Official practice: Trenitalia high-speed services impose no fixed ticket-based weight or piece allowance for personal bags – carriage space is the constraint. Storage options: overhead racks for small items, dedicated luggage shelves at both ends of each coach for larger suitcases, and accessible floor space between seats for one small bag. Train staff may request redistribution if aisles or emergency exits are blocked.
Dimensions and placement (practical guidance): treat overhead shelves as suitable for items up to approximately 55 × 40 × 25 cm; end-of-carriage racks typically accommodate suitcases up to about 85 × 55 × 35 cm. Very large boxes or bulky equipment should be consolidated into a single clearly marked item and positioned on the end rack; if uncertain, contact customer service before departure to confirm carriage capacity.
Special equipment and bikes: compact folding bicycles that fit shelf dimensions are handled as ordinary items. Full-size bicycles, surfboards and musical instruments that exceed rack dimensions usually require advance arrangement – some services provide reserved spaces or require a supplement. Sporting gear with frames or loose parts should be packed in protective covers and stored in the carriage-end area.
Security and timing tips: label all items with a name and phone number, keep passports, cash and electronics in a small bag carried under the seat or on the person, lock main zippers, and board 15–30 minutes before departure when possible to secure rack space for larger items. Avoid blocking doors and walkways; if a conductor asks to relocate an item, comply immediately to prevent delays.
Prohibited and restricted articles: hazardous materials (flammable liquids, compressed gas cylinders, certain batteries in loose form) are forbidden or restricted under transport rules – check Trenitalia guidance for specifics before travel. For oversized freight or commercial shipments, use station freight services rather than onboard storage.
Trenitalia high-speed train baggage rules and practical tips
No fixed limit on number or weight of bags is applied; all items must be stowed in overhead racks, dedicated end-of-carriage compartments or beneath seats and must not obstruct aisles, doorways or emergency equipment.
- Storage locations: small backpacks and cabin bags go on overhead shelves or under the seat; large roller suitcases are intended for the luggage bay at each carriage end.
- Size guidance: aim for cabin items roughly 55×35×25 cm for overhead placement; larger cases up to about 85×55×35 cm are typically accommodated in end compartments.
- Oversized or special sports gear (skis, surfboards, full-size bicycles): contact customer service in advance or consult the operator’s special-transport rules; folding bikes usually fit as carry-on when compacted.
- Arrival timing: arrive 15–25 minutes before departure to secure space for bulky bags during peak periods.
- Valuables/security: keep passports, electronics and medication in a small bag kept at your seat; label all items with name and phone number and photograph cases for faster recovery if lost.
- Prohibited/restricted items: flammable liquids, explosives, corrosives, compressed gases and other hazardous materials are forbidden; animals require appropriate carriers or tickets according to the operator’s animal policy.
- Staff assistance: ask onboard staff for help if a large item blocks an aisle or if special stowage is needed; unattended items may be moved or removed for safety.
When planning travel with bulky equipment, verify carriage-specific provisions on the operator’s website and consider reserved seating in cars with larger luggage zones to guarantee space.
Allowed baggage dimensions, weight and number per passenger
Limit: two large suitcases plus one personal item per passenger.
Recommended maximums: large bags – 85 × 55 × 35 cm (height × width × depth) and up to 25 kg each; personal item – 55 × 35 × 25 cm and 8–10 kg. These sizes match common onboard storage clearances and ease handling when placing items in racks or vestibules.
Placement guidance: carry personal items under the seat or in overhead racks; place rolling suitcases in the dedicated luggage racks at carriage ends or in the vestibule. Extremely heavy items (>25 kg) should be handled with assistance and kept clear of aisles and doorways.
Oversize/odd-shaped items: single pieces longer than 120 cm or with combined linear dimensions above ~158 cm require prior coordination with staff and usually need to be stowed in dedicated areas; bicycles, skis and similar equipment commonly require reservation and special storage arrangements.
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Where to store bags on board: overhead racks, storage zones and under-seat guidelines
Place large, heavy suitcases in the designated storage zones at coach ends or by doors; do not use overhead racks for bulky hard cases to prevent falls during deceleration.
Orient rolling cases with wheels toward the carriage wall and handles facing the aisle for quick retrieval; retract and lock telescopic handles to save space and reduce shifting.
Reserve overhead racks for medium backpacks, soft duffels and cabin-size items that lie flat; slide items fully onto the shelf, keep heavier side inward, and avoid stacking more than two pieces in one section to minimize risk of items falling.
Use the under-seat area only for small bags and personal items that fit entirely beneath the seat without blocking foot space or ventilation; store liquids upright in sealed pouches and keep passports, electronics and medication within immediate reach.
Avoid obstructing aisles and emergency exits; tag all checked items with a visible name and phone number and report oversized or bulky sports equipment to onboard staff before boarding so it can be stowed safely.
Foldable strollers and compact mobility aids belong in the storage zones; musical instruments under seat if compact, otherwise reserve a designated space or book additional carriage storage.
For bulky items that cannot be accommodated onboard, consider courier or retail shipping alternatives and compare offers such as best deal on cordless lawn mower.
Large items (bikes, skis, instruments): booking, packaging and transport options
Reserve dedicated handling at least 48–72 hours before departure for bicycles and full-size musical instruments; notify the carrier via phone or online form and get written confirmation (booking reference or email).
Booking procedure
Contact customer service specifying item type, packed dimensions and whether batteries are present (e-bikes). Request a documented approval or restriction note. For high-demand services, ask for space allocation or an official remark on the booking; retain screenshots or emails. If special handling is required (oversize, fragile instrument), purchase an extra seat only if permitted by the operator and the case fits within seat footprint (check seat width and aisle clearance).
Packaging and handling recommendations
Pack in dedicated transit cases: hard-shell bike box or airline-style bike bag, padded ski roller bag, or ATA-approved hard case for instruments. For bicycles: remove or secure pedals, turn handlebars parallel, remove front wheel and place between frame and padding, slightly deflate tires to avoid pressure changes. For skis: use a single ski bag with reinforced ends and a separate boot bag if space is limited. For cellos, double-case with internal suspension; for guitars, use a hardshell case with interior padding and a strap to prevent movement.
Item | Recommended packed dimensions (L×H×D) | Case type | Booking lead time | Handling notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Standard bicycle (disassembled) | 120–140 × 80–100 × 20–35 cm | Cardboard bike box / hard bike case | 48–72 hours | Remove front wheel, secure frame, pad contact points, label with contact info |
Folding bicycle (folded) | 80–100 × 60–40 × 25–40 cm | Folding-bike bag / small box | 24–48 hours | Fold and lock mechanism, secure pedals, preferred for onboard stowage |
Skis (pair with poles) | 170–220 × 20–40 × 10–25 cm | Padded ski bag with reinforced ends | 24–48 hours | Use reinforced ends, label, keep boots separate or in boot compartment |
Guitar / small string instruments | 100–110 × 40–50 × 10–20 cm | Hardshell case or ATA soft case with internal padding | 48–72 hours for special handling | Consider purchasing adjacent seat if allowed; secure inside cabin if gate staff approve |
Cello / large instruments | 115–125 × 45–55 × 25–40 cm | ATA hardshell case with suspension | 48–72 hours | Book handling; avoid placing in overhead areas–request designated storage or extra seat |
E-bike batteries: remove and transport in accordance with lithium-battery safety rules; carry in cabin if permitted or follow carrier instructions. For fragile or high-value items, purchase transit insurance and photograph item before travel. If space or booking approval is denied, arrange a door-to-door courier or station freight service and compare cost vs. purchasing a compact travel case that fits standard onboard storage dimensions.
Security checks, prohibited items and staff refusals
Passengers must submit personal effects for inspection when requested by station or onboard staff; refusal can lead to denial of carriage and involvement of law enforcement.
Hard prohibitions: explosives and pyrotechnics; firearms, ammunition and realistic replicas; compressed gas cylinders for camping stoves or refill cartridges; flammable liquids and fuels (petrol, diesel, large quantities of lighter fluid, solvent-based paints); toxic, corrosive or radioactive substances; biological hazards and infectious materials.
Battery- and electrical-device rules: large lithium battery packs (e‑bike or scooter batteries, hoverboard packs) and battery-powered boards are commonly refused. Portable power banks should be under 100 Wh and carried in carry-on items with terminals protected; power sources above 100 Wh may be rejected.
Items creating obstruction, nuisance or risk: oversized parcels that block aisles or emergency exits, leaking containers, strongly odorous substances, open fuel cans, unsecured equipment that can fall during movement, and garbage or soiled objects may be refused for safety and hygiene reasons.
Animals and special cases: animals without required containment, health documentation or appropriate restraint (carrier or muzzle/lead) can be refused. Unaccompanied parcels, items shipped without prior agreement or objects requiring special handling (hazmat, very large instruments) may be denied transport unless prearranged with operator staff.
Consequences and compliance: staff have authority to inspect, confiscate or require removal of prohibited items; deliberate concealment of dangerous goods may trigger fines and criminal charges. Cooperate with requests for removal, repackaging or transfer to a suitable service to avoid delays.
When in doubt, declare an item to station staff before boarding; advance confirmation avoids refusals and last-minute removal.
Lost, delayed or damaged baggage: how to report, track and claim reimbursement
Report missing or damaged bags immediately to on-board staff or the station Lost & Found desk and obtain a written Property Irregularity Report (PIR) or equivalent reference; record train number, service code, coach and seat, exact time and location, and a brief item description.
Report and tracking procedure
Report at the earliest opportunity to the conductor or station customer service; if already left the station, submit a report via the operator’s official website or contact centre and quote ticket/PNR number. Required information: PIR/reference number; ticket/booking code; ID of the passenger who carried the item; clear description including brand, colour, serial numbers, distinguishing marks; photos; purchase receipts or proof of ownership if available. Request and retain the claim reference number for online tracking. Typical acknowledgement: 48–72 hours; full investigation timeframe frequently 30–60 days depending on complexity.
Documentation and reimbursement steps
For damaged property, retain the damaged item and take high-resolution photos from multiple angles; request a signed statement from staff where damage occurred. For reimbursement, submit a formal claim including PIR/reference, ticket/PNR, passenger ID, proof of ownership/price, repair estimates or replacement invoices, photos, and bank details for payment. Emergency expenditure (basic clothing/toiletries) should be supported by original receipts and date/times showing delay. Settlement methods: repair reimbursement (upon presentation of repair invoice) or payout based on proven current value with depreciation applied. Expect preliminary response within about 30 days and final settlement within 60 days; if funds are withheld or claim rejected, escalate using the operator’s customer relations process, then file a complaint with the national transport regulator or pursue small-claims court with all documentation and the operator’s claim reference. Travel insurance policies commonly cover gaps–submit the operator’s claim outcome and all supporting documents to the insurer.
FAQ:
Am I allowed to bring luggage on Frecciarossa trains, and are there size or weight limits?
Yes. Passengers can take luggage on Frecciarossa without paying extra. Trenitalia does not publish a strict weight or item-count limit for standard suitcases, but you are expected to be able to carry and stow your own bags. Use the overhead racks or the luggage areas near carriage doors; items that block aisles or emergency exits may be refused. If you have unusually large or heavy pieces, ask train staff before boarding.
How should I handle special items like bikes, skis or surfboards on Frecciarossa—do I need a reservation or extra fee?
Rules for bulky sporting equipment vary. Folding bicycles placed in a bag are typically allowed and can be stored in luggage zones; full-size bicycles, surfboards and long ski bags are often restricted on high-speed services. Before travel check Trenitalia’s official guidance or contact customer service to confirm whether your item is permitted and whether any advance arrangement is needed. If the item is accepted, board early so you can position it in a designated space without blocking doors, and secure it so it won’t shift during motion. Dangerous goods and firearms are not permitted; if an item is lost or left on the train, report it to station lost property or Trenitalia customer care as soon as possible.