Traveling by train in Italy means always traveling with carry-on luggage. You'll carry on board everything you have with you. It's your responsibility to bring your bags on board and stow them properly, which is a great incentive to packing light. There's no fee to bring luggage on the train.

When traveling through Italy, especially by train, your luggage strategy revolves around the "carry-on" philosophy. Italian trains, including the high-speed Frecciarossa and Italo, do not have a checked baggage system like airlines; you are responsible for boarding with and stowing your own bags. Small items fit in overhead racks, while medium bags can often slide into the V-shaped space between back-to-back seats. Larger suitcases must be placed in designated luggage racks at the ends of each carriage. Because these racks are not always visible from your seat, many travelers use a small cable lock to secure their bags to the rack for peace of mind. For those exploring cities before check-in or after check-out, look for "Deposito Bagagli" (left luggage) offices at major stations like Roma Termini or Milano Centrale. Alternatively, modern services like Radical Storage or Bounce partner with local shops and hotels to offer secure bag storage. To avoid the physical strain of hauling heavy bags over cobblestone streets and narrow bridges, packing light is highly recommended.