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Considering a trip to Venice and want more information on how to travel by train from Rome to Venice? Start your journey here!
Generally, the train time from Rome to Venice is 3 hours and 50 minutes, although you can get to Venice in just 3 hours and 16 minutes on the fastest high-speed services. When traveling on this popular route, you’ll depart from either Roma Termini or Roma Tiburtina station, and arrive at Venezia Santa Lucia or Venezia Mestre station.
While Venice is accessible by plane and car, the train is by far the most comfortable way to travel from Rome to Venice. Once you’ve set off, you can sit back and watch the scenery change from Roman grandeur to beautiful countryside, before crossing the Venetian Lagoon and arriving in the heart of the city.
If you travel on a high-speed Frecciarossa train, you’ll hit top speeds of 186mph (300km/h), while enjoying elite levels of comfort, with free WiFi and leather seats as standard. Once you’ve arrived in Venice, you’re a short walk from the city center, where you’ll find some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, such as:
And if you want to experience some more Venetian culture, Venice plays host to Carnevale every February - no wonder it's one of our top European destinations for February!
It's also worth knowing about Venice's new tourist fee if you're heading to the city to see the sights.
Ready to book? Start your search for cheap train tickets from Rome to Venice today. Keep reading for helpful information, such as FAQs, train times and how to find cheap train tickets. If you’re feeling ready to book, head to our Journey Planner at the top of the page to start your search.
First train | 5:45 am | |
---|---|---|
Last train | 10:35 pm | |
Departure station | Rome | |
Arrival station | Venice | |
Journey time | From 3h 16m | |
Distance | 245 miles (394 km) | |
Frequency | 48 trains per day | |
Changes | Direct trains available | |
Price | From $23.99 | |
Train and bus operators | Itabus, Trenitalia, Flixbus, Italo |
Frecciarossa trains are Trenitalia's flagship high-speed trains capable of reaching speeds of up to 186 mph (300 km/h). The "red arrow" trains are distinguished by their comfort, their ultra-modern design and their reduced impact on the environment. All Frecciarossa trains are equipped with a food carriage, a free WiFi connection and four levels of service – Standard, Premium (with drinks and welcome snacks served on arrival, as well as a morning newspaper), Business (with drinks and snacks, morning newspaper and larger seats) and Executive (with Fast Track, access to FrecciaClub lounges in train selected stations, and gourmet meals served to your seat). From December 2021, you can also travel with Frecciarossa from Milan to Paris via Turin, Modane and Chambéry. The trains are operated by Trenitalia France and have 4 levels of service - Standard, Business, Executive and Meeting Room - and two types of carriages: Silence Area, for those who want to travel in total tranquillity, and Allegro Area, for those who want to chat with their fellow passengers.
Italo is a high-speed train operator that runs services between many of the major cities across Italy. All Italo trains are modern, air conditioned, and have free WiFi available for all travellers. There are four comfort classes, or "ambiances", as Italo like to call them – Smart (the cheapest price), Comfort (with wider seats and extra legroom), Prima (with a welcome selection of food and drink, fast track boarding and extra space), and Executive Club (with all Prima services, extra-wide seats, access to Italo Club lounges and personal entertainment screens at your seat).
Trenitalia is the national railway company of Italy, with a fleet including high-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Frecciargento and Frecciabianca), Intercity and Intercity night trains and regional trains. Trenitalia offers discounts and special promotions on selected routes, two types of discounted tickets for young people under 30 and people over 60.
Trenitalia's Intercity trains run on standard lines outside the high-speed network, offering more than 90 trains a day that guarantee long and medium distance connections, ensuring wide coverage of the rail network. All Intercity trains are modern and comfortable with plenty of seats, retractable tables, power sockets, air conditioning, courtesy lights and plenty of luggage space. Intercity Night trains allow you to travel overnight in cabins with beds, berths or seating.
With Frecciarossa Standard, you’ll enjoy high-quality services including eco-leather reclining seats, folding tables and free WiFi at a reasonable price.
Providing all the perks of First Class for the price of Second Class, Frecciarossa Premium offers more legroom and baggage space, as well as a welcome service supplying a complimentary sweet or salty snack and a drink. You can also order your meal via the EasyBistrò paid service available on board.
If you’re travelling for work, Frecciarossa Business is the ideal option for you – it offers more legroom, glass dividers for more privacy, EasyBistrò meal service and a private 4-seat compartment called Salottino. A free snack box is also served to your seat.
Frecciarossa Executive can accommodate up to 10 single armchairs and offers plenty of legroom, wider reclining leather seats, free entry to FRECCIALounge at the main train stations, an exclusive open bar and Michelin-starred menu by the renowned Italian TV chef Carlo Cracco.
Although Smart is Italo’s standard and cheapest class, you won’t miss out on the fantastic service! This class provides you with the following amenities:
In addition to all the perks of Italo Smart, Italo Prima also provides a little extra, such as a dedicated Fast Track service and a welcome service.
If you want to travel in style, upgrade to Italo Club Executive and enjoy dedicated catering service, personal screens, and free access to Italo Club Lounge.
Travel in Second Class Easy and enjoy seats with folding tables, power outlets and a bar carriage in the middle of the train.
In addition to all the amenities in Second Class Easy, you'll get to enjoy more spacious seats and legroom in First Class Plus.
If you're traveling on a budget, buy a ticket for a basic seat – you'll find a spacious and comfortable seat with a fold-down table, as well as a minibar service.
This couchette can host up to 4 people and offers plenty of amenities, including complimentary beauty and grooming products, bedding, and breakfast served in the morning.
In this cabin, you'll enjoy a whole breakfast menu, a wake-up service and a more comfortable bed. Single, double or 3-berth compartments are available.
The Excelsior cabin Superior can host up to 2 people. Enjoy the perks of the Deluxe cabin Relax, as well as a welcome drink and a private bathroom with washbasin, shower and mirror.
If you need to request special assistance, you can call the toll-free number 800 90 60 60, which can be reached from a landline in Italy, or the national number +3902323232, which can be reached from a landline or mobile, even from abroad (international calling charges may apply).
Air-conditioning is available on board. You can also charge your devices thanks to the power outlets you can find at your seat.
While there’s no bar or restaurant car on Italo trains, you can use the vending machines on board to get snacks and drinks during your journey.
Priority seats for passengers with reduced mobility are available on Italo trains. They’re usually located next to an accessible toilet. All accessible toilets also have tactile and Braille signs.
Air-conditioning is available on all Italo trains, as well as power outlets at every seat.
You can get snacks and drinks from the vending machines available in car 3. Gluten-free and lactose-free options are available too.
At the moment, Intercity trains do not offer an entertainment portal on board. However, you can make use of your internet data, as well as charge your devices thanks to the power outlets that are available at your seat.
If you need to request special assistance, you can call the toll-free number 800 90 60 60 which can be reached from a landline in Italy, or the national number +3902323232, which can be reached from a landline or mobile, even from abroad (international calling charges may apply).
Air-conditioning is available on all Intercity trains.
A minibar trolley service is available on all Intercity Notte trains – you can choose from a wide range of snacks and drinks. Vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free options are available too.
Unfortunately, free WiFi is not available on Intercity Notte trains.
Intercity Notte trains have a car with designated spaces for 2 passengers with a wheelchair and 2 companions. You’ll find a wheelchair symbol outside the car.
Depending on the class you’ll be traveling in, you’ll get to enjoy additional perks, including a wake-up service, breakfast, bedding and more.
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Rome to Venice by booking early.§
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
If you’re visiting Rome from abroad, chances are you’ll be arriving at one of Rome’s airports, Fiumicino Airport or Ciampino Airport. Each airport is well-connected to central Rome thanks to the city’s extensive rail and bus network.
Trains to Venice depart from both Roma Termini station and Roma Tiburtina station. Not sure how to get to either? We’ve got you covered!
Waiting for your train has never been so relaxing! Both Italo and Frecciarossa welcome you in dedicated First Class Lounges with everything you need to sit back and relax before you travel.
Looking for luxury? Why not travel First Class on one of Trenitalia’s Frecce trains?
On Frecciarossa trains, choose Business or Executive when booking to benefit from Trenitalia’s First Class offer. For starters, you’ll be greeted on board with a welcome service and a welcome drink. First Class also means more spacious cars, solo seats and an at-seat meal service. Plus, you’ll be able to access the FrecciaLounge at Italy’s main train stations, such as Roma Termini and Milano Centrale.
On Frecciabianca and Frecciargento trains, go First Class and you’ll get a welcome service when you get on the train, including a welcome drink. Then, once you’re on board, you can enjoy real leather seats and more legroom.
On your way from Rome to Venice by train, you can stop off at several towns and cities.
In total, the journey from Rome to Venice can take just 3 hours and 16 minutes on the fastest high-speed services. Depending on which service you travel on, you can travel through some of the most beautiful towns in Italy, including Florence and Bologna. Your Italo or Frecciarossa train from Rome to Venice will call at the following stations:
At the end of your journey, you will arrive at either Venezia Santa Lucia station or Venezia Mestre station.
Before you know it, your train will arrive in Venice. Trains departing from Rome arrive at either Venezia Santa Lucia station or Venezia Mestre station.
As soon as you’ve arrived, you can simply leave the station, as there are no security checks to go through. Once you’ve exited Santa Lucia station, you’ll want to start soaking up the city’s atmosphere as soon as possible.
If you want to reach the center of Venice quickly, the easiest way to get there is on foot. From Santa Lucia station, the renowned Rialto Bridge is a 20-minute walk, and the iconic St Mark’s Square is a 27-minute walk.
Located around 6 miles from central Venice, Venezia Mestre station is well-connected due to the city’s public transport system.
If you want to get from Venezia Mestre station to the city center quickly and cheaply, you should take the tram. Once you’ve left the station, you’ll find the Mestre Centro tram stop at Piazzale Cialdini. From here, you can take the T1 Line to Piazzale Roma in the heart of Venice.
Alternatively, you can take a 10-minute train from Venezia Mestre station to Venezia Santa Lucia station with Trenitalia. Then, you can simply take a 20-minute walk to the city center.
Although Venice is a small city and can be visited on foot, you can still make use of the public transport available. Keep reading for more details.
Even if tourists and locals don’t usually need to take a bus to get around the city center, they are sometimes necessary to get to other destinations. For example, if you’re traveling to Venice Airport, you can take bus line 5 from Piazzale Roma, which is only a few minutes away from Venezia Santa Lucia station.
As most of the public transport on the island of Venice is waterborne, urban buses are the least used means of transport.
Water buses, also known as vaporetti in Italian, replace the normal urban buses and are used to get around the heart of the city via its canals. The most useful water bus lines for tourists are the following:
Boasting picturesque canals and bridges, medieval churches and palaces, there’s so much to discover in beautiful Venice! To help you narrow it down, here are some ideas for things to see and do in Venice:
Enjoyed your time in Venice and want to explore more of Italy? You can easily reach nearby towns and cities by train. To inspire your next trip, here are some of the most popular train journeys from Venice:
If you’re traveling back home after your trip to Venice, you’ll probably depart from Venice Marco Polo Airport. Want to know how to get from the city center to the airport? Keep reading for more details.
The bus is one of the quickest ways to get to the airport from the city center. From Piazzale Roma, you can take bus line 5 to Venice’s Marco Polo Airport. On the way, the bus makes various stops, so the journey can take from 30 to 45 minutes. A one-way ticket costs €8 ($8.69 in August 2023).
However, for the same price, you can take the ATVO bus, which is slightly faster. Running from Piazzale Roma, ATVO’s blue buses only make two stops, meaning you’ll arrive at the airport in just 20 minutes. Approximately, the buses run every 30 minutes and also cost €8 ($8.69 in August 2023).
Alternatively, you can take one of Alilaguna’s water buses – they run all day from very early in the morning until late at night and connect St Mark’s Square with the airport.
Each journey on the water bus costs €15 ($16.29 in August 2023). The Alilaguna water bus network is comprised of six different lines, but only three lines will take you to the airport:
After visiting Venice, why not continue exploring Europe by train? With a Eurail Pass, you can travel across 33 European countries as much as you want on participating European train networks for a set amount of travel days.
You can use a Eurail Pass if you’re not a European citizen or resident. If you're a European citizen or a non-European who is an official legal resident of a European country, you can use an Interrail Pass instead.