How to Get From Rome to Venice

The distance between Rome and Venice is 528 km (365 miles), and a high-speed train is the best transportation option for your journey. However, you can also travel by bus or by car. Depending on the kind of transportation you choose, travel time will take from 3 hours 35 minutes to 7 hours.

• Here’s the list of options on how to get from Rome to Venice:

By Train

The best way to get to Venice from Rome is by fast train, which is the most convenient way to reach the city.

Italotreno

Your journey on the high-speed train service ItaloTreno will take 3 hours 45 minutes. Trains from Rome depart daily, starting from 6:45 am (Roma Termini and Roma Tiburtina stations). You can reach Santa Lucia railway station in Venice already by 10 am.

One-way train ticket’s cost is from 27.90 euro to 89.90 euro. If you buy a last-minute ticket, there will probably be only expensive options. However, if you plan your trip at least one month before the date, there is a high chance of buying convenient and valuable tickets. For example, for the seat in first class (Prima) you can pay only 18,90 euros:

Trenitalia

Trenitalia is an excellent alternative to reach Venice from the Eternal City by train. However, the website has a bit more complicated registration procedure, and sometimes there are faults. High-speed trains depart from Roma Termini station daily from 5:35 am.

If you buy a ticket in advance, there is a chance to find one of the special tickets fares Super Economy with the price of only 19.90 euro. Venice is a trendy route among tourists. However, sometimes there are no tickets left for your dates if you try to find them at the last moment.

Note: always plan your trip in advance

Night trains

You can also reach Venice from Rome by one of the night trains and save money since you will not have to pay for the hotel. The cheapest ticket fare in the second class is only 12.90 euros. The price for the male or female coupe will be about 60 euro, while a separate coupe’s ticket price will be more than 100 euro. Here’s the timetable for night trains, but it is better to consider other transportation options.

By Bus

You can get from Rome to Venice by a bus operated by FlixBus.com, which is a perfect option for budget tourists. However, the journey will take at least 7 hours. The bus ticket price is from 19.90 euros to 29.90 euros for a one-way trip. 

Note: the bus arrives to the station in Mestre area of Venice, which is a bit far from the centre of the city

Undoubtedly, if you choose to get to Venice by bus, the best departure time is at night because you will arrive in Venice at 5:30 am. Then, you will have the whole day to explore one of the most beautiful cities in Italy.

By Plane

Since Rome and Venice are located many miles apart, both cities have international airports. Therefore, you can consider buying a ticket from one of the budget airlines and reaching Venice in a short period since it is the fastest option. There are two airports in Rome: Ciampino and Fiumicino. For instance, EasyJet.com airlines have budget flights to Venice from Rome.

Air fares to Venice are different, since the price depends on the season and airline. Sometimes you can find flights for as low as 15 euro one-way or 50 euro and more

By Car

A journey to Venice from Rome by car should be considered the only case if you travel around Italy for at least one week. You can also visit Tuscany for gastronomical purposes or admire the green hills of Umbria on your way to Venice. Considering the rental price for the car and toll roads, it is better to visit other towns and cities, since a direct journey for 6 hours by car does not make sense compared to fast train fares.

You can rent a car with  rentalcars.com. Prices for car rental from Rome Fiumicino airport start from 10 euro per day. Read more about renting a car in Rome.

Best Things To Do in Venice

1. Visit the square and Basilica of San Marco (Basilica di San Marco) – it is one of the most important monuments in Italy from the 11th century, with gold ground mosaics and opulent design.
2. Admire Palazzo Ducale from the 9th century, which is a famous masterpiece of Gothic art with different art treasures
3. Walk along bridges and tiny streets.
4. Experience a gondola ride on Canal Grande.
5. Go to Scala Contarini del Bovolo, a stairwell of Palazzo Contarini – a gothic building with a cylinder perforated like lace.
6. Visit the Galleria dell’Accademia, a museum gallery from the 19th century.
7. Visit Murano and Burano, colorful islands.
8. Discover small authentical shops in the historical center of Venice.
9. Visit the famous Carnevale Festival, which takes place in Venice in February.
10. Walk through Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto), the most famous bridge in Venice and one of the most beautiful in Italy.

FAQ about visiting Venice

Is it better to fly from Rome to Venice or by train?

The best way to get from Rome to Venice is by high-speed train. It will take you directly to the historic center of Venice, to the central station – Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia, where you can immediately start sightseeing.

How fast is the high-speed train from Rome to Venice?

ItaloTreno high-speed trains cover the distance between Rome and Venice in just 4 hours, moving at speeds up to 190 miles per hour.

How many days do you need in Venice?

Most travelers visit Venice only on a day trip. But I recommend spending 2-3 days in Venice to visit the main attractions and enjoy this unique city on the water early in the morning or in the evening when there are no crowds of tourists on the streets.

Is Venice worth visiting?

Of course, yes! Venice is a unique city with many architectural sights with no analogs anywhere in the world. It is located on 120 islands, most of which are connected by 400 bridges.

Which train station is best for Venice?

The most convenient Venice railway station to start exploring the main attractions is Santa Lucia.

What is the best month to visit Venice, Italy?

The best time to visit Venice is May, September, and October. The rest of the year can be too humid or too hot. If the weather doesn’t scare you, then a live hack would be to come to Venice in March, April, or November when there are no crowds of tourists and hotel prices are much lower.

Is Rome cheaper than Venice?

Venice is the most expensive city in Italy. Rome has a much larger selection of hotels and restaurants for travelers on a budget.

Is Venice, Italy, walkable?

Venice in Italy is one of the world's best walking cities. The historic center of Venice is car-free and compact, with smooth and level pavements so that you can enjoy the cozy cinematic streets on foot.

Can I use US dollars in Venice?

Italy is part of the Eurozone. Before the trip, I highly recommend exchanging dollars for cash euros. There are currency exchange offices only at the airport, and be prepared to lose up to 30% of the amount on their commission. Also, a great life hack would be purchasing a multi-currency credit card, such as Revolut.

Is Venice or Florence better?

Venice is much more famous and unique than Florence.
Florence is renowned for its Uffizi Gallery, Michelangelo's David, and the Florentine Steak. Venice is an amazing, floating, and magnificent city. There are too many tourists in Venice, but there is something magical about the canals, gondolas, and marvelous churches. Read my tips on how to get from Rome to Florence.

Is there an Uber in Venice?

No, Uber does not operate in or near Venice.

What month does Venice flood?

For several days a year, between October and January, the water level in Venice rises, and part of the city is flooded. When the acqua alta ("high water") occurs, Piazza San Marco, the city’s lowest point, briefly becomes one with the lagoon. Unique wooden platforms are put up on the square, on which you can walk in special waterproof boots.

What time of year does Venice smell?

In recent years, Venice has carried out the modernization of wastewater treatment plants. Sometimes the Canals only smell for a few minutes, and even then, only at low tide. If you are not very sensitive to smells, visiting Venice any time of the year is normal and will not cause respiratory discomfort.

What is the rainy season in Venice?

The rainy season in Venice lasts from April to the end of November. During this period, rain falls approximately once every 4 days. The rainiest month in Venice is June.

Is food better in Rome or Venice?

Definitely, in terms of price/quality ratio, the food in Rome is much better than in Venice. Roman cuisine is also famous for pasta, artichokes, and meat dishes. Read more about Roman cuisine in this article.

Is Venice more beautiful than Rome?

If we compare the beauty of Venice and Rome in terms of the number of attractions and historical heritage, then Rome is much more beautiful than Venice. It takes no more than 5 days to see all the sights of Venice, but to see everything in Rome, you will not have enough life.

What should I wear in Venice?

In the summer in Venice, I recommend wearing breathable clothes, dresses, comfortable sandals, and a wide-brimmed hat protecting your head from the sun. In spring, autumn, and winter, Venice has mild and reasonably dry weather with the possibility of rain. At this time, you will need a semi-season jacket, layered clothing, and an umbrella.

Do you need to pre-book a gondola ride in Venice?

There is no need to book a gondola ride in Venice in advance. Usually, the queue is from 10 minutes to an hour. But suppose you need to save time and want to be sure of the cost. In that case, I advise you to choose one of the tours listed below in advance:

 
1. 30-Minute Classic Gondola Ride

 
2. Gondola Ride with Live Commentary

 
3. Traditional Gondola Serenade

How much spending money will I need for Venice?

For a day trip to Venice, in addition to transport tickets, I advise you to plan the following expenses:

 
• 12.5 euros – Vaporetto Day Pass (Waterbus).

 
• 35 euros – Lunch with pasta and a glass of wine.

 
• 25 euro – Tickets to St. Mark's Basilica and the observation deck.

 
• 20 euro – Souvenirs.

 
• 33 еuro – 30-min gondola ride.

 
• 15 euro – pizza for dinner or take away on the way back.

Total costs will be about 140 euros per person.
If you want to see the maximum and save money, I advise you to purchase The Venice Pass for 99 euros.

How much is a train ride from Rome to Venice?

High-speed train tickets from Rome to Venice cost between 28.90 and 150 euros. The cheapest tickets are available 1-2 months before the trip. The cost also depends on the time of day and the class of the carriage.

Can I do a day trip to Venice from Rome?

Yes, you can visit Venice on a day trip from Rome by high-speed train. You will have approximately 7 hours to explore Venice. Departure from Rome at 5:55, arrival in Venice at 9:55. Return departure from Venice at 17:05, arrival in Rome at 21:05.

Where to Stay in Venice

There are many options on where to stay in Venice. Since many tourists are in the city, you should book accommodation in advance. Here’s the list of excellent options that you may consider for your trip:

Carnival Palace Hotel

The Carnival Palace Hotel is located in the Jewish Ghetto area of Venice. There are ultra-modern rooms with hardwood floors and free WiFi. Moreover, all rooms are soundproof and have an advanced ventilation system.

• Prices start from 80 euros per room for 2 people

Splendid Venice

Splendid Venice – Starhotels Collezione is set on a canal in the Mercerie area of Venice. There is a private pier in this 4 stars hotel and a fantastic gourmet restaurant. Moreover, the hotel features a rooftop overlooking the city.

• Prices start from 150 euros per room for 2 people

Hotel Violino D’Oro

Hotel Violino D’Oro is an 18th-century building with beautifully decorated rooms overlooking the San Moise Canal. All rooms of this 3 stars hotel are spacious and air-conditioned. This is an excellent property for your stay in Venice.

• Prices start from 70 euros per room for 2 people

Hotel Montecarlo

Hotel Montecarlo is a 3 stars hotel in the historical center of Venice. It is set in a 17th-century building. There are Venetian-style rooms with all amenities.

• Prices start from 70 euros per room for 2 people

Bed and Breakfast Al Saor

Bed and Breakfast Al Saor is located a 5-minute walk from Rialto Bridge. There is a lovely terrace where you can have breakfast. The property is a fantastic choice for budget travelers.

• Prices start from 40 euros per room for 2 people.

Author: Kate Zusmann

I have lived in the Eternal City for the past 12 years. They say every angle of Rome has its history, and I'm here to tell you about the most intriguing historical facts and city legends. :)