Night train from Naples to Venice

The latest direct night train departs Naples at 7:57 pm and arrives in Venice at 5:26 am. Current cost per Trenitalia website is EUR 88.90 per person for a 2 bed compartment and EUR 64.90 per person for a 4 bed cuccette. There's a later night train departing at 9:50 pm, but it only has cuccette and requires a change in Bologna at 5:52 am to a regional train (no sleepers) that arrives in Venice at 8:13 am. If you want to be assured of a sleeper on a specific travel date, best to book in advance through a US travel agent even though you'll pay a premium over the Trenitalia prices.

Thanks for the info. I think we definitely want to take the train without stops and a sleeper car but now our concern would be arriving in Venice that early in the morning. This may sound silly - but what would we do or where would we go at 5:30 am? Are any businesses even open that early?

Anita: Yes, you've identified one of the disadvantages of night trains, at least those that arrive at 0530--nothing much is open, none of the sights, of course. Maybe you can find a 24/7 place serving coffee or whatever, near the station, you'll need the coffee--but don't expect a big Italian breakfast, their concept of breakfast is different from ours. Either that, or walk and explore the streets, hopefully the sun will be up in the month you're going. The left luggage check at Venice Santa Lucia station opens at 0600, it's on the ground floor near platform 1. So at least you'll be able to walk the streets without your luggage. You'll want to find out from your hotel at what time in the afternoon they'll let you check into your room, you'll be ready for a good night's sleep.

As Kent points out, services at the train station open about 6:00 am. That includes the bar/restaurant just off the lobby. If your hotel has a night clerk, you could go there, drop of your luggage and ask them to recommend a cafe for breakfast. Then take advantage of the early hour and explore the always-open sights like St. Mark's Square and Rialto Bridge before the mobs of day tripping tourists arrive. At 8:15, the Accademia Museum opens and you're off and running.

Anita - You can have a great time arriving in Venice at 5:30 a.m.! The Rialto market will be opening and there's lots going on around there. Store your luggage at the train station and take a vaporetto or, better, walk. It's not far. In addition to the bustle of the market, there are bars around it to get a cappucino.

You can also get an early morning breakfast at Brek, just down the Lista de Spagna from the train station. It's an inexpensive, buffet-style place for pastries, hot dishes and coffee.

Thanks for all the great info. I'm starting to feel a little better about the trip. Does the fact that we'll be there in mid-March make a difference as to things being open? I know that's definitely an off-season.