Venice Day Trip From Rome: Here’s What You Need to Know..

Planning a Venice day trip from Rome? 

This essential guide has everything you need to know about day trips to Venice from Rome. It includes the best method of travel between the two cities, the best tours available and what to expect on your Rome to Venice one-day trip. 

Venice, the Floating City, was founded in the 5th century and is a must-see for lovers of art and architecture. The unique and magical UNESCO World Heritage city is made up of 118 small islands. It is packed with ornate palaces, historic bridges, stunning churches and fascinating, characterful quarters. 

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There is no avoiding the fact that Venice day trips from Rome will be a long day out. However, if you are only visiting Italy once, we think a day trip to this memorable city is worth doing. 

Who knows when you will get the chance to visit Venice again? 

Venice Day Trip From Rome: At A Glance

Here are some of the most important things to know before planning and taking a Venice day trip from Rome. 

*We think it is likely to be introduced at some point in the near future. If the current plan is implemented, visitors must pre-book entry to Venice in advance online. In return, visitors will receive a QR code to scan at the different entrance points to the city.

The planned entrance fees will vary according to the time of year you visit but will range between €3 – €10 per person per day. 

Is A Day Trip From Rome To Venice Worth It?

Venice is a unique and atmospheric city. Once there, you can cover a lot of ground and attractions within one day either by foot or by boat. For these reasons, we think a Venice day trip from Rome is worth doing, especially if you are unlikely to get the chance to visit Venice again. 

However, a day trip to Venice from Rome will be a long day out and requires careful, advance planning. 

Choosing the right transport and itinerary for your trip to Venice from Rome is essential. It will make all the difference between a smooth, stress-free and fun Rome to Venice day trip or a nightmarish stressful day out where you spend all your time travelling and no time sightseeing. 

Best Organised Venice Tour From Rome

Due to the distance involved in travelling between the two cities, there is not a wide choice of Rome to Venice tours available. 

When researching tours from Rome to Venice, it is essential to assess how much time you will spend travelling and how much time you will get to spend in Venice sightseeing.

Venice Day Trip By Train From Rome – Private Tour

This Rome to Venice tour packs a lot into one day, and apart from the train ride, you will be fully accompanied throughout your Venice day trip from Rome. This will save you time and energy and enable you to focus on your day trip. 

WHY BOOK THIS TOUR?

This private day trip from Rome to Venice by fast train lasts approximately 12 hours. It allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before the trip. If you want a hassle-free day and a guide that will walk you around Venice and give you a lot of context and stories behind to what you see, then an organised Rome to Venice tour is the best option for you.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

ITINERARY

You will depart Rome early on a high-speed train and arrive in Venice around 11 am. Your guide will meet your private group at the train station to begin your Venice day tour.

The first stop on this Rome to Venice day tour is a two-hour visit to St. Mark’s Square and St. Mark’s Basilica (your entrance to the Basilica is not included in the tour price). Afterwards, you will pass by the Doges Palace, see the Grand Canal, cross the Rialto Bridge, plus visit the Teatro La Fenice and the Bridge of Sighs. 

Your guide will delve into the history and culture of Venice and will take you to local artisan shops and food stops during the day. He/she will then escort you back to the rail station for your return train to Rome. 

Driving From Rome To Venice

If you are wondering how far is Venice from Rome, the simple answer is far! 

The two cities are 531 kilometres (330 miles) apart. If you want to drive from Rome to Venice, we think it cannot be done safely on a day trip, especially if you are a solo driver. 

We advise that you stay overnight in Venice (or nearby) or do the day trip as part of a longer Italian road trip around the northern regions. 

Why choose this option?

If you choose to road trip from Rome to Venice you will have the ultimate flexibility to stop where you want, when you want and for how long you want. It will enable you to visit other attractions along the route from Rome to Venice. 

Self-driving can also be a cost-effective form of transport if you are travelling as a family or part of a group. 

What to expect on day trips from Rome to Venice by car?

The main thing to expect is a long drive, at least 5 hours each way, depending on traffic. This is why we feel it is not advisable to safely drive a return trip from Rome to Venice in just one day. 

We recommend staying overnight somewhere en route. For example, depart early from Rome, make a leisurely drive to Venice with sightseeing stops along the way and then stay somewhere close to Venice that evening. Then, you can wake up early the next day, feeling refreshed for a full day of sightseeing in Venice.  

Alternatively, visit Venice from Rome as part of a longer Italian road trip and continue on from Venice to visit other northern Italy attractions such as Verona, Milan or the Italian lakes. 

If you choose to drive, the fastest driving route from Rome to Venice is on the E35 toll road. This autostrada is an easy road to drive, but it can get busy in peak season, especially in sections around Rome, Florence, Bologna and Venice.

Is it worth driving from Rome to Venice?

We think it is only worth driving from Rome to Venice if you stay overnight (or ideally two nights, one before and one after your sightseeing). It is also worth driving to Venice on a day trip if you incorporate the city into a longer Italian road trip.

Is it easy to drive from Rome to Venice?

Although it is a long drive, it is relatively easy to drive from Rome to Venice.

If you choose to hire a car, we recommend booking through Discover Cars. We use Discover Cars whenever we travel and have never been disappointed in either their service or their cars. 

Discover Cars is a comparison website which shows you the best cars available at the best prices for your travel dates. Their listings are detailed, accurate and ordered by best (and recent) reviews, so you know that you will be hiring from a trustworthy company. 

Getting From Rome To Venice By Bus

We do not think a return Venice day trip from Rome is doable by bus – unless you want to spend 14 hours of your day on a bus!

If you want to travel by bus, we recommend staying overnight in Venice after your sightseeing before heading back to Rome the next day. Alternatively, use Venice as a base from which to explore the rest of northern Italy. 

Why choose this option? 

Travelling from Rome to Venice is ideal for people who do not feel confident about driving this long route by themselves. 

Travelling by bus is also a cost-effective option for solo travellers or couples. Plus, for hardy travellers who want to save money on accommodation, there is the option to travel from Rome to Venice on an overnight bus. 

What to expect travelling from Rome to Venice by bus

The bus from Rome to Venice will take between 6 hours 20 minutes and 9 hours 35 minutes, depending on the route, the time of the day you are travelling and the traffic conditions. 

Some indirect routes require a transfer onto another bus in Florence (with additional wait time) so if you want to get to Venice as quickly as possible, choose a direct bus. 

There are 3 – 4 bus departures a day from Rome’s Tiburtina Station. The earliest bus leaves at 7.30 am. The last bus leaves Rome at 11.55 pm and travels through the night, arriving in Venice the next morning at 7.45 am. Buses arrive at Venice Mestre or Venice Tronchetto. 

You can book a bus ticket from Rome to Venice online in advance with Omio, Flixbus or direct with Itabus. 

Itabus vehicles have table seats plus airline seats with extendable footrests and USB sockets. Each bus has free WiFi, a vending machine and a toilet. 

How much is the bus from Rome to Venice?

Bus fares vary depending on the company you book with, the day of travel and the time you choose to ride. 

One-way fares from Rome to Venice start from as little as €15. The maximum you will pay on the bus is €26 one way. 

Getting By Train From Rome To Venice

We think that travelling from Rome to Venice by train is the best option – especially if you only have one day to spare. 

The high-speed train from Rome to Venice takes between 3 hours 55 minutes and 4 hours 30 minutes. So, if you leave early enough, you can enjoy a full day of sightseeing in Venice before returning to Rome the same day. 

However, be aware that taking the slow train to Venice from Rome will take between 6 and 10 hours, so make sure you book – and travel on – the right train! 

Why choose this option? 

Travelling from Rome to Venice by train is the fastest method of travel if you only have one day to visit Venice. 

The train is a scenic route, and you will see more on the train than if you drive. Plus, you will enjoy a stress-free, comfortable ride. You also will save time over driving as you won’t need to make stops to go to the toilet or to eat. 

What to expect travelling from Rome to Venice by train

Up to 28 trains a day depart from Roma Termini Station for Venice. The earliest Frecciarossa (high-speed train) departs Rome at 5.35 am, which will bring you to Santa Lucia Station in Venice just after 9 am. 

The high-speed trains are comfortable and offer both table and airline seats. Each seat has a plug socket. Trains are air-conditioned and have free WiFi, luggage storage, a cafe, drinks and snack trolley and toilets. 

How much does it cost by train from Rome to Venice?

A Rome to Venice day trip by train will cost between €73 and €99 per person each way. Tickets can be bought in advance online from Trenitalia or Italiarail. 

Is the train ride from Rome to Venice Scenic?

The Rome to Venice high-speed train takes a diagonal route across Italy, traversing the Apennine mountains. It also passes through Florence and Bologna. 

Along the route, you will experience rolling hills and countryside, towns, cities and tunnels. The final section of this train journey over the Venetian lagoon into Venice is stunning. 

Best Things To Do In Venice

One of the best things to do on your day trip Rome to Venice is to simply wander around soaking up the ambience and architecture of this wonderful city. It is our favourite thing to do when we visit! 

Cross the cute bridges and wander the maze of narrow lanes. Stop for a coffee and watch the world go by in St. Mark’s Square. Explore the Palazzo Ducale, The Doges Palace, the Peggy Guggenheim Art Collection, or the Correr Museum.

We’ve selected some of the best things to do on a Venice day tour from Rome below. 

Take A Gondola Ride

Enjoying a gondola ride along the canals of Venice is on many visitors ‘must-do’ list. A gondola ride is a great way to see Venice from a different perspective. We think it is also a good opportunity to rest weary sightseeing feet. 

It is important to know that prices for gondola rides are officially set and are standard throughout Venice. You cannot negotiate with a gondolier for a cheaper price. Rides are more expensive in the evening than during the day.

Gondola rides last around 30 minutes though you can pay extra for more time if you wish. Boats accept up to six people so try to fill the gondola and split the expensive fare if you can. 

St Mark’s Basilica Tour

This 1-hour skip-the-line tour is ideal for anyone on a one-day trip from Rome to Venice who is short on time. 

It includes a skip-the-line entry ticket to the popular Basilica, a 20-minute tour of St. Mark’s Square and a 40-minute tour of St. Mark’s Basilica itself. 

Your multilingual tour guide will give you more information than you could learn yourself in the same amount of time. Should your trip plans change, this tour allows a full refund up to 24 hours before departure. 

Don’t forget that to enter St. Mark’s Basilica, you will need to cover your shoulders and your knees. 

Take A Walking Tour In Venice

We love joining these led by locals’ hidden gem walking tours wherever we go in the world. There is no better way to see a city than with a passionate local resident. 

This 2 hour walking tour will pass the famous sights of Venice but it also concentrates on quieter parts of Venice less visited by the majority of visitors. 

You will visit the Jewish Quarter and the romantic Cannaregio Canal as well as lesser visited churches, bridges and palaces. 

This highly rated tour has a maximum group size of 15 people, thereby ensuring an intimate and personal tour experience. A full refund is offered for cancellations up to 24 hours before departure. 

We highly recommend this insightful walking tour for your Rome day trip to Venice. 

Go On A Food Tour

Food always adds a different perspective and insight to any destination, so we always recommend trying local foods, visiting local markets or taking a food tour. 

This engaging and comprehensive food tour will show you that there is much more to Venice’s food scene than just pizza and pasta. 

On this 3-hour, 8-stop tour, you will try Italian coffee, freshly baked pastries, cured meat, local seafood, Venetian wines and, of course, gelato.

The tour has a maximum of 15 guests and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. 

Doge’s Palace

If you want to pack as many attractions into your one-day trip to Venice from Rome as you can, this tour combines the Doges Palace and St. Marks Basilica. 

These are two of the most popular attractions in Venice so skip-the-line tickets could save you valuable time. 

You will enjoy a 1 hour 30 minute guided tour of the incredible Doges Palace, one of our favourite places to visit in Venice. The tour accepts a maximum of 50 visitors, so guests use a headset to ensure they can hear the guide clearly. You will then have a 1-hour tour of St. Mark’s Basilica and St. Mark’s Square.  

Venice Day Trip From Rome: FAQ

What is the easiest way to get from Rome to Venice?

The easiest, quickest and most comfortable method of transport for a Venice day trip from Rome is the high-speed train. It leaves from Rome city centre and will bring you into the centre of Venice. The journey is scenic, comfortable and stress-free! 

How many hours do you need to explore Venice?

A few hours is enough to get a flavour of Venice and to say you have seen it. However, some people stay in Venice for weeks and still don’t feel they’ve seen everything the city has to offer. 

If you only have a few hours to spare, we think you will need at least 5 hours to see the principal sights. 

Is 1 day in Venice enough?

One day in Venice is enough to see the main attractions, to wander Venice’s narrow lanes and bridges and to take a quick trip on a canal. To fully explore the city and several islands, you will need to stay longer.

Is Venice walkable?

Venice is a very walkable and pedestrian-friendly city. It is considered to be one of the world’s best walkable cities, and you should expect to do A LOT of walking on Rome day trips to Venice. 

The historic heart of Venice is flat and car-free so it is easy to walk around safely. The principal attractions such as St. Mark’s Square, the Rialto Bridge and the Bridge of Sighs are all within a short walking distance of each other. 

Just bear in mind that Venice has 400 + bridges, so the terrain won’t always be easy and flat.

Venice Day Trip From Rome: Final Word

A Venice day trip from Rome will undoubtedly be a long day trip, even if you travel by train. But we think it is worth doing.  

There is nowhere in the world quite like Venice. The city is unmissable and you should grab the opportunity to visit Venice if you have the chance to.  

A day trip Rome to Venice will not offer much time in Venice itself. However, it will be sufficient to see the main attractions and to immerse yourself in the architecture and character that Venice is famous for. 

We promise that a day trip to Venice will kickstart a desire to return for a longer visit another time.