We are in England now getting ready to head to Florence this weekend after picking up my daughter from college. We all have carry-on bags and backpacks, but my daughter is also going to have two check bags from college. My question is how hard is it going to be to take the trains in Italy? We’re flying into Florence, but then taking the train to Venice and Venice to Rome. I plan to have car service. Pick us up in Florence and grab a taxi probably from the train in Rome and to the airport in Venice I’m looking at storing our luggage and just taking a backpack in since we’re only gonna be there two days but I’m concerned about getting off on trains. Not sure how much time they give you to do that. We have business class seats on the fast trains of that matters.
Posted by
5745 posts
I am sure you will manage, but if you have time to look into a shipper to unload those two big bags, I would do that!
If going for it, just be ready as you approach your station to get up and get the bags ready. She'll need to be able to get both bags off herself, or with whatever help others in your party can provide.
Could you reiterate the order you are traveling? It appears into Florence, train to Venice, train to Rome, but you mention "to airport in Venice" so I am confused. If there was a place to store bags that you would be returning to, that would be an option too.
Posted by
Cloud
341 posts
If no one in your party has any difficulty standing and walking up and down a short flight of stairs (some trains have 2 steps) while carrying the things you brought with you it should be no problem .
Posted by
Green Bay
22084 posts
Assume you mean taking a taxi to the airport in Rome. If you can get the luggage on the trains yourselves, you should be fine. Business class should have more space. There are luggage bins.
https://www.seat61.com/trains-and-routes/frecciarossa.htm
Trains from Florence to Venice terminate at Venezia S. Lucia for the most part, so you will have plenty of time. Trains to Roma Termini usually stop for at least 10 minutes at the station, as most continue on to other destinations south of Rome. You should have plenty of time, but do not dawdle, as once most of the passengers are off, other passengers will be boarding and you don't want to be the salmon swimming upstream.
Posted by
Los Angeles
1459 posts
If you look at both flights and trains, that's a large number of trips to be lugging around excess baggage. Maybe look into shipping your daughter's bags home from England, and have her downsize to a carry-on or backpack for your travels?
Posted by
OP
33 posts
Sorry writing on the run… We are flying out of Stansted into Florence. Then train from Florence to Venice. Then train from Venice to Rome and flying out of FCO.
Does anyone have recommendations for shipping?? Looking at prices, looks like shipping 2 bags more expensive than flight..lol. Any suggestions for storage at Venice??
Posted by
Green Bay
22084 posts
There are several places near Santa Lucia station. Here is one costing 49 EUR for 3 days for a large locker. There are others, maybe for less. Use google.
https://www.stowyourbags.com/en/shop/venice/luggage-storage-santa-lucia-train-station-venice/
Posted by
Los Angeles
1459 posts
We are flying out of Stansted into Florence.
What is the charge for checking bags on that flight? When you combine with possible storage charges at train stations, aren't you close to cost to ship home?
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/packing/shipping-a-bag-ahead
Posted by
Green Bay
22084 posts
I believe the OP stated that the issue is their daughter's large bags as she has been living in Florence and is now on her way home with the folks.
Posted by
Arctophilia, Northamptonshire, England
34849 posts
in England now getting ready to head to Florence this weekend after picking up my daughter from college
I read the OP as the Daughter is in England somewhere and they are all flying to Florence, then up to Venice and then down to Rome and home.