europe2011

Going on our trip next week and since we haven't been to this part of Europe of course we have questions.

Just wondering what to expect in 2nd class trains regarding storing our luggage. My husband and I will each have 1 large wheeled duffle bag and want to know what the luggage storage is like. Is it similiar to an airport shuttle bus in the US (piles of luggage in 1 location) or what?


What about in the bus in Rome? We will arrive by train in Rome and can't decide if we want to take a cab or ride the bus.

We know many of you go 'carry on' only, but we are not doing that.

StCirq

Not having done extensive travel in Italy or Switzerland with much more than a purse or a tiny suitcase that I could keep in my seat with me, I'm not qualified to answer that part of the question.

As for the bus in Rome part - the visual I'm getting of two people each with a large wheeled duffel bag on a typical Roman bus is pretty funny. No, I wouldn't try that.

kerouac

Trains have either overhead storage racks throughout the car, storage room behind the back of the seat, and/or luggage areas at end of the car.

europe2011

Good to know guys - thanks.

I think a cab will be the way to get from the train station to our apartment... thanks StCirq!

victoria_reynolds

Be careful about the size of the suitcases, especially in 2nd class. We (a family of 4) traveled from Milan to Zurich with 2 large wheeled suitcases (24" & 26") and 2 smaller ones 21"). The larger ones did not fit in the overhead (it was a rather narrow Cisalpino train through the mountains) and there wasn't a lot of space at the end of the car. We ended up taking up a lot of it which was a little mortifying. After that we tried to downsize; it is also best that each person have a fighting chance at lifting each own bag, if you plan to use the overhead rack, for efficiency's sake and in case the one with the strong arms is injured (or perhaps to keep him from harm).

PalenQ

In Switzerland 2nd class is OK for luggage since trains are rarely really crowded there but in Italy in first class you will find much more room for luggage IME and in general a much more relaxed ride - fewer seats in the same space - 3 rather than 4 in 2nd class.

If on the trip of a lifetime IMO don't scimp a few bucks but go first class - it really is a much more relaxed journey - often empty seats IME to put your luggage on near or by you - 2nd class often filled to the gills.

For loads of great info on trains in those countries check out these fantastic IMO sites - www.seat61.com; www.ricksteves.com; www.budgeteuropetravel.com.

If you have to store your bags in the large racks by the train doorways keep an eye on them at stations!

kybourbon

There's plenty of luggage storage on 2nd cl fast trains in Italy (AV,ES,ESCity). At the end of cars, overhead and behind your seats. It depends on the car booked though as storage can vary by car (in 1st or 2nd class). Some 2nd class cars have 4 luggage storage areas while others only have two. The ones with less storage areas have less seats so it evens out.

There really isn't much difference between 1st and 2nd class on Italian fast trains so most people prefer not to pay a 25-30% premium when many rides are very short on the typical tourist route (Rome/Florence 90 minutes, Rome/Naples 70 minutes). Here's pictures of the Italian trains inside. If you scroll to the ESCity pictures, you can better see how the seats angle on all the fast trains where you can slide your luggage in behind them. Most people are not aware of this and I'm always pointing it out on trains to people trying to lift luggage overhead. I never see these spaces full.
http://www.seat61.com/Italy-trains.h...0trains%20like

PalenQ

If there is no difference between first and second class on Italian trains one has to wonder why there are even first class cars and why many Italians opt to pay more to ride in them.

IMO anyone who says there is not much difference between first and second class on Italian trains just has not ridden in first class ever.

there is a difference and that's why many Italians pay more to ride in it - or are they total idiots to pay more for the same?

Second class is typically much more full than first class IMe - i often have an empty seat next to me in first class to put my bags - rarely so in 2nd class. first class seats are bigger and roomier - if you are tall, elderly or obese first class could be well worth the extra.

Dukey1

BOTTOM LINE (from one who has been in both classes on all these trains (the old Cisalpino trains basically no longer exist; the equipment on those routes has been significantly updated)..you will have PLENTY of luggage storage space all over the place, between seats, UNDERNEATH seats, above seats, at the end of the cars (and no, I wouldn't worry about any theft) on BOTH Italian and Swiss trains and believe it or not, there are a lot of people who actually choose to keep their luggage right next to them in the "leg/foot space" AT the seats they occupy.

nytraveler

Large rolling duffels would be way too big to put on overhead racks - probably fall off and give someone a concussion. What goes on the overhead rack should fit completely on the rack - as in a 20" rollie or smaller. Large bags have to go somewhere else - where you can find room. If you are not able to keep them at your seat I would have a lock to secure them to something.

tuscanlifeedit

Personally, I worry about theft at the end of train cars, in the luggage storage area. I carry a security cable with lock, and if my small 20" roll aboard doesn't fit over, under or near my seat, then I secure it at the luggage storage area.

victoria_reynolds

The larger the suitcase or duffle, the fewer the options. The carry-ons (22-20 inch) in their "unexpanded" state fit in many places, the larger suitcases will be more challenging (and you will have to maneuver them in the aisles on and off the trains fairly quickly). What you would't give a thought to taking in the trunk of your personal or rented car, could be a liability on public transport.

PalenQ

If anyone wants to see how spiffy first class cars on Italian trains can be watch the current hit movie The Tourist - the train scenes are filmed in first-class carriages on Italian trains - seats are so so roomy - you have the isolated seats with a window and an aisle - these do not exist in 2nd class where you always have rows of two seats by two seats - a thing I love about first class is sitting in the seats with a window and an aisle - couples can get these seats facing each other with a table in between - in so many ways is first class so so much more relaxed (and I am not saying 2nd class is a cattle car - it is adequate but so is a meal at McDonalds adequate in filling you up but on the trip of a lifetime you want a better experience.

caroline_edinburgh

I have never had a problem stowing even quite large suitcases in the luggage area at the end of the compartment in Italian trains. Neither have I ever worried that a fellow traveller might make off with them. One thing to be aware of, though, is that there are usually several quite high steps from the platform into the train, i.e. there is a much greater vertical distance between the platform and the carriage floor than you may be used to, so one of you has to be capable of lifting your bag up there - a combination of a person of limited strength with a very heavy bag wouldn't work, although I'm sure someone would help if you have difficulties.

PalenQ

I think it prudent in Italy where thefts in train stations at least is a problem with all kinds of ruses being used - I have witnessed these on more than one occasion and was a targeted would-be victim recently at Rome Termini - by a group of foreigners from the Balkans - some of the many dirt-poor immigrants legal or not in Italy now who must resort to such scams to survive perhaps. and there are lots of reports of fake porters, fake cops, etc. Not to scare anyone as the chance of being victimized if at all cognizant of the problem negates the problem pretty much.

Anyway at stations a thieve could pop aboard and take luggage right back out from those racks and zoom gone. This appears not to be rife but I would certainly keep an eye on my luggage in such racks at stops when folks crowd on and off. Go on the side of caution IMO.