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Kings Cross station luggage storage
Why choose Kings Cross station luggage storage?
If you're arriving from the National Rail, our prime location offers hassle-free 24/7 luggage storage, just a short one-minute walk from the station.
At just £5/bag per day, our simple flat-rate service is ideal for both brief and extended storage needs. Whether you need to store your items for a few hours or a few weeks, we’ve got you covered.
Kings Cross station luggage storage
Edinburgh Waverley, often referred to simply as Edinburgh (Scottish Gaelic: Waverley Dhùn Èideann), is the main railway station serving Scotland’s capital. It is the second busiest station in Scotland after Glasgow Central and acts as the northern terminus of the East Coast Main Line, located 393 miles (632.7 km) from London King's Cross. Some London North Eastern Railway services extend beyond Edinburgh to other Scottish destinations.
Edinburgh’s Old Town, situated on a steep ridge, was historically bordered by a valley to the north where the Nor Loch once existed. By the 1750s, overcrowding prompted proposals to bridge this valley for expansion. Plans included transforming the "noxious lake" into a running water canal with a bridge at its eastern end near the physic garden.
This vision took shape in 1766 with the construction of the North Bridge, coinciding with the early development of the New Town. Princes Street was designed to offer uninterrupted views south over terraced gardens and the planned canal. As work on the bridge progressed, the loch was drained to make way for these developments.
In 1770, a coachbuilder began constructing buildings at the corner of the bridge and Princes Street. However, property owners on the opposite side objected, arguing that their scenic southward views would be obstructed.
A series of court disputes ultimately allowed the nearly completed buildings to remain. To the west, low-level workshops were permitted below Princes Street, while further along, an area was designated as a public park. This land later became the iconic Princes Street Gardens, preserved as a green space for public enjoyment.
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Edinburgh and Glasgow railway
Your Go-To Storage Facility in the Heart of London
In the mid-1830s proposals for a railway from Glasgow running along the gardens to a station at the North Bridge were set out in a prospectus with assurances that the trains would be concealed from view, and smoke from them "would scarcely be seen".
Key Features and Advantages
- •An association of "Princes Street Proprietors" who had feued houses in the street, and had spent large sums turning the "filthy and offensive bog" of the Nor Loch into quiet gardens, strongly opposed the railway and in late 1836 put forward their case against the Act of Parliament for the railway.
- •The Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway opened in 1842 with its terminus at Haymarket railway station, stopping short of Princes Street. In the Railway Mania of the 1840s, the railway sought another Act of Parliament allowing access along the gardens, and at the same time two other railways proposed terminus stations at the North Bridge site.
- •By then several of the Princes Street properties were shops or hotels with an interest in development, and agreement was reached in 1844 on walls and embankments to conceal the Edinburgh and Glasgow railway line in a cutting, with compensation of almost £2,000 for the proprietors.
Simple Steps to Store Your Luggage at Kings Cross
Convenient Booking Options Available
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1. Reserve & Save Online
Looking for secure luggage storage near Kings Cross? Save time and money by booking through our website - enjoy lower rates at £4 per bag when you book online, or simply visit us directly for same-day storage needs.
2. Walk-In Service Available
With our convenient payment system, you can store your belongings hassle-free. Choose between advance online booking for guaranteed space or walk-in service at £5 per bag for immediate storage solutions.
North Bridge Station
The North Bridge station was opened on 22 June 1846 by the North British Railway as the terminus for its line from Berwick-upon-Tweed. The Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway's General station opened on 17 May 1847, on the same day as the Canal Street station of the Edinburgh, Leith and Newhaven Railway, serving Leith and Granton via a long rope-hauled tunnel under the New Town. The collective name "Waverley", after the Waverley Novels by Sir Walter Scott, was used for the three from around 1854 when the through "Waverley" route to Carlisle opened. Canal Street station was also known as Edinburgh Princes Street,[1] not to be confused with the Caledonian Railway railway station later built at the West End which was named Princes Street station from 1870.
From 1866 to 1868, the North British Railway acquired the stations of its rivals, demolished all three and closed the Scotland Street tunnel to Canal Street. The present Victorian station was built on the site. Along the tracks of this first station, Hanna, Donald & Wilson built some very impressive roofs. The station was extended in the late 19th century. In 1897, the impressive glass dome was added.[9] Waverley has been in continual use since, under the auspices of the North British, the LNER, British Railways (rebranded as British Rail after 1965), Railtrack and now Network Rail. From its opening in its current form by the eastward tunnelled extension from Haymarket, Waverley has been the principal railway station in Edinburgh. From 1870 to 1965, the city had a second major station, Princes Street, operated by the rival Caledonian Railway, but this was never as important as Waverley.
2300 + Google Reviews
This was my second time using their services, and they never disappoint! I booked with them on the 21st of November for 3 suitcases. The process was seamless—I received the tickets promptly, and they even helped us carry our suitcases up and down the stairs. They kindly informed us about another location that would stay open until midnight, but since 7 PM worked perfectly for us, we stuck to that plan.
Highly recommend. This place is affordable, literally across the street from Kings Cross, fast, friendly and professional. I was so impressed with the owner who helped carry my heavy suitcase up and down the stairs. Will definitely use again. Thanks so much!
Fast (pay online or tap your card once there), kind (super kind staff who reminded us when they were closing) , effective and cheap (4£ per bag). The best luggage storage near St Pancras and King Cross. Just note that you will have to go down some stairs with your bag.
Great option if you need to leave your bags for a bit whilst in London. Friendly, efficient service at a fraction of the cost compared to the place in Kings Cross station (4 bags £20 compared to KC Station @ £60. Quick shout out to Hussam who served us.
Travel like an insider. This tiny shop is right across from Kings Cross and Kings Cross left Luggages. 4 minute walk. Super inexpensive to stash your luggage here. It is a tiny entrance between restaurants and then down the stairs. The nice attendant helps you with your luggage. Quick and easy! MUCH less expensive than the in-station option.
Fantastic service all around! We needed a place to store our luggage while we enjoyed a day out, and this facility exceeded our expectations. The staff was warm and welcoming, and they helped us with our heavy bags without any hesitation. The process was quick and efficient, which we really appreciated.
Highly recommend. This place is affordable, literally across the street from Kings Cross, fast, friendly and professional. I was so impressed with the owner who helped carry my heavy suitcase up and down the stairs. Will definitely use again. Thanks so much!
This place is great. I was late by 2 hrs in picking up my luggage and they were super cool about it and even helped me up with my luggage to the main street! I will def be using them again!
Much cheaper than the ones in the station (£5). It’s cash only for walk in, so you need to have some cash prepared. There’s also lots of baggages in the storage, so may take sometime to find yours when picking up. Just be careful if you are in hurry!
1. When was Edinburgh Waverley station first established?
Edinburgh Waverley traces its origins back to June 22, 1846, when the North British Railway opened the North Bridge station. This was followed by the Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway's General station and the Edinburgh, Leith and Newhaven Railway's Canal Street station, both opening on May 17, 1847. The name 'Waverley' started being used around 1854, and the current Victorian station was constructed between 1866 and 1868 after the original stations were demolished by the North British Railway.
2. Why is the station named 'Waverley'?
The station is named after Sir Walter Scott's Waverley Novels. The term 'Waverley' was adopted in 1854 as a collective name for the three original stations—North Bridge, General, and Canal Street—coinciding with the opening of the Waverley route to Carlisle.
3. What is the historical significance of the station's location?
Edinburgh Waverley is built in a valley that once contained the Nor Loch, a body of water that separated the Old Town from the planned New Town. In the 1750s, the loch was drained to enable northern expansion, and North Bridge was constructed in 1766 to span the valley. When railways were proposed for this area, property owners along Princes Street strongly opposed them, fearing they would ruin their gardens and scenic views.
4. What major renovations has Edinburgh Waverley undergone in recent years?
Edinburgh Waverley has seen several major renovations. From 2010 to 2012, a £130 million upgrade included replacing the entire roof glazing with reinforced clear glass panels. Between 2012 and 2014, enhancements included new covered escalators at Waverley Steps, a reconstructed entrance from Market Street, restored canopies, a renovated ticket hall, and improved access from Calton Road. Between 2017 and 2019, platform 12 was extended, and platforms 5 and 6 were expanded to accommodate additional London North Eastern Railway services. In 2020, work began to reopen a corridor from the ticket office to the eastern concourse and refurbish the station’s restrooms.
5. How important is Edinburgh Waverley as a railway station in the UK?
Edinburgh Waverley is the main railway station in Scotland’s capital and the second busiest in the country after Glasgow Central. It serves as the northern terminus of the East Coast Main Line, 393 miles from London King's Cross, and handled 21.3 million passengers in 2023-24. The station is a major hub for operators including London North Eastern Railway, CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express, Lumo, Caledonian Sleeper, and ScotRail, connecting Edinburgh to destinations across the UK.
6. What is the layout of Edinburgh Waverley station?
Edinburgh Waverley has 20 numbered platforms arranged around a central island that houses the main station facilities. The layout includes: two tracks on the north side (split between platforms 20/1 and 19/2), four east-facing bay platforms (3-6), four tracks on the south side (platforms 7-11, with 8 and 9 subdivided into east and west sections), and seven west-facing bay platforms (12-18). The station is set in a steep, narrow valley between the Old and New Towns, with North Bridge towering above its central section.
1. What future developments are planned for Edinburgh Waverley?
In March 2019, Network Rail announced the Waverley Masterplan to accommodate projected passenger growth by 2048. Developed by Arup Group, the plan includes a new mezzanine-level concourse above the platforms to enhance passenger circulation, with a direct link to Waverley Mall. The entrance ramps from Waverley Bridge would be removed, and the new concourse would be enclosed in plate glass, offering panoramic views of the Old Town. The plan also mentions a 'transport hub,' though a direct tram interchange is not explicitly detailed.
2. How does the station connect to other forms of transport in Edinburgh?
Edinburgh Waverley is well-connected to various transport options, though some require a short walk. The nearest Edinburgh Trams stop is at St Andrew Square, about 200 meters away, providing service between Edinburgh Airport and Newhaven. This stop also links to Edinburgh Bus Station. Additional bus services operate from Princes Street, just outside the station. Taxi ranks are located on Market Street. The station has multiple pedestrian entrances, including the Waverley Steps leading to Princes Street and access points from Market Street and Calton Road.
3. What is the significance of the glass dome at Edinburgh Waverley?
The striking glass dome at Edinburgh Waverley was added in 1897 as part of the station’s Victorian expansion. It remains one of the station's most distinctive architectural features. Between 2010 and 2012, the dome, along with the entire roof glazing, was replaced with strengthened clear glass panels as part of a £130 million upgrade. This renovation significantly increased natural light while preserving the station’s historic character.
4. What was the Balmoral Hotel's original connection to the railway station?
The Balmoral Hotel was originally built as the North British Hotel by the railway company, opening in 1902 to provide accommodation for travelers. Located at the corner of Princes Street and North Bridge, it was constructed on the site of a former coachworks. After closing in 1988, the hotel reopened in 1991 as the Balmoral Hotel under new ownership. Despite changes, it remains a landmark closely tied to the station’s history.
5. How did the Railway Mania of the 1840s affect the development of Waverley station?
The Railway Mania of the 1840s, a period of intense railway investment and competition, played a key role in Waverley’s development. Multiple railway companies sought parliamentary approval to build terminus stations at North Bridge. The Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway, previously forced to terminate at Haymarket, secured permission to extend its line through Princes Street Gardens to North Bridge. This led to the establishment of three separate stations—North Bridge, General, and Canal Street—which were later consolidated into Waverley station.
6. What is the Scotland Street tunnel, and how did it relate to Waverley station?
The Scotland Street tunnel was a long rope-hauled tunnel beneath Edinburgh’s New Town, connecting Canal Street station (a predecessor of Waverley) to Leith and Granton. It was used by the Edinburgh, Leith & Newhaven Railway from 1847. When the North British Railway unified Waverley station between 1866 and 1868, the tunnel was closed, ending this unique underground rail connection between Edinburgh’s city center and its port areas.
7. What architectural features make Edinburgh Waverley a Category A listed building?
Edinburgh Waverley was designated a Category A listed building on November 12, 1991, recognizing its architectural and historical significance. Key features include the Victorian glass dome added in 1897, the intricate roof structures built by Hanna, Donald & Wilson, and the station’s integration into Edinburgh’s dramatic topography. Positioned in the valley between the Old and New Towns, with bridges spanning overhead, Waverley’s unique setting contributes to its protected status.
8. What is the 'Flying Scotsman' service that operates from Edinburgh Waverley?
The Flying Scotsman is a prestigious express passenger train operated by London North Eastern Railway between Edinburgh Waverley and London King's Cross. Departing Edinburgh at 05:40, it stops only at Newcastle before arriving in London at exactly 09:40, completing the journey in four hours. With origins dating back to 1862, the service remains one of Britain's most famous rail routes, symbolizing the historic connection between Scotland’s capital and London.