Train or plane from Venice to Rome?

Before I went to Europe my first time I had never ridden a train. I thought it was a wonderful experience. I enjoyed seeing the little Italian towns between Rome and Venice, eating in the dining car, having time to write in my journal, napping a bit--the whole trip was great. The mountains were beautiful as we got farther north, and riding in the train over the water between Venice and the mainland was cool, too. I love to fly, but going through airports can be a hassle, even without checking bags. Both the Rome and Venice train stations are easy to navigate and well-located. I found the trip between Venice and Rome to be hassle-free and relaxing.

Elizabeth has said it well. Take the train! If you buy your tickets as soon as you get to Venice, you can get Amica fares (20% off)--if those discount seats are still available. Be sure to ask.

So, for comparison, consider that you'll need to get to Marco Polo airport by 5:30 at the latest, which means finding a bus or taxi from Piazzale Roma (passing the train station on the way) at 4:45 (at the latest). You'll need to go through airport security and hope your plane leaves on schedule. It will be barely light so you'll see little from the plane until you land at Fiumincino where you'll make your way to the Leonardo Express station. Every half an hour a train leaves for a 30 minute trip to Termini station which is where you'd be anyway if you'd taken the more leisurely train trip.

Another vote to take the train because it departs and arrives in the center of each town. Also factor in the budget airlines that fly between Venice and Rome and strict luggage weight allowance - if your bags weigh more you will pay a hefty fine.

I'm with the others - take the train. I flew to Rome from Venice when I was there in March and wished I hadn't. I did it as I thought it would be quicker but I think it almost ended up being the same time wise due to getting to the airport, going through security, waiting and then boarding the plane which was delayed, the flight, landing, getting the luggage, getting from the airport to Rome and my hotel. Stressful and it felt like a huge waste of time. The best part of both cities is the station is right in town so to speak and once you are on the train relax, have a coffee and a bite to eat and watch the world go by or catch up on some reading.

Consider getting a three day rail pass from Rick and having two days available for side trips out of Venice or Rome. Siena and Florence are a couple of options. Like others have said, we had no experience with trains (except Amtrak) and were apprehensive about it, but got a saverpass for five days for out trip last month. Trains from Rome to Florence, to Siena, the Cinque Terre which is magnificient and the night train from the CT to Paris convinced me that they are the easiest, safest and most relaxing way to get around Europe. Have a GREAT time.

The only advantage to the plane is that it arrives earlier. In the end, it likely won't take much more time to take the train. Keep in mind you also have to factor in the extra cost of getting to and from the airports. Another thing to consider is to make sure you're flying from Marco Polo (VCE) and not Treviso (which is further from Venice). On the train pass suggestion, I would not consider this a good idea. The pass would be $170/person (3-day, 2nd class, saver pass) compared to around $60 for the train. Also, you'd still have to $10-$15 for the Eurostar using the pass. There is a night train leaving at midnight and arriving at 7:00 which might be an option.

Paul

Heather, each method has its plusses and minuses. Just pick the one that is the most cost-effective. Remember to factor in transportation costs to and from the airports, as those are typically not as high with train stations.

Heather,

We took the train in March 2006.

Personally, much more enjoyable and much easier than flying.

Take it from me going to and from both train stations is a lot simplier than those airports.

By the way if your plane leaves at 6:30, you most likely will have to take a water taxi @~ 80 Euros. To get to the train station, you can take the Vaporetto, and if you buy the 72hr pass for your 3 day stay, it's free.

Hi, Heather!

My money would be on the train - once you've shlepped all your stuff from Venice to the airport, dealt with all the airport hassles, and shlepped back to Rome from FCO, how much time can you possibly be ahead? I'll know if the trip is scenic on Nov.5 when I ride the train.

On an unrelated question, why such a god-awful early departure? Unless you're one of those evil, evil people that like getting up at 5 AM?

Tante auguri e buon viaggio!

We just returned from Italy and used the train to get from Rome to Venice and from Venice to Florence. I would definitely recommend the train over the plane. The trains are clean, pleasant and stress free. I booked my train tickets and reservations on line prior to leaving for Italy. The tickets were delivered to my home via DHL in about 2 days. The only drawback to the train is for people who have huge luggage. There isn't romm in the overhead and you have to put the bags at the end of the car, out of your sight. Moral - take a small bag.

Definitely the train; I used them for some short journeys this past month (Venice to Padua and Lake Orta to Milan) and found them cheap, fast and clean. I am not sure that a rail pass is a big saving (maybe for longer journey's or lots of train travel within Italy or Europe). You can use the machines at the stations (they take all known credit cards). Rick's Italy book has lots of useful advice about train travel.

I would suggest a sleeping train. We took one that just stopped in Venice then when you woke up you just get off of the train and get going. You save time and money doing this and we thought it was a great experience. Have Fun!!