Trains in Italy

The fast Trenitalia trains between Rome and Venice will be either Frecciarossas or Frecciargentos. I don't remember seeing separate upper and lower seating decks on Trenitialia trains. I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong. I haven't taken many Freccia trips.

Early in this video you'll see a clear shot of the entryway of a Frecciarossa 1000 carriage. I can't say that all the Frecciarossa cars are the same; I trust one of our Italian posters or frequent visitors to Italy can clarify.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ua2uG1u8lc

Here's a video of a trip on a Frecciargento Pendolino carriage. The entry way is visible just after the 3-minute mark. It looks as if there is an additional step on the Frecciargento, and there's also a shallow interior step after you clear the entryway; I didn't notice that in the Frecciarossa video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sras15h1Vj4

The company Italo also runs high-speed trains between Venice and Rome. Here's a video of one of the Italo carriages. The entryway is seen just after the 4-minute mark. There are two steps up; I don't think there's an additional step after you get inside.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8U--dQzayM

I'm with you on the awkwardness of getting luggage onto trains, but the time difference between one of the high-speed Italian trains and a bus is huge; it's worth a bit of a struggle for the time saved. I can only encourage you to downsize your luggage as much as you can. I'm a solo traveler, but for two traveling together I'd suggest you try positioning one person on the platform and one person in the carriage as you load/unload the bags so no one has to carry bags up and down the steps. This is obviously not something to try with a bunch of people behind you, pushing to get on or off the train.

Getting your big, heavy luggage up isn't the easiest thing to do. But, if you can lift it one step at a time (I think there are 3 steps total), it isn't too bad. Having a 2nd person on top does make it easier. Other passengers are usually very happy to help. Non-passengers are happy to help too but then they'll demand large sums of money and won't give up easily. Don't let them touch your luggage and don't be afraid to be loud about refusing their 'help.' Be aware of your purse or wallet. Sorry, but it does happen.

The trick is to pack much, much lighter if you are taking the trains in Italy.
I've been to Italy many times, and take less luggage each time, just because of train travel.
I'm now down to carryon only for a 15 day trip......so much easier!
There are not two levels on the high speed trains, at least not that I've seen, so it's just the two or three steps up from the platform.
They are quite steep and a bit shallow, so a heavy case can be hard to load up and down if you are not reasonably fit.
A large case will be awkward to store on board as well.
There are luggage racks at each end of the car, and some trains have a V-shape between two back to back seats where a small to medium case can slide into.
The overhead racks are not big enough for a large suitcase.
You have to be able to manage all your luggage by yourself.

This website has great info.
https://www.seat61.com/luggage-on-european-trains.htm

And...in all my trips on Italian trains...at least 50.....I have never had, or seen: "Other travelers demand huge sums of money" to help with your bag on and off a train.

Robert referred to "non-passengers" insisting on large tips, not other passengers. There definitely are folks hanging out in big-city train stations trying to cadge tips for providing services the target probably doesn't need.

S J - I said "non-passengers" not "other travelers." Sorry, but I want my comments to be taken accurately. I have gladly been part of the helping passengers when people obviously could use some help getting luggage on and off trains. And, no, I don't ask or expect
or even accept a tip.

There are steps in front of the Venice Santa Lucia station. I just found this article that says there is a ramp: https://europeforvisitors.com/venice/articles/venice-railroad-station-faq-disabled-travelers.htm.

there used to be a ramp out the back of Venice Santa Lucia and then a walk or wheel around though the trees.

About 5 or 10 years ago the steps at the front of the station which look down to the Grand Canal were completely redone and a ramp was part of that work. It is a beautiful one, and zig zags across the width of the steps so the gradient is very slight. It is beautiful, looks like it has been there since the station was built and adds to the attractiveness of the station from the Canal.

I have been most impressed.

I'm sorry, I did read that incorrectly.

However, the only time in all these years of train travel in Italy that I have been approached by anyone at all, getting on and off a train , or at a station trying to help me, is on the Calatrava Bridge outside the Santa Lucia Station in Venice.
I was actually happy to pay up a few Euro then, as it was baking hot, and back in those days I did not travel light.

Thanks, everyone. We do travel light but still sometimes struggle with steps. It is not clear whether or not we will have to
take trains, but it looks (thanks for the pictures) doable.

I have traveled throughout Italy on both Trenitalia and Italo. Getting onto the trains will require navigating 2-3 steep steps but nothing too daunting. Once on the train there is usually a luggage rack at the rear of each cabin as well as above seat storage for smaller (carry on type) bags. I enjoy the high speed trains in Italy and have found them to be very efficient and comfortable. It is a long trip (3-4 hours) from Rome to Venice but well worth it!

Tickets the Trenitalia app is very handy. Absolutely do not use Raileurope!