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A few transportation questions - train baggage and driving requirements

Posted by (Mpls, MN, US) on

First, thanks to everyone who responded about getting to FCO for an early morning flight. We did book a place in Rome and will hire a car, although from the horror stories of almost missing flights even when being there 3 hours early, I'm wondering if we should just sleep at the airport. (I checked the airport Hilton and couldn't swallow the 350 Euro a night fee.)

Anywho, two other transportation-related questions:

1) Are their any baggage restictions when riding the trains? In the RS Florence book it mentions 35 lbs for checked baggage, but was unclear on if you MUST check your bags and if the weight is a hard and fast rule.

2) Regarding driving, I recall reading that you're technically supposed to get an international DL, but it's not truly necessary. Anyone have any experiences either way?

Thanks!
Cynthia

Posted by
10344 posts

Cynthia: Both of your questions have been answered and discussed many times on the Helpline and you can retrieve these previous discussions using the search box in upper right corner of this website.

Posted by
127 posts

no restrictions i saw re:luggage on trains..i went thru RS way of one simple carry on/back pack thing...and felt VERY sorry for the tourists carrying TONS of baggage...poor slobs...so sure! carry on all ya want from train to train..its YOUR back.

Posted by
831 posts

Cynthia,
1) No restrictions on bag weight on train. You must carry it yourself. Whatever you think you can handle.

2) There is no requirement for an IDL in Italy. Italy does require an IDP (International Driving Permit) in addition to a state license. You can get one from AAA even if you are not a member.

Posted by
7 posts

Thanks, Henry, for the information. I had tried a variety of search terms on this site and couldn't find what I needed re: baggage restrictions.

My plan is to take a backpack, but I'm going there to get married (basic civil cermony) and may have to get creative with my packing. I'll probably ship a dress and shoes to where we're staying to help save on space.

Thanks again.

Posted by
10344 posts

Cynthia: search "train baggage" and you'll find many discussions, skim them and you should find info relating to your question.

Posted by
152 posts

Luggage on the trains is limited only by what you can carry, and where you will put it. Basically, the overhead racks will hold carry-on size bags easily. Larger than that is iffy. We each had one 21" rollaboard bag. Some trains may be very crowded, and even with a reserved seat, there may not be space nearby for your luggage. Some passengers get stuck sitting on their bag in the aisle or in the area between the cars.

Best advice: travel light! My wife committed to the idea after I convinced her that train travel simply cannot be done with large suitcases.

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