Train & Bus Luggage

You handle it yourself on trains and local buses and the metro. That means you need to be able to take it up and down steps, through train and bus stations and the metro, as well as getting it on and off the train, bus or metro and stowing it while you are riding.

That's why packing light is so highly recommended.

Long distance buses will likely have luggage storage underneath. The driver might help with loading that and getting luggage out, but you are on your own before and after.

Lo is right. I've noticed on some Cotral buses (and perhaps true for other companies as well) that you are expected to carry your luggage onto the bus, underbus storage has been discontinued on many routes (probably cutbacks on staffing). You will not be able to comfortably manage anything larger than 22" on these routes and you may (according to notices posted) have to buy a ticket for your luggage (that's never happened to me, but there is a sign on some buses).

There is apparently a limit to number of pieces on the vaporetti in Venice, but last year I traveled with a friend for a few days and her four pieces (!) were not even given a second glance.

There is no registered luggage on trains, there is no check-in (with a very few exceptions). It is your responsibility to get yourselves and your luggage to the correct platform and get on the correct train before it departs.
There will be nobody to help you with your luggage, you need to get it on and off the train yourself and put it into the storage areas: racks above the seats, space between seat backs and in many trains also floor-to-ceiling luggage racks. Do not leave luggage in the aisle, it will annoy everybody trying to get past.
See this web page for more info about luggage on trains. It is part of a website ( www.seat61.com ) which is recommended reading for all first time rail travellers in Europe.

last summer we had to take a local commuter bus from the Venice train station to the Venice airport.....we had to place our roller bags in the underneath compartment (driver would not allow us to take them aboard).... we were a little concerned that someone might run off with them at one of the other stops before we claimed them......

Hi, if you pack light ~20" carry-on, you'll be able to place your suitcase above you at your train seat and usually above your bus seat. I like the security of knowing that my suitcase won't disappear because it's placed at the end of a train car.

Having one hand free will really help you step up into the train and disembark, so one suitcase is always beneficial. And, in case you don't know about this, a lot of train stations have a common tunnel running under the row of lines, so you'll need to carry your suitcase down the stairway and then up to your specific line. You can easily make quick train connections if you've packed light.

Pack light mantra absolutely true and necessary. As I gain years and reduced mobility, agility, strength, the need to carry less just magnifies. I've actually considered taking a trip with no more then fits in my waist pack, or on me (like an extra set of boxers and t-shirt), meds and money, ID, camera, no more. And just wash my one set of overclothes every night, buy no or few site mementoes, unless mailed immediately home. Would it be fun to try? Maybe. I'd give a yes to all the above advice and knowledge.

Some trains officially limit you to two large suitcases and one small day bag per person, which is much more luggage than you need. Overhead luggage racks on trains are open, so there's no cupboard door that needs to get slammed shut as on an airplane. Long and narrow items will fit, including anything you could carry onto an airplane, but not long and wide. Larger racks may be available near the doors of train cars. The baggage space underneath a long-distance coach (bus) is wide open. See also On the Train or video shots inside trains on Rick's Travel Skills video.

Despite that flexibility, pack light for your own good, for the number of times you'll handle your bag on stairs, curbs, and cobblestones in a variety of areas. Even a wheeled bag on a smooth walkway is a strain when it's heavy.