Luggage

Packing light is both the best advice, and the most difficult part of most trips. It seems like the more scenic the area, the more likely you will be schlepping your luggage over uneven cobblestone streets, up steps, or on and off trains or ferries. In some airports that includes carrying your carryon bag down the airstairs to the tarmac.

The best advice is to limit your luggage to what you can comfortably handle. If you are using trains in Italy for example, you may find yourself carrying luggage up or down steps as the platforms in some stations are on a different level. Where there are elevators, they may have a waiting line or not be conveniently located.


Traveling Safely: How to Protect Your Luggage on Italian Trains

Italy is known for its scenic train journeys, but ensuring the safety of your luggage during these trips is just as important as enjoying the view. While luggage theft is not a frequent occurrence, taking precautions can help ensure a hassle-free experience.

Stay Alert and Keep Your Luggage Within Sight

  • Never leave your bags unattended, even briefly.
  • Choose seats where you can clearly see your luggage, such as overhead racks directly across the aisle.
  • Pay attention to your surroundings and look out for suspicious behavior.

Secure Your Luggage with Locks and Cables

  • Use sturdy locks and chains to secure your luggage, especially if you’ll be stepping away momentarily.
  • Invest in high-quality locks that are difficult to break.
  • Label your luggage clearly with your name and contact details.

Luggage Cable Lock on Amazon (link)

I’ve used this adjustable cable lock on my travels on Italian trains. While it is possible to cut it with sturdy tools, I suspect most luggage thieves aren’t going to whip out their bolt cutters on a train!

SURE LOCK TSA Compatible Travel Luggage Locks (Amazon link)

I also like these TSA compliant luggage locks with a larger, easy to read combination. They even have an indicator to let you know if TSA opened the lock with their key to inspect your bags.

Trackers

Take Advantage of Luggage Storage Services

  • Many stations offer storage options so you can explore cities without lugging around bags.
  • Services like “Bagaglio Facile” from Zyppy allow door-to-door luggage transportation on select trains, including Frecce services. Click here for more information and pricing.

Additional Tips for Safety

  • Keep valuables in a separate carry-on bag that stays with you at all times.
  • Pack strategically to make it harder for thieves to steal from you.
  • Use security cables if traveling overnight or leaving your luggage out of sight.
  • If concerned, ask train staff for assistance—they’re there to help.

Travelling on Trenitalia? Stow Your Bags

Exclusive 20% discount for Frecce and Intercity customers

Stow Your Bags, a partner of Trenitalia, offers a luggage storage service that is fully automated, fast, simple and safe. You can book one or more lockers of different sizes, with rental periods ranging from one hour to several days.

Stow Your Bags luggage storage facilities are present in Milan, Bologna, Turin, Verona, Venice, Pisa, Florence, Rome, Naples, Bari, Catania, Genoa and Brescia, located a short walk from the railway stations and in the historic centers. 

HOURS AND LOCATIONS

Enjoy a 20% discount and 2 CartaFRECCIA points for every €1 spent if you enter your PNR or your CartaFRECCIA code when booking with Stow Your Bags.

Trenitalia’s Luggage FAQ


Passengers may take luggage or other easily transportable items (such as strollers, prams, highchairs (if foldable), umbrellas, deckchairs, skis, musical instruments, etc.) on board the coach free of charge, provided they are stored in the spaces made available for luggage. Luggage may be permitted to exceed this volume limit as long as it does not disturb or cause injury to other passengers, does not obstruct railway staff from carrying out their work, and does not damage the coach. On some trains, specific spaces have been made available for passengers to store larger luggage items.

Italo’s Luggage Policy

Unlike some other travel options, Italo allows passengers to carry their luggage for freeYou can carry as many items as you need, including large luggage and even some types of bicycles. Enjoy the convenience of bringing your luggage along for the ride, with designated areas on the train to keep your belongings safe.