Packing & Luggage on Trains
Will there be someone to help me with my luggage on Italian trains?
Generally, no. Luggage handling on Trenitalia and Italo trains is strictly self-service. You are responsible for lifting your own bags onto the train and stowing them in the overhead racks or designated luggage areas. Train staff will not assist you with luggage. Limited paid porter services exist only at major stations and typically require advance booking.
Traveling by train in Italy differs significantly from air travel. There is no "checked bag" service on the platform; every item you bring is considered carry-on luggage that you must maneuver through the station, up the train steps, and into storage compartments yourself.
Strict Self-Service Rules
Assume you will be responsible for carrying your bags at all times. If you cannot lift your suitcase above your head or carry it up a flight of stairs, it is too heavy for train travel in Italy.
Porter Service Availability
While standard assistance is not available, paid porter services can sometimes be hired at specific high-traffic stations. These porters can help lift bags onto the train and stow them in the baggage section.
Porter services are typically limited to the following stations:
- Roma Termini (Rome)
- Milano Centrale (Milan)
- Bologna Centrale (Bologna)
- Firenze Santa Maria Novella (Florence)
Note: Unless you have arranged for this service in advance or have ample time to locate a porter on the platform (which is difficult during short stops), do not rely on finding help upon arrival.
Door-to-Door Alternatives: Bagaglio Facile
If you prefer not to manage your luggage, Trenitalia offers a door-to-door service called Bagaglio Facile (Easy Luggage), operated in partnership with Zyppy.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Availability | Available to passengers on Frecce (high-speed) trains or CartaFreccia holders. |
| Service Area | Monday–Friday nationwide; Weekends available only in major cities (Milan, Rome, Florence, Venice, Turin, Bologna, Naples, Salerno, Bari). |
| Booking | Must be arranged by phone at least 24 hours in advance. |
Tips for Managing Luggage Solo
To ensure a smooth journey without assistance, follow these guidelines:
- Pack Light: Limit yourself to carry-on sized bags. Large "checked-size" suitcases are difficult to maneuver through narrow train aisles and crowds.
- Use Wheels: Rolling luggage is essential for navigating long platforms.
- Be Quick: High-speed trains like the Frecciarossa often stop for only a few minutes. You must be ready to board or offboard immediately.
- Ship Souvenirs: Instead of carrying heavy purchases, consider shipping items like wine or ceramics directly home from the shop or a local post office.
What do I need to know about luggage on Italian trains?
What are the luggage rules on Italian trains?
You are responsible for carrying and stowing your own luggage on Italian trains; there are no weight fees, but space is limited. Most Frecciarossa and Italo trains provide overhead racks, under-seat storage, and dedicated luggage stacks at the end of each carriage.
Traveling by train in Italy (Trenitalia and Italo) is essentially a carry-on experience. Unlike airlines, the process is streamlined, provided you can lift your own bags.
Core Luggage Policies
- No Additional Fees: There is no extra charge for bringing luggage on board.
- Bag Limits: While technically limited to three pieces per passenger, this is rarely enforced unless the bags block aisles or safety exits.
- Self-Service: You must be able to load and unload your bags independently.
- Prohibited Items: Dangerous goods and oversized items that obstruct movement are strictly forbidden.
Storage Options by Train Type
| Storage Location | High-Speed (Frecce/Italo) | Regional Trains |
|---|---|---|
| End-of-Car Racks | Dedicated large bag stacks available near doors. | Limited or non-existent; usually near vestibules. |
| Overhead Shelves | Wide racks suitable for medium suitcases. | Narrower racks for backpacks/small bags. |
| Under-Seat Space | Available for slim bags and laptops. | Standard space for small personal items. |
| Between Seats | A-frame space between back-to-back seats. | Varies; often available in 2+2 configurations. |
Security & Theft Liability
Trenitalia is not liable for lost bags. While insurance (up to €300/bag) may apply to Frecce and InterCity trains if stolen from end-of-car compartments, claims are subject to strict police report requirements. Always keep valuables in your sight.
Special Services
Bagaglio Facile (Door-to-Door Delivery)
Available for Frecciarossa travelers, this service delivers bags directly to your hotel or residence. Prices start at €20 for the first bag and €15 for the second. Note that weekend service is restricted to major hubs like Rome, Milan, Florence, and Venice.
Station Luggage Storage (Deposito Bagagli)
Most major Italian rail hubs (Roma Termini, Milano Centrale, Firenze SMN) offer staffed luggage offices. Expect to pay a tiered fee based on the number of hours your bag is stored. Lockers are rarely available due to security protocols.
Advance Booking Required
Bagaglio Facile arrangements must be made via phone or online at least 24 hours prior to your train departure.
The dilemma of what to pack for a trip to Italy faces every traveler, but there are some specific things you might want to consider if you're packing for a train trip in Italy.
Everything is a Carry-On Bag
Whereas you might have checked an oversized suitcase on your flight to Rome, once you're taking the train all over Italy you'll be carrying your luggage on and off train cars yourself. There are some door-to-door luggage transport options, but they're limited to only the high-speed Frecce trains and only certain cities. The safest thing to do is assume that you will be responsible for carrying your bags on Italian trains at all times.
Traveling with a bag that is considered "carry-on size" by airlines, then, makes the task of climbing into and out of train cars much less physically taxing. Maneuvering smaller bags through crowded train stations and narrow train aisles is easier, too.
Maximize Luggage Space
When you limit yourself to traveling only with carry-on sized bags, you definitely have space restrictions that you don't have with full-sized luggage. The truth is that most travelers need far less than they actually bring—you can get away with wearing the same few outfits over and over (washing them periodically, of course), since no one will see you enough times to notice—so try to be ruthless when you're packing.
Leave bulky items at home, or plan to wear them on the plane so they don't take up space in your bags. Kindles, iPads or other e-readers are wonderful space savers for book lovers. Travel-sized toiletries may run out during your trip, but Italy has things like shampoo and toothpaste, too.
Carry a backpack or messenger bag (this can easily be your "personal item" on the plane) that's large enough to hold your valuables, any prescription medication, and maybe even a few items you picked up at the market for your on-board picnic. With this as your second bag, getting on and off trains is still easier than with a full-sized bag and you can keep all your valuables nearby even if you're stowing your luggage at one end of the train car.
Ship Souvenirs Home
Travelers who plan to shop while in Italy may start with excess room in an oversized suitcase, with the intention of filling it with souvenirs to bring home. There's nothing wrong with that, except the aforementioned issues with hauling heaving oversized bags on and off of trains.
Consider boxing up your goodies and shipping them from Italy to your home so you don't have to carry them or pack them. Some shops will take care of the shipping for you—especially if you're buying something large or expensive, such as wine or ceramics—so you won't even have to find a Mail Boxes Etc. in Florence.
Another option is to pack a duffel bag or another collapsible bag inside your suitcase—lay it flat and it shouldn't take up much room. You can expand into that bag as needed. It might make getting on and off of trains a bit more cumbersome with three bags (including that "personal item" bag), but some stations have trolleys you can pay to use.