Train stations Venice and Florence

Yes I did. Taking alot of trains. Never thought you wouldn't get on the train in Venice. I did it before and just assumed. My husband is a poke so glad I noticed. I knew there were at least 2 stations in Florence which is fine. We have to drop a car rental at one and take a train out of the other shortly after.
Thanks for your help.

1. You take the train. Seriously. Santa Lucia is the final stop on the line after Mestre, when coming into Venice. It's about a ten minute ride, with trains leaving all the time. (There's a minor station at Marghera between the two.) 2. Also by train. It's a six minute ride, again with trains leaving all the time. I'm guessing you're asking because you already bought your tickets, right?

To be complete in knowledge, I'd like to let you know that Mestre is not actually the first station after Santa Lucia, it is the first significant station and most trains stop there, for connections to all points. There is a small station called Venezia Marghera at which very local trains stop. Don't get off there. We've done it and scrambled back on (with luggage) when we realized our error, just as the doors closed. Its stairs at Mestre. I don't know of any ramps or lifts (elevators).

Good point about Marghera. I had forgotten about that one. I'm going to correct my response above.

Just about every train in an out of Venice S.L. will stop at Mestre. However, some night trains may stop at Mestre and not go into Santa Lucia. Refredi is one stop away from Florence Santa Maria Novella. Literally every Regionale train coming into Florence from Pisa or the CT will stop at Rifredi. If the destination on the ticket is indeed Rifredi, you will need a ticket from Rifredi to the main Florence train station. You could hop on the train for one stop without a ticket but if you get caught, it's a big fine right on the spot.

Thanks Ken, We've been fairly lucky renting cars in Europe. We have an around the world policy with our car insurance which most of the time they accept and don't charge extra. The price has been decent and even driving on the left side has been ok. Last year in Spain our GPS worked on and off so they refunded us. My husband will drive in Florence. I wasn't concerned about the driving, but making our train since we drop at one and leave from another. Everyone has been very helpful, I appreciate it.
Thanks again.

Marsha, Based on the information in your last post concerning having a rental car and driving in Florence, I have a few points to add... One important point to note is that for driving in Italy, each driver must have the compulsory International Driver's Permit, which is used in conjunction with your home D.L. These are valid for one year, and easily obtained at any CAA office (two Passport-sized photos required, which in some cases are provided by the issuing office). Failure to produce an IDP if requested can result in fines on the spot! Have a look at This Website for more detailed information. You may also want to search other Posts here regarding the Zona Traffico Limitato areas that are becoming increasingly prevalent in many towns in Italy (especially Florence). EACH PASS through one of the automated Cameras will result in a €100+ ticket! A GPS along with a good Map would also be a good idea. Be sure to also give some thought to the question of CDW. If you accept the CDW offered by the rental firm, it will be expensive but will provide "peace of mind". Some "premium" credit cards provide rental vehicle insurance, however I've found this to be somewhat complicated so I just accept that offered by the rental firm. Check the Car Rental section in Europe Through The Back Door for further information. Cheers!