We will have two large bags to take on a train from Rome to Salerno. Are there any trains equipped to take large luggage? We don't want it out of our sight while on the train. Pics of trains don't show any place for any luggage at all. Hmmmmm....suggestions?

No, there are no trains specially equipped to handle large luggage, though train configurations differ. How large ARE your suitcases? It is never advisable, unless you are exiting at the terminus, to travel anywhere on a train in Europe with oversized luggage. You are expected to board and deboard quickly without interfering with other passengers. And if your luggage is large, no, there won't be anyplace to store it next to or even close to you, depending on your seat numbers in the train compartment.

so does that mean if you have two large suitcases, you can't travel from Rome to Salerno by train?

You can travel by train but shouldn't expect to have a place to store the bags near you or where they will be visible to you. I would recommend that you take smaller suitcases and learn to be efficient packers. Pinterest has tons of posts on ways to pack suitcases to maximize the space.

Further to what St Cirq wrote, the luggage storage areas are usually at both ends of the car but only visible (possibly) from the end seats. Trains vary a great deal. I have seen people use bungee or bike locks to secure their luggage, can't imagine it's very popular with other people as once secured it isn't easily shifted to accommodate other cases.

Some suggestions: Obviously, downsize your luggage, but still no guarantee there will be room for your luggage above or near your seats. Take a non stop from Rome to Salerno, if one exists, no one can get off early with your luggage. Go out to the luggage area about 10 minutes before you arrive in Salerno. Luggage storage is almost always opposite the carriage door.

When you say Large, are you talking a 26" or 28" case? The Freccia trains have lots of luggage space. Especially in First Class/Business Class you will find a better clientele than the regionale trains, as the Freccia trains are more expensive. At the risk of sounding like a snob, we don't mind the expense, and like the extra room and comfort.
If your case is not too big, it will fit in the space between the seats, effectively underneath you.
If not there's still lots of space on the luggage racks, and no-one is going to wrestle your 50 lb suitcase off the train easily without you noticing.

At the same time, you may have a hard time wrestling it onto the train easily. If you can't hoist it up 2 feet in a hurry, then you will have difficulty.

http://www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en

Look here at the trenitalia english website. On the upper left corner, click on Freccia, and you will see pics of the train, as well as descriptions of what to expect onboard. Be sure to use the Italian spelling of cities ie Roma not Rome.

We have learned to pack light, and even more so now that we are not as agile as we used to be. I agree with others that it is worth it to pack as light as possible.
That doesn't always mean taking less clothing, but layering, and buying lightweight pieces.
Enjoy your trip.

How "large" is large? If it's a normal suitcase, everyone puts them in the luggage spot at the front or back, when you get on a train car. You likely won't be able to see it from your seat, nor be able to take a large suitcase with you to your seat (a smaller carry-on you could).

No that doesn't mean "you can't travel from Rome to Salerno by train?" it just means you can't do it with huge bags within your vision at all times.

Is this still a part of your two week trip where you are carrying two "large" suitcases, whatever sizes they are? You are traveling in Italy. I have seen trains where it is so full that 26", 28", 30" luggage blocking the corridors. The Trenitalia ticket inspectors were not fazed. They just walk over them like hurdles without telling people to clear the corridor. Sometimes, I have to hoist my 20" luggage over my head to go past these people traveling with the 30".

A fast train from Rome to Salerno will only stop in Naples. A 25 inch suitcase will slide in behind the seat if you book seats with a table.

1st class has more room for luggage because in the same-size train car there are about 25% fewer seats - when booking your ticket the required seat reservation comes with it - try to pick a seat near the front or rear door exits so you can keep an eye on your bag - and as kywhiskey says fastest trains only stop once - you can even stand by the exit for a while if really worried. And yes some folks use the lock and chain routine.

For lots on trains check www.seat61.com; www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com.

Unless your suitcases are of a Guinness World Record size you should have NO problem taking them on trains anywhere in Europe - especially so in first class.

How large is large? Makes a difference. But -- you are only traveling for <u>two weeks</u> - you aren't moving to Italy. You don't need large bags for such a short tri (not for a much longer thrip but that is a different discussion.

Many of us travel carry-on only. But that isn't necessary. 24 inch bags aren't carry-on sized, and you'd have to check them on the flights, but they are totally manageable and PLENTY large enough for any 2 week trip.

I took the train from Salerno to Florence in July, did 1st class. My bag, 22", was on the rack above me. A bigger bag would have also fit.

Friends left for Rome the same day, one had a big bag. No issues other than the weight and heft of having to lug a big bag around. I can't remember whether we were on Italo or Frecciarossa.

I wouldn't worry about this.

Your bags will be fine in the luggage storage on the high speed rail. No random people are allowed on the track in Roma Termini any more. You can only gain access to the platforms if you have a ticket.
When the train arrives in Naples go stand where you can see your bags and when you depart for Salerno head back to your seat. Bags jammed in behind seats are a nuisance as they block aisles for people getting off. You will most likely be sharing your block of four with someone else - especially to Naples - so it is courteous to not have something wedged behind their seat.

A bigger concern is your dealing with the suitcases on and off the train. I did one trip to Germany with a friend who had a HUGE 32" body bag that the two of us could just about get on or off anything. I think she must have been carrying bricks!

When we got to trains I naturally had to deal with my normal suitcase and small carry-on and couldn't help her with the huge one. She was trying to drag it up the two steps unsuccessfully when a couple of burly young men hoisted it up for her - because she was blocking the entrance. But then she had it on the train and couldn't get it out of the aisle. The conductor was NOT amused.