Venice to Rome by sleeper train

First comment is that by fast train this is a 4.5 hr trip; why not just get up in the morning and be in Rome by noon? And IMHO part of the fun of traveling is seeing a different country; you can see a lot in the trip from Venice to Rome.

But if you want a nite train, there is one. 771 Marco Polo that leaves Venice at 11:30pm and takes 7.5 hrs to Rome. You can find the details on the trenitalia site.

Thanks very much for your suggestion! Another question, If you only have five nights between Rome and Venice, which city would you spend three nights in?

Donna, definitely visit Florence in between Venice and Rome. Much to see and do there - take a day trip through Tuscany for example.

If you squeeze in a day trip to Sorrento from Rome, you will be adding 6.0hrs of train travel (round trip). It will most likely be during daylight.

Donna, if I'm reading your question correctly (eg. given 5 nites and 2 cities, which would you spend 3 nites in, which the other 2?) then I'd say spend 3 nites in Rome. 2,000 years ago this was the ruler of much of the world. There is just so much history there to see, plus plenty of contemporary things to do. But I must confess I'm one of the people that isn't a big fan of Venice; been there twice and that's one time too many for me (was on a tour the 2nd time, didn't have a choice). There are some grand views along the canals, but overall I just don't get the love some people have for it.

My wife and I did the sleeper from Venice to Rome in October 2007. We booked first class but they only opened the second class sleepers. I slept okay but she couldn't sleep a wink. If we had to do it again, I think we would have stayed an extra night in Venice and gone in the morning. A sleepless night can ruin the whole next day. I LOVE Venice but two days is plenty, spend the extra time in Rome.

Your time is short and your sleep is valuable in order to enjoy each day. Have you considered flying from Venice to Rome? If you search around you will likely find a flight is not that much more $ than the train and it is about an hour flight. Sure there is transportation to/from airports but that's part of the adventure. Or take the fast train. If you want to save money, try staying in a convent in Rome - very economical, clean, safe, and an interesting experience, too. Check at santasusanna.org or monasterystays.com

That is probably the best option. The trains are expensive and time is critical. I am going to Amalfi after Rome and will probably take the train on that leg. Thanks so much for your reply.

That is probably the best option. The trains are expensive and time is critical. I am going to Amalfi after Rome and will probably take the train on that leg. Thanks so much for your reply.

Hi, Donna. We just took the 771 Marco Polo from Venice to Rome, and it was great. We got the 4 person couchette/sleeper, and it was only 53EUR each. The couchette were large,and comfortable. I am a big 350lbs+ guy, and was very comfortable.

One word of warning - the 771 is an intercity train so it's stops a lot. This is surprisingly easy to sleep through (it's a gentle ride).

**HOWEVER the air conditioning only works when the train is moving, and this train stays stopped in stations for over 3 hours.

If your traveling in summer months, I'd plan ahead for that, or do as I did, and take a couple sleeping pills. :)

Thanks Chris. I would not have thought about the Air Cond. being off during stops of the sleeper train. I am going in August, so I think I will do a direct train. Great tip.

I would definetly recommend spending the three nights in Rome, and keeping the shorter time in Venice. Much more to do in Rome, IMO. We comfortable did Venice in 24 hours.