An apparatus for storing and transferring a wafer. The apparatus includes a wafer transfer portion having a path through which a wafer can be transferred; structure for storing the wafer, the structure for storing the wafer being removably attached to the wafer transfer portion; a first elevator for elevating and lowering the wafer transfer portion and the storing structure to a predetermined level; a holder for temporarily holding the wafer in the wafer transfer portion; and a second elevator for elevating and lowering the wafer holder, the second elevator being separate and independent from the first elevator. Since the wafer storing structure and the wafer transfer portion are elevated and lowered by different elevators, the wafer can be transported while the wafer transfer portion is stationary. Thus, the apparatus has a simplified construction and replacement of the storing structure can be automated.