Traveling with family of 4, we want to travel from Florence to Venice then up into Dolomites in August.
Debating renting a car for the whole trip, which means parking it somewhere outside venice when we spend the night there,... or taking a train from Florence to Venice, then renting a car in Venice/Mestre to drive into Cortina/Dolomites. I haven't looked into car parks yet for the Venice trip, and would love suggestions and idea of prices. Any advice?
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16232 posts
Take a train from Florence to Venice. Visit Venice for however many days you wish, then rent a car in Piazzale Roma in Venice or in Mestre and go to the Dolomites. The other option (renting in Florence and driving to Venice) is a waste of money and also time since the train is faster. Each day of rental will cost you about 50 euro. Parking in Venice is about 25 euro a day. Driving costs from Venice to Florence will cost you about 35 euro in gasoline plus over 20 euro in freeway tolls. The full base train fare is 43 euro per person, and it's much more relaxing than driving. Prices can be lower if you can secure a discounted ticket (economy or super economy fare). They tend to go fast so check the trenitalia website 120 days prior to the travel day.
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
Take the train...the last thing you want/need in Venice is a car!
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17599 posts
In similar circumstances, we picked up our rental car at the Venice airport when we were ready to depart. That was smooth and easy , and we would do it again. You could compare prices with pickup in Piazalle Roma, but for us the airport location was less. Train from Florence to Venice is very inexpensive if you buy in advance to get the Super Economy fare. I will check on that and report back.
Posted by
OP
San Francisco, CA, usa
26 posts
Thanks! That was my hunch so so thrilled to have it confirmed!