We will be staying in Lucca in Sept. and want to go to Venice for the day. Does anyone have the answer for the best way to do that? We will have a car but don't really want to drive there. Thanks
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32222 posts
Renee,
The trip from Lucca to Venice is not exactly "ideal" for a day trip, as travel time is about four hours EACH WAY (one change at Firenze). Travel by car would most likely take longer, as cars are subject to "traffic" and certainly can't travel as fast as the high speed trains.
If you absolutely want to see Venice, I'd suggest leaving early one morning, spending one night there and then return late the next evening. That seems like a reasonable compromise.
Good luck and happy travels!
Posted by
WPB, FL & Firenze
3112 posts
The earliest train from Lucca to Venice departs Lucca at 7:31 and arrives at Santa Lucia station at 11:33. The latest return train from Venice to Lucca departs Santa Lucia at 6:27pm and arrives in Lucca at 10:28pm. Both involve a change in Florence. That's over 8 hours on the train for less than 7 hours in Venice. Having travelled in Italy many times, I would find that too much travel for too little time at my destination. Ken's suggestion of an overnight is a good alternative if you can work it into your itinerary.
BTW, there is a 6:09 regional train from Lucca to Venice, but it only arrives a short time before the faster trains and therefore isn't a good option.
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
If you do end up driving, take the train for the last stretch from the mainland. Parking and retrieving your car are likely to consume another hour or two of your time.