Sara

I'm accompanying a high school choral group on a trip to Florida, leaving early tomorrow morning. We'll take the train from Boston, to NY, have a few hours layover, and then leave for an approximately 24 hour train ride to Orlando. Although our luggage is checked through, I'll have a carry on bag with books, toiletries, pillow, small blanket, extra food, my crocheting, etc - everything I need for the train trip. Since we have a few hours between trains, we'd like to wander around and do a little sightseeing, but I'd sure rather not carry my bag around with me. Does anyone know whether there's a place to check bags temporarily? I'm guessing that's unlikely, post 9/11, due to security concerns, but If it is possible that would make things a lot easier. I wouldn't mind having my bag inspected. Also, we won't have individual tickets, if that's necessary to check bags, just a group ticket for 80. Thanks for any info.

r-travels

I just checked bags for the day at the parcel check at Union Station in DC. So if they're still checking bags there, I imagine they still are in NYC too. Last summer, the requirement was that you HAD to have an Amtrak ticket to use the parcel check.

John

Sara:
I just checked the Amtrak website at www.amtrak.com. which listed all the amenities at Penn Station. Oddly enough no mention of temporary luggage storage.
John

al

I could be wrong, but I don't think those lockers you're referring to are there anymore, and I'm not sure there's a place to leave your luggage for a few hours either. Back when NYC was dangerous, lockers were a constant target of thieves and were probably used for drug dropoffs and who knows what else.

Why not call Amtrak directly and see if you can make some kind of arrangements to leave your stuff?

Elizabeth

I'd be amazed if there is anyplace you can check a bag in Manhattan, apart from the entry-way to stores that require you to check your bags.

If I were you I'd use a backpack of some kind, stylish or sporty, as a carry-on, and just wear it around. You probably won't be carrying more stuff than any of the rest of us carry around all the time.

You WILL be able to check it at a museum, actually--actually, I think you're required to at some of them. Take kids to Natural History Museum if you're using Penn Station, or Metropolitan Museum of Art (kids like the armor, Temple of Dendur, Mummies, if nothing else) if using Grand Central (this plan based on subway convenience).

suzanne

There are definitely NO lockers at Penn. I was there a few weeks ago when someone was asking this question at the information desk. In fact, they told him, there are no lockers ANYWHERE in the city where bags could be stored. (Sorry)

Sara

I was afraid that that was the case. Thanks to everyone for their replies.

Owen O'Neill

There are no luggage lockers in Penn Station or Grand Central but last time I knew there was an option to store bags at Penn Station. There's a $2 charge per person and you MUST have a valid Amtrak ticket for travel within the next 24 hours. Not sure if they are still doing this post 9/11 bu suspect that they are. They may ask to inspect bags. In the unlikely event that they are no longer offering this service, just head out the back stairway to 8th Ave and go one very short block north to the Ramada New Yorker Hotel. Find a bellman, explain your dilemma, ask if he minds storing your bag for a few hours (tell him what's in it) and have an appropriate tip visible when you make this polite request. Have done this on several occasions in NYC and never had a problem getting temporary storage.

Owen O'Neill

Forgot to mention - the area where luggage is stored is at the baggage claim desk - I think it's at the south end of main waiting room area.