Sena bus . Anyone experience from Venice to Florence?

The only benefit is the cost. It will take 5 hours by bus but only cost 21 euros. The train will take almost 2 hours and cost 43 euros for the base fare. You might be able to get a mini fare for less. http://www.sena.it/Home/78-1-en.html This is a list of ticket offices in Venice: http://www.sena.it/List-of-Sena-ticket-offices/VENEZIA/VE/99-1-en.html Donna

First Monique, let me tell you how confused I was when I saw my own name on a post I did not create lol. Second, I just took the Sena Bus from Milan to Florence last night, and having experienced it, I feel the need to share. First, the bus ride itself was awesome: super clean and modern bus, comfy seats, large and roomy, quiet, excellent driver, etc...
The ONLY issue was the the stop for Florence is NOWHERE near, I repeat NOWHERE near the center. It's in Certosa, right off a main highway and the only signs of life there were people who were picking up the passengers that were smart enough to look up the arrival point instead of assuming it was in the center (me). There was a taxi area a little ways down the highway narrow shoulder, dangerous to walk) but as it was after 10pm when we got there it was closed. Fortunately, there was a nice family that rode us to Porto Romana, otherwise I have no idea how we would have survived the night. If you can find a way to resolve that issue, it's def worth purchasing.

I wonder how much the extra transport to get into the middle of Florence would add to the price of the bus? I remember trying to get a local bus from Sesto Fiorentino into town a few years ago and giving up because I couldn't figure it out. The train stops right in the middle.

Not sure about the price of the train from Venice to Florence, but the slowest train from Milan was 29 euros and takes about 4 hours. The bus was 27 euros and takes about 4 hours. If you are flexible and can take the slow train, the 2 extra euro cost is a non-issue compared to the inconvenience of the Certosa station. However, if the only train available for the time you need to leave Milan is the more expensive train (59 euro - as was the case in our situation) then it might be something to look into. At the very least, maybe take the taxi (if it's open) from Certosa to the closest landmark, i.e. Porto Romana where you can catch the 11, 12, 13, 36, or 37 bus. Was trying to spy bus stops along the way, but it was dark so there may have been something closer but I definately don't think it's a pedestrian friendly zone, either way.

I highly recommend the high speed train from Venice to Florence. I did it recently with my family, including two elementary age boys, and it was totally worth the few extra euros. The trains were clean and fast and had a coffee shop on board. Not all trains are equal in Italy, however, but they are all fast. Also, the convenience of getting on the train at the station in Venice on the Grand Canal and getting off in the heart of the old city in Florence is another advantage, saving time and money. (Keep an eye out for pickpockets in all train and bus stations, though.) There are a number of good hotels in the area between the train station and the Duomo, including Hotel Mario's, which we loved. Terrific, family owned hotel that was just the right blend of modern amenities and Renaissance charm.