can always call your airline and see how early you can check a bag, as some will allow you to check luggage hours before your flight.
The Hilton, which is directly connected to Chicago O'Hare airport, permits luggage storage for guests up to 4 hours only.
Due to safety regulations, it does not permit luggage storage for non-hotel guests.
LUGGAGE STORAGE AT CHICAGO UNION STATION
If you're traveling to Chicago by Amtrak, Union Station offers luggage storage for $10 per day, with a valid ticket.
Even if you don’t have an Amtrak ticket, you may store items for $20 per item for 24 hours.
A valid photo ID is required. See their website for more information.
Greyhound Los Angeles Bus Terminal
You can store your baggage for $8 per bag for up to 24 hours with Greyhound at their Chicago terminal.
All stored baggage needs to follow their rules/regulations.
LUGGAGE STORAGE AT MUSEUMS
Fortunately, several museums in the city offer luggage storage while you're a visitor at their museum or gallery for a small fee or for free.
Please do not use these for daily use while you visit other sites. It is for museum patrons only.
Be sure to call ahead to be 100% sure, as policies may change.
Also, take note that these museums do not offer any insurance for storing your luggage.
The Art Institute of Chicago charges $1 per item and is complimentary with a museum membership.
The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, the Museum of Science and Industry, the Field Museum of Natural History, the Richard Gray Gallery, and the Adler Planetarium and Astronomy Museum all permit you to leave your bags for free while visiting their facilities.
Why not check out the Airbnb-style option above?
Traveling to other cities as well? Check out our luggage storage post about solutions in all major U.S., Canadian and European cities, or click below:
