Bus or Rail to Venice?

It takes a bit longer, but you can go via Salzburg to Innsbruck, and take a train from there to Verona, changing there for the train to Venice Santa Lucia. Once you get to Innsbruck is is 6 hours or less to Venice if you take the direct train to Verona.

Thanks! I'll check that out. I could take the train from Salzburg, hang for a night in Innsbruck, then get to Venice the next day. I could take an earlier train from Innsbruck. I don't want to get to Venice too late in the day. The route from Salzburg to Venice via Villach was pretty cheap - 26-28 euros - but I don't want to spend that much time on a bus :)

Karen, as we drove from Venice to Salzburg this June we passed quite a few of these coaches. They're pretty nice looking, double-deckers with Oebb paint and logos on so they are not just jazzed up city buses. We were near them when overtaking but I didn't go in, needless to say. I'm pretty sure I saw curtains and individual lights, and reclining seats. I bet the view through the Dolomites would be pretty fab from upstairs....

From a sightseeing standpoint the bus is much better than the train although the travel time difference can be a factor.

Karen - In June I took the bus from Venice to Villach (continuing on by train to Salzburg). I had the same misgivings, but it was a really nice experience. It is a very modern, clean, double-decker bus with huge windows, comfy seats, individual air, light and fold-down table, plus a friendly driver who stored all the luggage in the hold below. Upstairs is second class with the best views. Downstairs is first class - plusher seats, but not the same airy feeling. There is even a tiny bathroom on board. I felt like I was part of a private tour group. The train on to Salzburg, by contrast, was extremely crowded and warm and we never did find our reserved seats on the car with the number shown on our tickets, all while hauling our luggage. The train was chaotic and confusing (mid-summer) while the bus was peaceful and relaxing. If this route is more convenient for you, please don't let the idea of the bus put you off...

This road is very beautiful, but I'd rather drive. If not, avoid buses altogether.

UNfortunately, I don't drive, so it's always public transportation for me. Thanks for all the information!

Karen, for that particular trip, I'd use rail travel only for the shortest travel times, and arrange the trip somewhat along these lines. Depart Hallstatt to Innsbruck at 08:27, arriving 12:53 (time 4H:25M). The next leg would be Innsbruck to Verona Porta Nuova, departing at 13:27, arriving 17:01 (time 3H:34M). Spend the night in Verona (it's a wonderful city and you may wish you could stay longer - see Rick's Video in the Travel News this month for a look at Verona!). The next morning, continue your journey to Venice. While the travel on the first day is quite long, I'd prefer that method for the following reasons: (a) Travel takes place during the day, which is what you wanted, and this would allow you to see the scenery in the Brenner Pass (which I always enjoy). (b) Spending the night in Verona is a better choice than Innsbruck IMO, as it puts you much closer to Venice. It's only a bit more than an hour and you'll arrive early enough and not tired, so that you can start sightseeing as soon as you check-in to your Hotel. I'd suggest buying your tickets for the outgoing journey from Hallstatt before you arrive there, as I'm not sure you'll be able to purchase tickets in Hallstatt (the station is usually not staffed). Happy travels!