Washington Union Station luggage storage

About Washington Union Station

Union Station, located in the heart of Washington, DC, opened in 1907 and has since become one of the busiest transit stations in the entire United States. With millions of people passing through each year, it’s clear why the Amtrak train company made Washington DC Union Station their headquarters! Trains leave Union Station DC destined for other major cities like Baltimore, New York, and Philadelphia. In addition, the Washington DC underground metro system is based out of Union Station with trains passing through every few seconds. Serving both aboveground and underground networks, this train station is definitely a busy spot.

With so much activity within Union Station, numerous shops and restaurants have made this area their home, catering to the sheer volume of people commuting and traveling here. Union Station is even a popular shopping destination for locals and DC natives. Visiting the historic station is something you must do when you’re in Washington DC and to explore Union Station easily, check your bags with Bounce. That way, you can do and see even more without juggling luggage.

Does Washington Union Station have luggage storage?

There aren’t any luggage lockers at Washington DC’s Union Station, but you can use Amtrak’s temporary bag storage service during their opening hours. Alternatively, you can look at some of the other luggage storage options in the area.

Our great service can be found in partner locations all over the city, like stores, hotels, restaurants, and more. With convenience and price in mind, we offer affordable and safe luggage storage in Washington without size restrictions. You can drop off everything from suitcases and purses to strollers and hiking gear, and since it costs the same to store things of all sizes and weights, you can explore the city baggage-free without hurting your wallet.

Can Amtrak hold bags?

Many Amtrak stations offer a baggage storage service, including Washington Union Station. You won’t find storage lockers here; instead, you have the choice of leaving your belongings with Amtrak for up to 24 hours. If you’re a passenger with Amtrak and have a valid Amtrak ticket, you can store your luggage for $10.00 per item, and if you don’t have a ticket, it’ll cost you $20.00.

There’s a more affordable and convenient way to store luggage in Washington. Using Bounce’s luggage storage service, you can drop off your things in the early morning, spend all day sightseeing around the city, and come back to pick up your personal belongings when you’re done. With convenient locations all over the city, finding a storage space is easy. Put your address into our app to see all the locations near you. We have a Bounce partner right next to the train station.

How strict is Amtrak's baggage policy?

Amtrak has a strict bag policy that outlines some of the items that are forbidden on the trains. In general, this includes archery equipment, firearms, scooters, hoverboards, self-defense items, perishables, and sharp objects, to name a few. Passengers should be sure to check the bag policy before embarking on their journey to discard any prohibited items from their baggage.

Things to do near Washington Union Station

While Union Station is packed with places to shop, restaurants to try, and sites to see, there are a few places nearby that you won’t want to miss out on visiting. Below is a list of recommendations we know you’ll enjoy.

Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum

View American history through the eyes of the post office. Walk next door to the Post Office Building, and you’ll have the chance to learn the amazing history behind the United States Postal Service. From the days of the Pony Express up to the way modern mail is sorted and delivered today, you’ll certainly learn a great deal at this museum. Situated right next to the station, you can get here in only 2 minutes by foot.

Smithsonian’s National Post Museum bag policy

The National Post Museum offers self-service storage lockers on site that can accommodate items up to 25cm x 40cm x 60cm. If you need to store bags bigger than the lockers or are worried that the lockers will run out of availability, you can stop by a Bounce baggage storage spot instead. You’ll have several options to choose from; just use our app to find the location nearest to you.

United States Capitol

Experience history in the making by visiting the United States Capitol Building. Opt to take a guided tour or just explore the grounds on your own. As the seat of the United States Congress, this notable building is located on the eastern end of the National Mall. The Capitol grounds, including the Upper Senate Park, hold plenty of hidden gems and monuments as well. You can get here in about 13 minutes by foot from Union Station.

Christopher Columbus Memorial Fountain

A tribute to Christopher Columbus, this memorial fountain is the centerpiece of the larger Columbus Circle. This public work of art is a perfect place to sit and relax while enjoying the beautiful fountain sculpture. Found directly outside Washington Union Station, it’s just a minute’s walk away and almost impossible to miss as you exit.

Airport travel from Washington Union Station

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport to Washington Union Station

If you plan to visit the heart of Washington, DC this is the best airport to fly into. It’s not far from the city and is easy to reach. To get to Union Station, take the Yellow metro line from the stop at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and ride until Gallery Pl-Chinatown. From there, transfer onto the Red line to Union Station. This will take just over half an hour, and the fare is about $2.00.

Washington Dulles International Airport to Washington Union Station

Dulles International Airport is another suitable airport choice, especially if you’re flying internationally. It’ll take longer to get into the city, but it’s a fairly easy commute. Starting at the airport, use the Silver metro line to the Metro Center. From there, switch onto the Red line for 3 stops to Union Station. The fare should still be $2.00 to get into the metro, and it’ll take you about an hour and 14 minutes.

Baltimore / Washington International Airport

Some people fly into the city via the Baltimore / Washington International Airport. Begin your journey to Union Station by taking the 201 bus to the BWI Marshall Marc Station. From there, make your way to the BWI Thurgood Marshall train station and ride the Acela line directly to Washington Union Station. The entire commute will take about 48 minutes, and your ticket for the bus and train is $2.00 each.

Getting around Washington from Washington Union Station

Washington is a city rich in history and entertainment options, with much more to offer than just being the location of the White House. Below are some of the city's best activities and attractions, and the easiest way to get there from Union Station.

International Spy Museum

In our opinion, this is one of the coolest museums in the city. Here, you can learn all about the technology, history, and strategies used by spies around the world. This fun museum is perfect for adults and kids alike. To get to it, take the Red line from Union Station for 2 stops. This’ll leave you at Gallery Pl-Chinatown, where you’ll need to change onto the Yellow line or the Green line. Stay onboard to L’Enfant Plaza. The museum is about 7 minutes away from there by foot. You’ll have to pay about $2.00 to get into the metro.

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

This free, family-friendly museum features some incredible exhibits that celebrate the natural history of the United States. From dinosaur remains to large gems, you’ll want to browse every inch of all three floors of this museum. It’s one of the most visited museums in the United States, offers free admission, and is open almost every day of the year. What reason is there not to visit? 

To get here, simply take the D6 bus from the stop at E St NE & Columbus Circle NE to E St NW & 11th St NW. The museum is within walking distance and will take about 8 minutes to reach by foot. Alternatively, you can take the Red line metro. The bus fare is about $2.00, and the museum is 19 minutes away from the station.

The National Gallery of Art

The National Gallery of Art houses everything from paintings to photographs and sculptures to modern art pieces. Among its collection is the only painting by Leonardo da Vinci found in all of the United States. Situated right next to the Smithsonian Museums, you can get here by taking the Red line from Union Station to Judiciary Square and walking 12 minutes, or by taking the same D6 bus route mentioned above. As usual, the fare is just $2.00. It’ll take about 18 minutes to get from Union Station to the National Gallery of Art.

Luggage storage near Union Station Washington

Since Union Station is a major transportation hub in the Washington DC area, chances are you’re passing through carrying at least a few bags. Whether you have one small bag or lots of luggage, checking your bags at a secure Bounce location will let you see it all. Stow your large and small gear for as long or as short as you’d like for one low rate. Whether you’re a tourist in transit or a local in between the gym and a date, you’ll never need to worry about carrying cumbersome bags and gear around DC again!

Without the burden of your bags, you’ll have full access to Washington and its top attractions giving you the entire day to explore. Visit the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, check out the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, or stroll through the Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens.

Bounce’s left luggage storage service is here to help customers worldwide. With affordable prices and plenty of convenient locations throughout the city, we’re happy to make traveling better wherever you are. Whether dining at a restaurant, shopping in a mall, walking around a park, or sightseeing at top landmarks, keep your bags stored with us.