Is the extra cost of train from Naples to Venice worth it?

It's not particularly memorable scenery along this high-traffic corridor. But a direct, 5-hour train ride takes you right between city centers with no advance check-in requirement and no extra transport for airport connections, which is why many people choose the train.

It looks like I could fly for about the same price as 2nd class train

I looked on Trenitalia ( http://www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en ) for a random day in October and I am seeing prices from €49.90 2nd class for advance purchase (€106 to buy on the day at the station). 1st class from €59.90. Takes about 5 hours 15 mins.
I am finding it hard to think a plane could beat that on cost, especially if you add in the cost of getting to and from the airport at both ends.
And the train is more comfort and less hassle.

I'm willing to pay extra to take the train first class if it's scenic.

You see the same thing out of the windows in 1st class as in 2nd class.

I totally agree with Laura. Though the cost of a ticket on easy jet is about the same as a rail ticket, add the cost (and hassle) of getting to and from the airport, luggage fees, security lines. The ride has some scenic areas but it's not like going through the Swiss Alps. I've ridden both first and second class in Italy and I can't see paying extra for the upgrade. Take the time just to relax and rest up from your visit to Naples and prepare for the excitement of Venice.

I always prefer a train to a flight if under 6 hrs. No hassles and usually the cost is less when all is said and done. Even if it's a few $$ more, I will usually opt for the train, so much more relaxing.

Please add up all costs of going by air vs. train, not just the ticket price.

Our bench mark is the same as Nancy - about six hours and maybe stretch to seven. There is nothing comfortable about going to the airport a couple hours early, shuffling through security, shuffling onto a plane, finding space for my carryon, being stuffed and strapped into a tiny seat for even an hour or two, limited bathroom space - if needed, shuffling off a plane after it has landing, finding transportation to town -- wonderful experience that I just love to repeat every opportunity I get. The train is such a piece of cake in comparison.

PS Rarely travel first class on the train - seldom worth the difference.

You would have thought there would be some express trains on that 149 mile route. The trains must be making many, many stops along the way. If you chose to fly, it would cost more in the fare. The Michelangelo Express train from FCO airport is also quite expensive @ 15 Euros. And getting into Rome from the other Rome airport might be a hassle via mass transit bus.

Thanks for all the good advice. Sounds like train's the way to go, and second class sounds good. Are the food services the same for either class?

Naples to Venice is between 450 and 500 miles. There ARE express trains all along the route. (maybe you're thinking of Milan to Venice, which is some 170 miles -- but Naples is much further south!) It takes a while to cover that much ground, but these are not milk trains stopping at every little station.

Take a look at the Man in Seat 61 for all sorts of great info about the two companies running trains along this route and the differences in class and service:

https://www.seat61.com/Italy.htm

Thanks for all the good advice. Sounds like train's the way to go, and
second class sounds good. Are the food services the same for either
class?

I haven't found any high-speed European train in countries I've visited (France, Switzerland, Italy) to have even decent food. Certainly you can get something cold to drink, but you'll be much better off stopping in at a shop on the way to Napoli Centrale--which does NOT have good food choices either BTW--for a couple of paninis, chips, some dessert, maybe even a bottle of vino with a screw-top. Stash them away in a bag and you're all set. We've done this multiple times, always happy with the result.

The Frecciarossa trains over meal time have a dining car and decent food. If you are in first class, they will come through (sometimes) and as if you want to make a reservation for lunch time. They also will have salads and sandwiches (and wine!) you can take back to your seat. In first class you will get a complimentary beverage and a little treat, too.

Thanks again for all the helpful replies. That https://www.seat61.com/Italy.htm posted by Kim is a gold mine of information on trains.