Trains/Luggage

You should be able to store carry-on size luggage that conforms to airline size in the overhead racks above the seats.

Where and how much luggage storage is available blue depends on the types of trains and the class you are in. The high speed Freccia trains have some a-frame seats where smallish bags (21”) can fit as well as racks at the ends of the cars. And as Kenko mentioned, there are overhead racks which vary in capacity. First class has more space than second, not surprisingly.

Do you know what trains you are on? Are they booked already?

Note you will not be allowed to put luggage on unoccupied seats.

Will you each have two bags, plus a handbag/backpack? Be prepared to deal with a scramble of passengers all trying to haul luggage on to the trains and trying to fit things into the racks.

We each have two carry-ons plus a small backpack. On two trains, we’re in first class/ business class. The other train we’re in second class. I’d like to avoid storing our luggage away from us, but I have purchased bicycle type locks just in case. Thanks for all the information!

Very likely you will have room for one of the carryon’s each to go overhead, but that area gets crowded. Beyond that, they should be placed in the luggage racks. Hold your backpack or put it on your fold down tray.

If you place luggage in the rack with a bicycle lock on it, be sure you’re not keeping others from being able to quickly remove their own luggage. Generally riders don’t put locks/chains on the racks.

I LOVE getting on the train early and snagging that area between the backs of the seats!

Do not be the menace who locks their bags on a rack and ends up blocking other people who are trying to make a quick exit at a stop or reducing space available to others. If you are worried one of you get up at each stop and monitor the bag rack and of course never leave anything with valuables away from yourselves. Italians can get pretty aggressive about luggage issues on the train -- I watched a fistfight once when someone removed someone else's bags to make room for their bags. Start reducing access by locking things on racks and you may end up with a fist. It is highly antisocial behavior that can elicit even worse behavior.

Two bags each plus backpack is too much stuff for train travel. And many overhead racks won't hold much more than. a hat and cost (others will accommodate carry on bags -- but you never know for sure). If you board at the beginning of the route there is likely to be rack space at the ends of the cars, but if mid-way, often not and you may have luggage in your lap if the train is crowded.

for two weeks you should be easily able to manage with one carry on and a backpack. We have done it for 6 weeks and we have to carry some medical stuff that takes up space.

As Janet says, "Two bags each plus backpack is too much stuff for train travel"

I forgot to think of this! I ONLY bring a carry on size suitcase for my 2 week trips to Italy. I check that sucker ASAP, I don't need it in the airport. The reason I stick with that size is that by the time we get off the first train, I already want to chuck it off the train! If I had an even bigger one, I would probably murder someone on the way :)

I LOVE getting on the train early and snagging that area between the backs of the seats!

This is exactly what I do! Obviously, this strategy won’t work if you have large non-carry-on bags.