I'm finding it's much cheaper this year to fly into Milan. I will need to take the train to Florence. Is there a direct train from the airport (Malpensa), or must I go into Milan and catch the train there?
Also, I will have a small suitcase plus carry-on (stackable). Is it possible to keep luggage at one's seat, or must it be stowed in the luggage rack? I am a little nervous about not being able to keep my eyes or hands on it. Could I fasten it to the rack?
Thank you!
There aren’t any direct trains from Malpensa Airport to Florence.
You can take the Malpensa Express train to Milano Centrale where you’ll transfer to the train heading to Florence (Firenze S.M. Novella train station)
You can check train schedules on Trenitalia.com
There are luggage racks at the ends of each carriage, and there are also overhead racks. In some trains there is also space between the back of the seats in the form of an “A” where one can place a small carry-on suitcase.
Keep your valuables with you in a secured deep pocket of your bag or in a money belt under your clothes.
I’ve never fastened my luggage to the racks.
Enjoy your trip!
Put your suitcase on the overhead rack above your head. You will be able to see it.
See photo here: https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DMARjGSX4AAd2HP.jpg
There’s also Italo.
Hi Traveller, your carry-on suitcase will usually fit on the overhead shelf of the train.
If you fasten your other suitcase to the end rack, it’s going to be annoying for other travelers who are also using the rack. When people come & go, the suitcases in that area can need to be shifted to accommodate the new ones, etc.
Select an aisle seat if you want to be able to go see your suitcase. Now if you could make both of these suitcases carryon regulation size, they both could probably just fit above your seat.
Theft of luggage on trains is not a major concern. We have been sticking our luggage in the luggage bins for 20 years and nothing has ever happen to it. You can keep luggage at you seat if it is Regional train and it is not crowded. On any other trains it is possible that the seat next to you will be reserved by someone else. I have clipped day bags to overhead rackes when I was going to use the restroom or to be gone for a few minutes. Again, my valuables are on me so there is little value in my bags should something happen but it never has.
Well, that's true about fastening it. I didn't think of that! Not sure I could lift it that far overhead, but the luggage rack should be fine. There won't be anything valuable in it, just clothes and stuff! Thanks for your help!
Just a warning to people with large suitcases- my suitcase will never fit in the overhead or near my seat, so I often have to put it with other large suitcases at the train car entrance. I always sit right by the door where I can keep my eye on it and I get up during train stops and stand at the train car entrance to watch it. Two years ago, I witnessed two young men climbing onto the train at a stop trying to steal suitcases in the train car entrance. When they saw me, they turned and ran and I watched them enter another train car presumably to try again! Always always have your belongings within eye sight!
