Baggage on trains in Italy

Mike, thanks for the info. Last time I was in Europe I had a backpack, but will have an airline carry on this time with another smaller bag. I am wondering about whether it should be locked?

We never bothered to lock our bags, but then we always kept them with us - either on our laps or on the seat next to us if the train wasn't crowded. Thieves will most likely either grab the whole bag or slash it open, so a lock will probably only protect against you getting into the bag yourself.

Depending on the train car set up, a normal carryon size bag should fit on the overhead rack. If not, there is luggage bin near the entry way to the train car. I always use a light weight cable lock to secure our luggage together or to something more solid. However, when observing other luggage in the bin, no one else ever does it. There are constant stories or cautions about luggage being grabbed by someone and hopping off the train as it begins to roll. Possible -- yes --- probability -- pretty low. I have never known anyone or see a report of it happening to anyone. However, securing your luggage is a reasonable precaution.

Not so much whether IT should be locked, but whether it should be locked TO something. If it's a carry-on-sized piece, and a smaller 'personal-sized' bag, then you can simply place your larger bag in the overhead rack and keep your smaller bag with you if you want. If it's a larger suitcase, it may need to be left at the end of the rail car in those dedicated racks. It's very easy for thieves to simply grab a bag as the train is departing a station...:-( And FWIW, my bags are always locked - even on my back. That includes my daybag, too.

There is ample overhead racks for your luggage. Whether or not you leave it at the storage space at the end of the car is largely dependent on ability to lift the luggage overhead. As noted above, it can be risky to leave an unwatched bag at the end of the car. It takes a thief moments to step on the train, remove your bag and watch the train roll away. Just be cautious Also, on the high-speeds, the seats face back-to-back thereby creating a "V" into which a roller bag up to 24" can be placed on the floor sideways. Thus, no lifting.

I always have mine with me but I just have a backpack. If you are taking a large bag, it may need to be left in one end or the rail car. Most every train has space for carry on size bags above your head.