We've been conflicting advice on whether or not to drive to Venice from our work base in Piacenza. We'd planned to take the train but now see it's more expensive than we thought. We're comfortable driving but we hear the traffic may be bad on the weekend. Thoughts from anyone?? We need to reserve train spots asap if we're going to go that route.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23290 posts
If you already have access to a vehicle then it probably makes sense to drive recognizing that there is an expense to park the car while you are in Venice. I think most of the advice about drive/train assumes you have the expense of a rental car.
Posted by
Carbondale, IL, USA
1201 posts
there are other factors in this decision that unfortunately you won't be able to know until you are in the middle of it. the A4 has become one of the main routes into the former eastern block countries. As such it can get congested with a lot of truck traffic. then throw into the mix that the area around Mestre and Venice can also be rather congested. Plus your travel is on a weekend. We have sat in traffic for over an hour without moving waiting to get through to Venice or Marco Polo airport. Unfortunately, you can't predict if that will happen until you are in it.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32813 posts
"a lot of truck traffic" Yeah. There will be (probably) a "wall" of trucks in the slow lane near Mestre anywhere after the toll station, which may tend into the two slow lanes. It will be VERY hard to see the signs for the exit through the wall. Be very careful or you will overshoot and get to drive through Mestre, a thrill to be anticipated. Voice of experience. And I actually know where I'm going .... boo hiss, ...
Posted by
OP
River Falls
11 posts
Thanks everyone, looks like we'll be taking the train, just saw the Venice Film Festival's last day is Saturday, when we would be arriving in Venice. Parking will be too difficult and traffic probably horrendous. Hoping we can still get train tickets actually. We'll find out today!