Is the train direct or is there a transfer? How long does it take? Is the over night train really a sleeper with a bed? Is it worth it? If the sleeper thing isn't a good idea we were thinking of breaking up the trip and stopping off along the way possible Verona. Any thoughts?
Posted by
Mechanicsville, va
23 posts
Rena, check out www.trenitalia.com You can reach Venice in about 4.5 hours, so overnight isn't necessary unless that's what you want.
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
Rena, the best train runs take 4.5hrs (as noted by Felecia) and have no train changes. The train is non-stop to Florence and then stops at Bologna, Padova, Venice Mestre and finally Venice Santa Lucia.
Verona is not on the train route. You could easily go there but you would extend your journey to Venice by about 90 minutes.
There is a night train that leaves at 22:50 and with the overall trip taking 6.5hrs. It arrives just before 6:00am in Venice. You won't get much sleep and for that reason, it's not really worth the extra cost.
Posted by
San Diego, CA
9 posts
My daughter and I were excited to take an overnight train from Basel to Venice. I am not squeamish, and I can tolerate a lot, however the experience was horrible! We booked one with 6/compartment, though I don't think 4 would have helped the situation. Everyone was asleep when we boarded just before 2200. We tried to make our way to the top two berths without disturbing anyone, however with 2 people climbing in and trying to settle our luggage, this wasn't possible. Finally got settled, when our "conductor" came for our passports and passed out sheets and blankets. I am NOT a whiner or complainer when traveling, I like to go with the flow, however the compartment was intolerably hot (it was cool outside and on the rest of the train)I tried to relax for another hour, but honestly thought I would pass out. I ended up standing in the corrider for awhile when they finally moved us to a cool compartment. Of course another big CF ensued...My advice: save your euros and sleep sitting up!