I feel a little foolish asking since I assume it's a fairly easy process getting on one of the many shuttles from the islands to the mainland to pick up our car rental (already reserved). However, we'll be in a little bit of a time crunch and I would like to avoid the wasted time that comes when you try anything for the first time. Can you give me any directional or procedural pointers (platforms, signs, directions, paying for tickets, etc) that would make this as simple and efficient as it can be? Thanks!
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
There are no "shuttle" trains from Venezia Santa Lucia to Venezia-Mestre. Quite simply, every train train that arrives or departs from Venezia Santa Lucia will also stop at Venezia-Mestre on the way in or way out. For your needs just buy a ticket on a Regionale train to go from S.L. to Mestre. Should be about 1E. You can also go on the high-speeds but it might cost just a little more. Trip takes about 11 minutes.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
34196 posts
If you use a high speed train, or anything faster than a Regionale, you will need a seat reservation. Even for the short trip Santa Lucia to Mestre. It may seem pedantic but it is the case. Its probably unlikely you would be checked that soon into the journey but you might be, and then you would have a large fine. There are oodles of Regionale trains all hours of the day. That's what I'd choose.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
I second the Regionale train suggestion. Go to RoninRome.com for tons of specifics on how to use the trains in Italy, including purchasing tickets at the little kiosks.