Train or Car? Venice to Chiusi

The IC direct train actually leaves from Mestre station. It is a continuation of a train coming from Trieste going on to Rome. It is as good as any other itinerary time wise, (4 1/4 hr) and a bit less expensive if buying at the last minute. So you would need to get to Mestre on the local.
Renting a car will take a bit of time. Don't forget your international drivers license, there are tolls along the way, and if renting at Piazzale Roma, the speed trap cameras on the causeway out of town will send you a ticket if your are even 1 mph over the limit.

If you're staying in Chiusi, I'd take the train. Trains do all have with one connection, which you can make at Bologna or Florence, or at Mestre on that morning departure. Standard fare is about €40 per person, or could be half that price if you book 2-3 months ahead through Trenitalia.

If you were going to pick up a car in Chuisi on that same day, then picking it in Venice would not necessarily add to the rental cost, only add gas and toll expenses. Auto Europe is a rental "consolidator" we've used a lot in Europe. See more car tips at http://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/transportation.

If you do want a rental car in Italy, look at Kemwel also. It's AutoEurope's sister company, but Kemwel gave us a MUCH better rate for a car in Sicily than either AutoEurope or Gemut (also often recommended here).

The Autostrada between Bologna and Florence is through, over, and under the Apennine mountains and such is quite winding, hilly, and has lots of tunnels, as well as its fair share of heavy trucks.

That may fit well with your driving style, but I thought you might like to be prepared.

It isn't generally unsafe and I've driven that road many a time, but I don't want you thinking it is a straight flat freeway.

Thank you all! It should be an adventure!

I just posted about the nightmare I'm having after renting a car in Italy from Auto Europe and Hertz. I thought I would be safe because I took photos of every inch of the car when I rented it. But Hertz's new scam is claiming you put in the wrong gas and making you pay for a "repair." Pretty indefensible no matter how many photos you've taken. Be careful!

Celeste - that is frightening. I'm wondering if it would be better to not refuel and just pay the higher price for them to do it....Assuming we can make the whole trip on one tank. Or maybe get a gas station attendant to write a note as to what kind of fuel was used.

Has anyone else had this experience?

It says on the receipt just exactly what type of fuel you have put in, the model number on the back of the car usually shows if the car is a diesel, you can always ask the rental dude what fuel and ask them to write down what you need in the absence of stickers on the dash and near the fuel filler area (very unusual to have no stickers).

I've never heard of this as a scam, but I have heard of people misfueling a car. We had an extra queue the other day when I was filling (in England) because the tow truck was there collecting a car which had been misfueled. It happens. In Europe petrol hoses are green, diesel black which I understand is the reverse of some countries.

It is interesting that the previous poster didn't reply on her thread when asked what the model number was of the car and what was written on the fuel receipt.

Hers was the first I have seen here on the helpline with that claim.

Thank you NIgel. This gives me peace of mind. I have printed out your reply and will bring it with me!