We have a couple of choices to drop off our rental car in Venice, the main station in Mestre on the mainland or at Piazzale Roma on the island of Venice itself. It sounds attractive to drive right on to the island, but this may not be as easy as it sounds. Any suggestions based on experience? Thanks
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
If I had to have a car I would most surely drop it on Venice Island. Preferrably get rid of the car BEFORE you begin your journey to Venice and just train straight into Piazzale Roma. The most confusing driving we ever experienced in our many trips to Europe was in and around Venice.
Posted by
Cincinnati, OH, USA
768 posts
I'd get rid of the car as near a train station and as far away from Venice as possible. The train into Venice is definitely no-hassle. You arrive by train and in a few steps you're at the water. No car needed. Jay
Cincinnati
Posted by
Portlandia
3313 posts
Actually, dropping in Venice is as easy as any major destination can be. The Autostrade goes to the bridge across the lagoon. Signage to Piazzale Roma is great and there's really only the one road. I made the mistake once of dropping in Bologna to take the train to Venice. Bologna wasn't hard to drive in, but the transfer to the train was one more complication and the train had to sit in Ferrara for three hours because a bridge was out. Had I driven, we would have been in Venice in a couple of hours with the car dropped off and a short walk to our hotel.