How long is the train ride from Rome to Venice?

The fastest direct high-speed trains from Rome to Venice take about 3 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours 45 minutes. Slower services and trains with a change take longer, so check the travel time before you book.

Who runs the trains

Two companies run high-speed trains on the route:

• Trenitalia, the state operator, runs the Frecciarossa. It has the most departures through the day.
• Italo, a private operator, runs fewer trains.

Both go at up to 300 km/h for much of the trip, through Florence and Bologna, so their times are close. Choose by departure time and fare.

Which stations

In Rome most trains leave from Roma Termini. Some also stop at Roma Tiburtina, which can be handier for the east of the city.

In Venice, if you are staying in the historic centre, stay on until Venezia Santa Lucia, the end of the line. The stop before it, Venezia Mestre, is on the mainland. Step out of Santa Lucia and you are on the Grand Canal, with water-bus (vaporetto) stops right in front of the station.

Buying a ticket

• High-speed fares change with demand, like plane fares. The earlier you book, the cheaper they tend to be.
• Buy from the operators directly (trenitalia.com and italotreno.com) or at the station machines. Booking sites sell the same tickets, sometimes with a fee.
• High-speed tickets are for a named train and seat. Keep the ticket or QR code on your phone for the conductor.
• Paper tickets for regional trains are different. They are not tied to a train and have to be validated in the machines on the platform before you board.

Is the train better than flying?

Usually, yes. The train goes from city centre to city centre, with no airport security. Once you add the time to reach and leave both airports, the flight rarely saves time.