Travelling from Rome to Venice. Train or budget airline?

You asked a good follow up question. Here's the reason: Air is not faster than the train, in the case of Rome to Venice. And air might or might not be cheaper, to get an apples to apples comparison of cost, one has to add to the airfare the cost of getting from Rome to the airport and from the Venice airport to Venice.

Here is the reasoning or rule of thumb used by some/many experienced travelers in Europe:

Regarding which is faster (train or air), if a train trip is less than about 6 hours, it usually (but not in every case) saves time and is generally easier to take the train; if the train trip is longer than about 6 hours, consider air.

Rome to Venice by train is 4hrs 30 mins station to station, that is, city center to city center; there's even a 4 hr train.

The Rome to Venice train starts in the Rome city center and ends in the Venice "city center" (if there is such a thing in Venice). This eliminates the time consuming process, if going by air, of traveling out to the starting airport, spending 2 hours or more checking baggage and going through security lines, and then on the destination end, traveling from destination airport to city center.

So, that's the reason: The train takes you from city center to city center, saving time. For this reason, air is not faster between Rome and Venice.

However, if the airfare plus the cost of traveling to the Rome airport and from the Venice airport to city center, if that total cost for the air option is substantially less than the cost of the train, then the cost differential, if material, might cause someone to choose air over the train.

I agree that the train would be easier. With a plane you must go to the airport several hours in advance, go through check-in, luggage retreival, transit from the venice airport, and get to downtown Venice. With a train you put your luggage on the train and remove them when you arrive. You will be centrally located in Venice, sort of.I prefer to travel 1st class on the trains, but that would be your decision. Going by train is easier and, simply, less hassle.

RB

keep in mind that "budget" airlines may be no bargain when you add it all up. They charge for everything other than a seat on the plane. Print a boarding pass? Check a bag? There's a charge, and it adds up quickly. Furthermore while many travelers are proud of their single carry-on bag, the budget airlines typically only let you carry on a bag of 10lbs or so; otherwise its checked luggage.

Train. On this forum 95%+ going directly from Rome to Venice make that trip by train.

You can see schedules and travel times on either of these websites:

http://www.bahn.de/international/view/en/index.shtml

http://www.ferroviedellostato.it/homepage_en.html

by the time you get to the airport and then from the airport in Venice you have to take a water taxi or public water taxi or bus....which is more expense...

I say overall do the train.
It would be easier, less stressful.

Thks for reply. But why air is not preferred? It cost less and seems faster then train?

If you can afford it, take the first-class train. We enjoyed the dining car while taking in the countryside. Very memorable (and comfortable).

Xinwel,

I definitely agree with Kent and the others! A "fast" train such as the EuroStar Italia will not only be faster than budget air (travel time usually about 4H:27M), but also a more relaxing and enjoyable trip (with some incredible scenery, especially through Tuscany). As the trains operate from the centres of each city, it's usually a very easy trip.

If you travel by air, you'll need to get to the airport (minimum 30-45 min. via Leonardo Express), go through check-in & security (probably another 2 hours+), time waiting on the tarmac for takeoff and then the actual flight. When you arrive in Venice, you'll have to collect your luggage from the carousel (if you're checking luggage) and then get from the airport into the city (probably at least another hour). You WON'T be saving any time and it won't be as nice a trip. If you're travelling with one of the budget airlines (which have VERY strict luggage weight limits), you could also be facing an overweight luggage surcharge.

Happy travels!

thanks for all your replies. appreciate it

Train. If you want to see the country, talk to people and have a memorable experience with pictures...ie that is why you are in Italy....then only spend time in a plane when absolutely necessary...on your way there and back home.