By Lauren Wise
Traveling throughout Italy can be tough when trying to decide how to transport yourself. Should you fly on a plane, drive yourself in a car or take a train? When it comes to traveling from Rome to Venice, you can use any one of these methods; it just depends on how much time you want to spend going from the two cities, how much money you want to spend and if you want to be bothered with figuring out directions yourself.
Train
The train is probably the best way to travel from Rome to Venice. You can book the train tickets online in advance through a company called Trenitalia, picking the exact times and train you want to take, or you can purchase the tickets at the station (but beware that during busy times you may need a very flexible schedule in order to get a ticket). In Rome, you will go to the Termini station and the train ride is about 4.5 hours to Venice, with tickets that are around 60 Euros for second class and 90 Euros for first class. The advantages to train travel is that you can relax, read, sleep or enjoy the beautiful scenery on the way to your destination without having to worry about dealing with directions yourself. You leave the train at the Grand Canal in Venice. The disadvantage of train travel is that you cannot refund your tickets or change dates if you need to.
Airplane
Taking an airplane is the fastest way to travel, but will be more expensive than train travel, with tickets starting around 100 Euros. It will take about 2.5 to 3 hours from Rome to Venice, and then you must take a taxi boat from the airport to St. Marks in Venice, about seven kilometers. Also, keep in mind that you will need to get to the airport about two hours before the flight, so all in all, it may end up being the same amount of travel time as a train but at a much higher price. Prices vary depending on the time and season.
Car Travel
Whether you rent a car or catch a ride with some other travelers, getting from Rome to Venice by car can be an exciting, but lengthy, adventure. From Rome to Venice it is about 518 kilometers, which takes almost six hours to travel by car. It is all motorway, not freeway, with several toll roads. The roads are in good condition, with a lot of scenery and sites to look at so you may end up stopping often to explore. During peak season or holiday times, the roads can get backed up and very hectic, so keep this in mind. You can rent a cart at travel companies in Rome for low daily rates.
About the Author:
Lauren Wise has more than eight years' experience as a writer, editor, copywriter and columnist. She specializes in food, wine, music and pop culture. Her writing has appeared in various magazines, including "Runway," "A2Z," "Scottsdale Luxury Living" and "True West." Wise holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Arizona State University.
