Two questions: 1. I'm assuming the Corse Rapide bus between Florence and Siena can accommodate luggage. Am I correct in this, or should I not be assuming things? (As I'm often told...) 2. According to the Rick Steves 2011 guide, the luggage storage at Siena is able to accept "carry-on size luggage" with a weight limit of 33 lbs. One of the members in our group will have a 24" wheeled piece of luggage. Does anyone know if the carry-on size restriction is a "hard" limit, or is the weight more of an issue? (And, yes, I will be doing my best to make sure her bag is less than 33 lbs. :-) Thanks in advance for your travel wisdom!
I can't help you with your second question, but as to the first, the underfloor luggage hold on the Florence/Siena bus is like than on Greyhound: you can stow very large and heavy suitcases.
Eric, As GAC mentioned, the Corse Rapide & Corse Ordinarie Buses use a large Coach similar to Greyhound. There are baggage holds under the Bus, accessible from both sides. You'll probably find that the Driver will insist that larger bags are placed in the hold. You can take smaller "carry-on size" bags into the passenger compartment. One important point to mention is that if the Bus stops (which is less likely on the Corse Rapide), it's a good idea to keep watch on your luggage. I've heard of at least one case where passenger luggage was "removed" from the Bus at an intermediate stop. I'm not too clear on your second question? Are you planning to just stop in Siena for a few hours? There is apparently a left luggage facility in Piazza Gramsci where the Bus arrives, but I've never used it. Some additional information would be helpful. Happy travels!
Thanks to both of you for your replies. Ken: Yes, we will be spending the day in Siena in transit between Florence and Pisa then off to the Cinque Terre, so we would be using the baggage storage just for that day.
An additional help: finding the station as Rick's description is a bit vague. Facing the front of the station from the Santa Maria Novella church (the actual entrance is around to the right of the station), walk around the station to the left and go up that street (via Luigi Alamanni) for 1/2 block and you will find it on the right side.
Does anyone know about the size restrictions? I'm in the same boat as Eric, planning details as we'll be in Siena soon and I'm wondering how big of a bag I can store at the bus station. We don't have big luggage, but we'll definitely have bags that are a bit bigger than a traditional international carry-on.
The luggage storage at Piazza Gramsci is under the piazza. You'll see stairs along the edge of the piazza that take you to the underground level. While I can't be certain about how rigid they are on size and weight, I'd guess that any reasonably sized bag that's not overly heavy would pass muster.