Want to travel from Florence to Venice by train? Here’s what you need to know:
- Fastest option: High-speed trains (Trenitalia’s Frecciarossa or Italo) take about 2 hours.
- Cheapest option: Regional trains are slower (up to 6 hours) but more budget-friendly.
- Ticket prices: Start at $24 (€22) for early bookings.
- Stations: Most trains depart from Florence Santa Maria Novella and arrive at Venice Santa Lucia (island) or Mestre (mainland).
- Booking tips: Buy tickets online for discounts, or use self-service kiosks at stations.
Both Trenitalia and Italo offer comfortable, frequent services with multiple ticket options to suit your budget and flexibility needs. High-speed trains provide amenities like Wi-Fi, power outlets, and refreshments. Regional trains are simpler but still a reliable choice for budget travelers.
Planning multiple trips in Italy? Consider a rail pass, but note that high-speed trains require reservations.
Don’t forget: Starting 2025, Venice day visitors must pay an entry fee of $5.45 (€5) if booked in advance. Overnight guests are exempt.
Florence to Venice with the High Speed Train Frecciarossa
Train Ticket Types and Classes
This section breaks down the various classes and fare rules available for train travel.
High-Speed Train Classes
Trenitalia’s Frecciarossa trains provide four class options: Standard, Premium, Business, and Executive. Each class includes features like air conditioning, power outlets, and Wi-Fi. Passengers can also enjoy a café car and food cart service for refreshments during the journey [1].
Italo trains offer their own set of classes: Smart, Comfort, Prima, and Club Executive. These trains come with reclining leather seats for added comfort [2].
Regional Train Classes
Regional trains operate with two class options: Second Class and First Class. Discounts are available for children between the ages of 4 and 11. Keep in mind that regional train trips may involve transfers and typically take more time to complete [1].
Ticket Types and Change Rules
Ticket flexibility depends on the fare type. For high-speed trains, tickets are divided into three categories: Low Cost, Economy, and Flex.
- Low Cost fares: Offer the cheapest prices but have limited options for changes.
- Economy fares: Provide moderate flexibility for adjustments.
- Flex fares: Allow the most freedom for modifications and cancellations [2].
Train Companies on This Route
Two main operators, Trenitalia and Italo, run services on the Florence–Venice route, offering different travel experiences.
Trenitalia Trains
Trenitalia’s Frecciarossa high-speed trains are the quickest option, covering the 160-mile journey in about 2 hours and 5 minutes [1]. For those looking for a budget-friendly alternative, Trenitalia also offers regional trains. These slower trains can take up to 6 hours and often involve a transfer at Bologna [1]. Unlike Trenitalia, Italo focuses exclusively on high-speed travel.
Italo Trains
Italo operates a fleet of modern high-speed trains designed for a comfortable ride. Their AGV 575 trains can reach speeds of up to 155 mph, while their EVO trains go even faster, hitting up to 186 mph [2].
Key features of Italo trains include:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Daily Frequency | Up to 8 trains per day [2] |
| Fastest Travel Time | 2 hours 15 minutes [2] |
| Standard Amenities | Free Wi-Fi, power outlets, footrests, reclining leather seats |
| Entertainment | Italo Live (free onboard entertainment system) |
| Refreshments | Snack vending machines available |
Both Trenitalia and Italo make stops at Bologna Centrale, offering convenient connections. On average, about 52 trains run daily between Florence Santa Maria Novella and Venice Santa Lucia stations [1].
How to Buy Tickets
Train Company Websites
Both Trenitalia and Italo have online booking platforms that make purchasing tickets simple. Trenitalia’s site includes a multilingual interface, letting you:
- Compare fares, select seats, and add extra services
- Modify or manage your bookings
Italo’s website focuses on ease of use, offering:
- Real-time seat availability
- Digital ticket delivery
- Quick booking changes
- Loyalty program integration
Buying at Stations
You can also buy tickets directly at Florence Santa Maria Novella or any major train station in Italy. There are two main options for purchasing tickets:
| Method | Features | Payment Options |
|---|---|---|
| Ticket Office | Full range of tickets and help with requests | Cash, credit/debit cards |
| Self-Service Kiosks | Multilingual, fast, and available 24/7 | Credit/debit cards only |
Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your train departs to avoid long lines. Self-service kiosks are usually quicker and offer the same ticket options as the ticket office. If you prefer digital solutions, both train operators also provide mobile apps.
Other Booking Options
Both Trenitalia and Italo offer mobile apps with features like:
- Digital tickets (no paper needed)
- Real-time updates on your journey
- Easy ticket storage on your phone
Trenitalia’s app includes a virtual customer service assistant, while Italo’s app is designed for quick and simple booking. Both apps work on iOS and Android devices.
Train Times and Routes
High-Speed Train Times
Trains from Florence Santa Maria Novella start running at 5:35 AM, with the last departure at 9:30 PM. Around 52 trains operate daily, though schedules may change on weekends and holidays when fewer services are available. If you’re looking to save money and don’t mind a slower pace, regional trains are another option.
Regional Train Times
Regional trains are a budget-friendly alternative but take much longer to complete the trip. These trains run less often than high-speed options, with journeys lasting up to 6 hours and often involving transfers. Many regional routes include a stop in Bologna, so planning connections is key.
Venice Station Options
When arriving in Venice, you’ll have two station options depending on your plans:
- Venice Santa Lucia: Located on the island, this station gives you direct access to the historic center.
- Venice Mestre: Found on the mainland, it’s ideal for connecting to other destinations or finding affordable accommodations.
Most trains stop at both stations, with Mestre being the first stop and Santa Lucia serving as the final destination.
Ticket Prices and Savings
Now that you know the ticket types and booking methods, let’s take a closer look at pricing and ways to save on your journey.
Ticket Prices by Type
Single tickets for the Florence–Venice route start at around $24 (€22) if purchased early. Prices depend on factors like the train type, service class, and how far in advance you book.
Discounts to Know About
Booking early and taking advantage of seasonal deals can help reduce costs. There are also special reduced rates for specific groups, such as seniors, young travelers, or groups. Check the train operator’s website for details on eligibility and how to apply these discounts.
Using Rail Passes
You can use both Eurail and Interrail passes for travel between Florence and Venice. Here’s a quick breakdown of pass options:
- Interrail Italy One Country Pass: Starts at about $157 (€144).
- Interrail Global Pass: Starts at approximately $231 (€212) [3].
Rail passes are ideal for travelers planning multiple trips across Italy. However, keep these points in mind:
- High-speed trains require mandatory seat reservations.
- Compare the cost of a rail pass to individual tickets to see which option works better for your trip.
- The Italy One Country Pass covers travel throughout mainland Italy and its islands.
While rail passes offer flexibility, they might not be the most cost-effective option for a single trip. Think about your broader travel plans in Italy before deciding whether to purchase a pass or stick with single tickets.
Important Rules and Fees
Booking and Change Fees
Check ticket policies before traveling, as fees can vary depending on the operator and ticket type.
Baggage Rules
Most trains don’t enforce strict weight limits, but Italo Smart class has a size restriction of 75×53×30 cm for bags. Foldable bicycles are allowed on board [4]. Be sure to label your luggage and use the storage areas provided to make boarding easier.
Also, keep in mind there are specific entry fees when visiting Venice.
Venice Entry Fee
Starting in 2025, day visitors to Venice will need to pay a tourist access fee [5]. Here’s a breakdown of the fee structure:
| Fee Type | Amount | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Rate | $5.45 (around €5) | Paid 4 or more days in advance |
| Late Booking | $10.90 (around €10) | Paid within 3 days of arrival |
This fee applies only to Venice’s historic center [5] on select days in April, May, June, and July 2025 [5][6], between 8:30 AM and 4:00 PM [5][6].
Exemptions include:
- Overnight guests staying in Venice (including Murano, Burano, and Lido), though they must register for a QR code [5].
- Children under 14 years old [5].
Summary
Traveling by train from Florence to Venice is straightforward, with services provided by Trenitalia and Italo. High-speed trains are quicker than regional ones, and ticket options range in terms of flexibility.
Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Trains to Venice usually stop at either Santa Lucia (on the island) or Mestre (on the mainland).
- Baggage rules differ depending on the service, so it’s a good idea to check restrictions when booking.
- Ticket prices depend on the time of travel. Booking early or choosing off-peak hours can help save money.
Both operators provide modern, comfortable trains with frequent departures from early morning to late evening.