Everything You Need to Know for a Day Trip to Venice from Rome

Want to experience the magic of Venice in a day from Rome? Although the two cities are far apart, high-speed trains allow you to fully enjoy Venetian wonders in a day trip. From the majestic St. Mark's Square to the enchanting canals, Venice invites you to explore its unique treasures, even with limited time. Follow our tips to plan this adventure to the fullest and maximize your visit to the "Serenissima", all while returning to Rome in the evening with unforgettable memories.

Venice – The City of Canals

Venice, famous for its canals and unique architecture, is a must-see destination. Known as the "City of Doges", Venice offers a romantic and timeless setting, where every corner reveals a new wonder. As you stroll through its alleys, you'll discover iconic sites such as St. Mark's Square, the magnificent St. Mark's Basilica, and the majestic Doge's Palace. A vaporetto ride along the Grand Canal or a walk across the legendary Rialto Bridge are experiences not to be missed. Venice, with its incomparable charm, transports you to another world.

Book your visit to Venice from Rome

Can you visit Venice in one day from Rome?

Yes, it is possible to visit Venice in a day from Rome, but it is a long day. High-speed trains like the Frecciarossa connect Rome to Venice in about 3h30 to 4h, allowing you to leave early in the morning and return in the evening. However, due to travel time, you will have about 6 to 8 hours on site to explore Venice.

It is recommended to plan ahead to focus on the main attractions, like St. Mark's Square, St. Mark's Basilica, Doge's Palace, and a quick gondola ride through the canals. Venice deserves more time to be fully appreciated, but if you only have one day, it's doable with good organization and a selection of must-see sites.

Getting to Venice from Rome will take you at least 4 hours. So we recommend a two-day trip rather than a one-day trip, if your schedule allows, so you can truly enjoy it to the fullest.

What are the 10 best things to see in Venice?

Here is a list of the 10 best things to see in Venice:

1. St. Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco): The heart of Venice, surrounded by iconic monuments.
2. St. Mark's Basilica (Basilica di San Marco): A splendid cathedral with golden mosaics and Byzantine architecture.
3. Doge's Palace (Palazzo Ducale): The former residence of the Doges of Venice, rich in history and art.
4. Rialto Bridge (Ponte di Rialto): One of the most famous bridges in Venice, offering magnificent views of the Grand Canal.
5. The Grand Canal (Canal Grande): The main waterway of Venice, lined with sumptuous palaces and navigable by vaporetto.
6. Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri): An iconic bridge connecting Doge's Palace to the prison.
7. Murano Island: Famous for its blown glass craft.
8. Burano Island: Known for its colorful houses and lace production.
9. Gallerie dell'Accademia: An art museum housing Venetian Renaissance works.
10. La Fenice Theatre: A historical opera house that has survived several fires, symbolizing the resilience of Venice.

These sites offer a beautiful immersion in the cultural and historical richness of Venice.

What should I pack for visiting Venice?

Here is a list of what is recommended to bring when visiting Venice:

• Comfortable shoes: Venice is mainly visited on foot, with bridges and narrow alleys, so good shoes are essential.
• Water protection: A small umbrella or raincoat is useful, as Venice can be rainy and sometimes prone to acqua alta (high tide).
• Reusable water bottle: To stay hydrated, especially in summer.
• Light and secure bag: Venice is a tourist city, so a practical and secure bag for your belongings is recommended.
• Camera or smartphone: To capture the beauty of the canals, historic buildings, and bridges.
• City map or mobile app: Venice is a labyrinth of alleys, so it's helpful to have a way to find your way around.
• Hat and sunglasses: In summer, to protect yourself from the sun during outdoor walks.
• Cash: For small expenses, although card is accepted in many places.

These items will help you make the most of your visit to Venice, while being prepared for the specifics of this unique city.

How to get to Venice from Rome?

There are several options to get to Venice from Rome, depending on your preferences in terms of comfort, time, and budget. Here are the main options:

• Train: The train is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to get to Venice from Rome. High-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Frecciargento, Italo) connect Rome to Venice in about 3h45 to 4 hours. They depart from Roma Termini station and arrive at Venezia Santa Lucia, which is located on the island of Venice.
• Plane: Taking a plane is a fast option but often less convenient due to airport formalities. The flight between Rome (Fiumicino Airport) and Venice (Marco Polo Airport) takes about 1h10. You need to factor in the time to get to the airport (about 30 minutes from Rome by express train) and the transfer from Venice airport to the city center (Alilaguna boat shuttle or bus to Piazzale Roma).
• Bus: The bus is a cheaper but slower option (expect 7 to 8 hours). FlixBus and Itabus companies offer regular trips between Rome and Venice. The buses arrive at the Venezia Tronchetto station.
• Car: Driving from Rome to Venice can be an interesting option if you want to explore other cities along the way. The direct drive takes about 5 to 6 hours, depending on traffic. You will take the A1 and A13 highways, with tolls along the way.

If you prefer a turnkey option where everything is taken care of for you, travel agencies in Rome offer day trips to Venice, all organized, with guided tours and including round-trip transportation from Rome. They offer complete one-day or two-day packages.
Discover our selection of one-day or two-day trips to Venice from Rome here.

Have you ever been to Venice? What treasures have you discovered? Share your adventures, recommendations, or even questions in the comments. Your experience could inspire the next getaway of another passionate traveler! Leave us a comment below.

Also check out our article on the best possible excursions, from one day or more, from Rome. You'll find other gems! Also be inspired by our recommended itineraries to better organize your stay. There's so much to see in the Eternal City!

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