Night train from Venice to Rome to make flight

That train will arrive on time. Your plan allows ample time, but consider taking an earlier train and getting a room near Termini to get more quality sleep.

I personally prefer to stay in the city I am leaving from rather than another city the night before the flight. Also keep in mind that you are talking about a lot of travel before you get on your flight, a train, metro, another train and then to the airport before you even get on the long flight home. I would be also too nervous worrying that the train, metro, etc. might be running late, that is just my opinion.

I took a night train from Vienna to Rome last September. It was 2 hours late, with the bulk of the delay at a station somewhere between Venice and Rome (I was trying to sleep so I didn't bother to figure out exactly which station, but we didn't move for quite a while around 6am). Another story - we were to take a night train from Madrid to Paris, to arrive in Paris the morning before the day we were to depart back to the states. The trains weren't running in France because of a strike, so we ended up on a bus all the way from the border to Paris (arranged by Spain's rail co). The bus arrived about 2 hours later than the train would have. Had we been trying to fly out that day, it would have proven difficult at best. Many trains arrive at the exact moment they are supposed to, but it might be just the train you don't want to be late that ends up late. Take the advice of the other poster - spend the night in the city you are flying out of.

One more vote for arriving in Rome the night before...

I would advise against since you can get high speed trains between Rome and Venice at a reasonable advance purchase price and the trip is about four hours. The overnight train is very slowly because the distance is short. Stay till mid pm in Venice. catch a hotel at Termini - we use Contilla for one night stays, just a block south of the station - have a nice dinner near Termini, and catch the train to the airport in the AM at a leisurely time.

I agree with the others that arriving in Rome the day before your flight is the way to go. The recent fire at Tiburtina station that delayed train service into Rome is an example of why. But if you do decide on the night train, there's no need to take the metro to Termini and the Leonardo Express to the airport. Local trains run twice hourly from Tiburtina to the airport. Trip takes about 35 minutes, arrives at the same location and costs only 8 euro.

We had this same situation in June although our flight leaving Rome was a little later. We took Easy Jet from Venice to Rome at 8:45, arrived in Rome at 9:55 and since we were already at the airport, it was a snap. In fact, we even had time for lunch. Our tickets on Easy Jet (purchased one month in advance online) were only 39 euros each. There is an additional charge to check luggage, however.

I also make sure our trip ends in the departure city because I've had experience with train strikes in Italy or pilots for EasyJet just not coming into work that day! Our flight was only 2 hours late but if you need to catch your flight home that could be a real problem! We also prefer to stay in the actual city rather than at a hotel near the airport...almost all the time.

Too risky of a plan IMO. In my opinion, any plan that involves reaching the city where the airport is located less than 12h in advance of the flight is outright risky if we're talking of an intercontinental flight back home (assuming missing the flight is a big deal for $$ and/or work reasons).

Your plan does have some risk. Perhaps the later train the eve before? On thing the other replies do not address much Mary is comfort - if you're taking an 7-8 hour train ride, then a metro trip, then another train, then a 2+ hour wait for your flight, then a 10hr(?) flight, then the ride home, ALL while handling your luggage and not having been able to shower for two days at the -end- of your trip... You see where I'm going. I honestly think blood clots would be a concern after 8hr train, bus, train, 10hr(?) flights, care home. I've taken that night train. It was on time, and comfortable. However, I wouldn't gaurantee a good night's sleep & it can get hooooooot aboard the train. I'd think about that. If you do that route, I would skip the metro to Termini & train to the airport. Get a cab, it's a set price from the stations (at least is used to be), and is reasonably for two adults. Save yourself hauling the luggage around, and I'm not sure if there are showers at FCO, but might give you some more time to relax. Happy travels!

A big thanks to all who took the time to answer this question. You will be pleased to know that I have now booked a hotel near Termini for our last night in Italy. I now have to figure out if we need Italy three day rail passes or if we should just book the train trips individually. I am posting this in detail as a new question. Again thanks. Mary