How far is venice from rome – distance, time & the easiest ways
You’re asking how far is Venice from Rome because you want a simple plan that actually works on your travel day. Short answer: by straight line it’s about 394 km (≈245 miles); by road it’s roughly 520–560 km (≈325–350 miles) depending on the route. On the ground, the fastest way is the high-speed train between Rome and Venice, with typical journeys around 3.5–4 hours and a quickest non-stop in about 3 h 34 min. You’ll arrive right in historic Venice at Venezia Santa Lucia—no cars or taxis needed at the end. For live examples and prices, see the official Italo route page and a route overview below.
Distances in km and miles (plus what they actually mean for you)
When you search “how far is Venice from Rome,” you’ll see numbers in km and miles—but the useful part is how that converts into time.
- As the crow flies: ~394 km (245 mi). This is the straight-line distance used by airlines. On a map, Venice sits northeast of Rome on the Adriatic side of Italy.
- Driving distance: about 520–560 km (325–350 mi) via the A1/A13/A4 corridors. In normal conditions, plan on 5.5–6.5 hours behind the wheel, plus breaks and parking time on the mainland at Mestre before you switch to a tram or train into Venice.
- Rail distance & time: High-speed services cover the route in ~3 h 30–4 h end-to-end. The Italo “No Stop” option posts a fastest run of 3 h 34 min (Rome ↔ Venice) and most runs sit around 3 h 45–3 h 55 depending on stops.
Mini-takeaway: distance numbers are helpful, but time to arrival is what matters. For almost everyone, train wins on city-center to city-center time and ease.
Getting there by train (the easiest, most reliable option)
High-speed trains connect Roma Termini or Roma Tiburtina to Venezia Santa Lucia (on the Grand Canal) and Venezia Mestre (on the mainland). Here’s how to do it without stress.
The fast services you’ll use
- Italo (NTV): Modern AGV/EVO trainsets, free Wi-Fi, several classes. Fastest No Stop journeys take ~3 h 34 min. You’ll usually board at Termini or Tiburtina and step off at Santa Lucia or Mestre. Check schedules and the “No Stop” filter on the official page: Italo Treni Roma–Venezia.
- Frecciarossa (Trenitalia): Comparable speeds and comfort, frequent departures from the same Rome stations to Venice. Typical times ~3 h 45–4 h depending on stops. A handy route overview with distance and timing is here: Rome–Venice high-speed trains (summary).
Tip: Book earlier for lower fares. In Italy, dynamic pricing means the cheapest tickets disappear first, especially for morning and late-afternoon departures.
Which station should you choose in Venice?
- Santa Lucia (Venezia S. Lucia): Best for most travelers—it’s in the lagoon, right on the Grand Canal. From here, walk or take vaporetto to Rialto, San Marco, or your hotel.
- Mestre: Useful if you’re staying on the mainland or renting a car.
Luggage, seats, and tickets
- Tickets: Go digital—show the QR code on your phone.
- Seats: Reserve early if you want a window or to sit together.
- Bags: You bring luggage onboard yourself; overhead racks and carriage ends hold carry-ons and medium suitcases comfortably.
Mini-takeaway: If you want Venice with no traffic and no parking, train is your zero-stress choice.
Getting there by car (scenic but slower into Venice)
Driving the A1 → A13 → A4 gives you flexibility and detours (Tuscany, Umbria, Bologna, Padua), but Venice’s historic center is car-free. You’ll park at Mestre or at the garages on Tronchetto/Piazzale Roma and then switch to a tram or vaporetto. Expect tolls, fuel costs, and ZTL rules in other cities if you stop.
Who should drive?
- You’re planning multiple stops en route (e.g., Orvieto → Florence → Bologna), or you’re carrying sports gear and don’t mind parking logistics.
- Otherwise, train is almost always faster door to door.
Bus options (budget-friendly, longest travel time)
Intercity coaches run Rome ⇄ Venice with journey times often 7–8+ hours depending on operator, traffic, and stops. Buses normally arrive on the mainland (Mestre) or at Tronchetto, then you transfer into the lagoon. It’s the cheapest option if you book early, but not ideal for a quick trip.
Flying Rome to Venice (when it makes sense)
Flights link Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO) and Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) with ~1 hour of air time, but total door-to-door can rival or exceed the train once you add airport transfers, security, and waiting. Fly only if you’re connecting onward or using miles and the timing is perfect for you.
Is Venice a day trip from Rome?
Yes—if you catch an early train and return late, you can have 8–10 hours in Venice. Your realistic walking loop from Santa Lucia might be: Cannaregio → Rialto → San Marco → Dorsoduro → Santa Lucia. You’ll see canals, markets, the Rialto Bridge, and St. Mark’s Square at a calm pace.
Sample day-trip plan
- 06:45–07:15: High-speed train from Rome.
- 11:00: Coffee near Rialto; browse the fish market if open.
- 12:30–14:00: San Marco area and a quick church visit (Basilica lines vary).
- 15:30: Dorsoduro stroll (Zattere or Accademia).
- 18:00–19:00: Dinner near the station.
- 19:30–20:00: Train back to Rome.
Mini-takeaway: Day trip? Doable. But if you can, sleep one night for a quiet evening and early-morning Venice when alleys are yours.
Costs, tickets & smart savings
- Buy early: Both Italo and Frecciarossa release promo fares weeks in advance that can be much cheaper than last-minute.
- Flexible vs. fixed: If plans are fluid, pay a bit more for exchangeable tickets.
- Peak hours: Morning and late afternoon fill up first—prices follow.
- Seat class: Standard/Smart is great; upgrade for extra legroom or welcome snacks if that matters to you.
- With kids: Family offers appear often; sitting near doors helps with strollers and luggage.
For live schedules and that fastest 3h34 non-stop, browse here: Italo – Treni Roma–Venezia. For distance and average rail timing, this route summary is useful: Rome–Venice high-speed trains overview.
People also ask (and quick answers)
Is the train faster than flying?
Door to door, often yes. You start in the city center, skip airport security lines, and arrive inside Venice at Santa Lucia. Actual air time is short, but transfers usually erase the advantage.
Which station in Rome should I use?
Termini has the most services and easiest connections on Metro A/B. Tiburtina works too—sometimes with good fares and less crowding.
Should I get off at Mestre or Santa Lucia?
Pick Santa Lucia to start in Venice proper. Choose Mestre only if your hotel or car rental is on the mainland.
Real-world example: what the trip feels like
You grab a cappuccino at Termini, board a high-speed train, and watch Lazio’s hills slide into the green plains of Emilia-Romagna. After Bologna and Padua, the landscape flattens; water appears; tracks cross the causeway. You roll into Santa Lucia, step out to the Grand Canal, and your “transfer” is a vaporetto gliding past palazzi. On the way back, you sit by the window, charge your phone with the seat outlet, and plan your next plate of cacio e pepe in Rome. No parking, no traffic, no stress.
Getting from the platforms to the sights (so you don’t lose time)
- From Santa Lucia: Turn right for vaporetto Line 1 (all-stops Grand Canal) or left for Line 2 (quicker). Rialto and San Marco are straightforward; for Cannaregio, walk from the station and enjoy the quieter calli.
- From Mestre: Cross to Mestre FS and ride the frequent regional trains to Santa Lucia (≈10–12 min) or the tram T1/T2 into Venice.
Car vs. train vs. bus vs. plane – quick scorecard
- Train: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ for speed, comfort, zero parking, center-to-center.
- Car: ⭐⭐⭐ for scenic freedom, ⭐⭐ for Venice access (cars aren’t allowed in historic center).
- Bus: ⭐⭐ budget choice, longest time.
- Plane: ⭐⭐⭐ if perfectly timed or connecting; otherwise neutral once transfers are counted.
FAQ
How far is Venice from Rome in miles and km?
About 394 km (245 mi) in a straight line; ~520–560 km (325–350 mi) by road depending on route.
How long is the train ride from Rome to Venice?
Typically 3 h 30–4 h. The fastest Italo No-Stop option runs in ~3 h 34 min; many other departures take ~3 h 45–3 h 55.
Is Venice a day trip from Rome by train?
Yes. Take an early train up and a late train back for 8–10 hours in Venice.
What’s the best train station to arrive in Venice?
Santa Lucia—it puts you inside Venice on the Grand Canal. Mestre is fine for mainland hotels or car rentals.
Do I need to print tickets?
No. Mobile QR codes are accepted; bring the ID/card used for purchase.
When should I book?
As soon as your date is set. Promo fares are first-come, first-served.
Wrap-up: the simple, traveler-first answer
If you’re still wondering how far is Venice from Rome, think in time: hop on a high-speed train and you’ll be sipping a spritz on a canal about 3.5–4 hours after leaving Rome. Distance numbers (km and miles) are helpful, but center-to-center convenience is what makes the train the most reliable and stress-free choice. For the quickest timetables, check Italo’s Rome–Venice page and this route overview for distance/average timing, then book the departure that matches your day.
