Walking in Venice: train station to Rialto.

It is as well marked as anything in Venice. It is doable but I would suggest hopping a Vapperetto for a much easier trip.

Deb, we made this walk many times while in Venice, but I agree that you might want to hop a vaporetto. You will have to cross some bridges along the way, and most are just stepped and not conducive to rolling luggage. Then after you check in to the hotel, you can walk everywhere. We have walked from one end of Venice to the other and really enjoy taking different routes. Have fun.

The great thing about walking in Venice is that there are yellow signs on the walls pointing the way to the Rialto, San Marco and the train station. If after considering the advice to take a vaporetto you still want to walk, just cross the bridge in front of the train station and you'll be on the way to the Rialto. Then just follow the signs. No problem with wheeled luggage.

So how long (minutes?) will it take at a moderate pace?

I would estimate that is about 15 minutes, if you don't get lost. That's the shortest route, over the bridge in front of the train station (at least 20 steps up) and numerous small bridges (6 - 10 steps). I was there the week before Easter and I didn't find the way well marked. There are signs, but not at every intersection. A longer route to stay on the same side of the Grand Canal as the train station. It would probably take 20 - 25 minutes, but it's larger streets, fewer turns and fewer bridges. Which side of the Rialto bridge are you going to? I would strongly recommend the vaporetto.