According to Rick Steves' book, the weight limit to check baggage at the Florence train station is 40 pounds per bag. Anyone know whether this is strictly enforced? Our large roller bag may weigh up to 50 pounds. We are taking the train from Rome to Verona and I thought since we'll go through Florence I might like to stop for a few hours to take a walk around and see the Ponte Vecchio and the Duomo. But I'd like to check our baggage in the train station. We're not big art or museum folks so just a generalized walk to see some sites would be fine. Just need to be able to do something with our baggage for a few hours! Thanks!
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32933 posts
50 pounds? In a suitcase? And that's only the large bag? Wow. Is it too late to go back to the Rick Steves' book you quote and re-read the packing light chapter? Trust me, please. Less really is more. Your feet will thank you. Your arms will thank you. Your back will thank you. People trying to get past you and the transatlantic steamer trunk will thank you... and after you find the luggage rack full and have nowhere to put the Queen Mary, you will thank me. BTW - after you have humped that bag on and off a few Italian trains you will understand the reference to the Queen Mary. ... I bet you will thank me, in the fullness of time ... Tough love, but needed.
Posted by
Texan in CA
4408 posts
Ditto Nigel; leave the Queen Mary at home if at all possible. If you're taking a cruise beforehand, then you can pack more lightly than you are planning to... If you're moving someone into/out of Italy, that's different. How about schlepping 10lbs of that weight around with you in Florence? OR, just checking two bags (bring a flat, packable duffle/tote bag with you and divide up the large rolling bag's contents). Of course, you're now paying for TWO bags, but them's the breaks.
Posted by
Ballwin
833 posts
Do not have any information on whether this is enforced or not, sorry. Bring a bag to separate some of the weight and check both, or carry some it around with you would be my suggestion in case they are strict about it. While carrying that much weight around IS doable (I'm a girl who schlepped my 40-50 lb suitcase on and off of trains, and up 4 flights of stairs in my hostel in Zurich) but it's not enjoyable. On trains I was able to stick it in the V space between seats (I obviously couldn't lift it) but sometimes there wasn't room so I would have to put it at the end of the train car and check on it every so often. However, you definitely can leave some of that stuff at home and your trip will likely be nicer if you do! Also, you want to arrive in Italy with a bag that is lighter than the restrictions, that way you have room to bring home souvenirs!