Getting Around · Our pick in Venice
Venice by rail: the back story
The back story
About Venice by rail: the back story
Trains cross the lagoon on a long bridge from the mainland to Venezia Santa Lucia, whose steps lead straight down to the Grand Canal. Trenitalia and Italo run fast trains to the rest of Italy, and the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express keeps the city on its famous route.
Santa Lucia
Venezia Santa Lucia is the terminus in the historic city; Venezia Mestre is the junction on the mainland. Waterbuses leave from the quay in front of the station.
Fast trains
Trenitalia (Frecciarossa) and Italo run high-speed trains to Padua, Verona, Bologna, Florence, Rome and Milan. Book on their own websites.
Arrive by train if you can: walk out of Santa Lucia and the Grand Canal is in front of you.
The Orient Express
The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, run by Belmond, travels between Venice and other European cities; see its website for journeys. See ULTIMATE Rail Journeys for the great train journeys of the world.
Our advice: book fast trains early for the best fares, and leave time to take the waterbus from the station.
Why it's on our list
- Santa Lucia
- Fast trains
- The Orient Express
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Venice by rail: the back story before you go.