I will be in Venice only 2 days. I will be arriving from the airport and going straight to San Marco by Alilaguna . I wanted to make a train reservation for 2 days later. If I have to go to the train station the next day after I arrive, this would require I take a vaporetto just to get the ticket. If my wife goes with me, that's at least 12 Euros each just to by the ticket. What would a local travel agent charge? Using the train web site isn't an option since it still have problems with US credit cards. Do you think my hotel might be able to purchase them? Once I leave Venice, I will get the tickets as soon as I arrive at my next destination.
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
Instead of taking the Alilaguna, why don't you take the bus from the airport to Piazzale Roma which is very close to the train station. If you want to stay with the Alilaguna there is nothing to stop you from just "walking" to the train station from your hotel. Venice is an island and walking is the best way of getting around. Yes, there are travel agents dotted around where you can purchase train tickets. The service charges are probably similar to your 12 Euro calculation (just guessing).
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8057 posts
Venice is not that large a place. In your two days, the train station is an easy and scenic walk from San Marco, and of course the vaporetto is a wonderful way to see Venice, well worth the cost. Of course a travel agent may be able to get you a discounted ticket or be aware of the "best deals" or possible be able to speak English, but I found the ticket machines in Italy to be very user friendly.
Posted by
Piedmont, nc, usa
316 posts
There is a travel agency just past San Marco that sells train tickets without any additional fee. I bought tickets there a little over a year ago and it's quick, easy and convenient. The address should be listed in Rick's Italy or Venice guide. I don't know where you're going but you may not need actual reservations. Just my opinion but I wouldn't miss the Alilaguna from the airport. I didn't have time to go to Burano or Murano but you pass them on the way to Venice from the airport. We all enjoyed the ride as a nice introduction to Venice. The vaporetto to the station when you leave gives you a scenic trip up the canal if you go during the day or early evening.