Venice is one of the most mesmerizing and unique places in Italy and the world. This legendary and historic city on the water once dominated the Mediterranean Sea. Today, it is a must see destination for travelers from all walks of life. Its canals, serving as arteries, keeping the storied city alive in the 21st century. It’s survival attests to the ingenuity and ambitious aspirations of the city’s founders, leaders, and artists who built and adorned this legendary metropolis known as the “Queen of the Adriatic”. Taking a day trip to Venice from Rome was one of my favorite adventures in Italy.

Although it’s possible to spend several days or weeks exploring this city’s many neighborhoods  and surrounding islands, many people only have a day to visit Venice as part of a broader Italian or European itinerary. My blog includes a comprehensive guide to planning a seamless and unforgettable day trip to Venice from Rome. I have included practical tips, advice, and lessons learned from my day trip to Venice that I hope make your visit to the floating city smooth, memorable, and enjoyable.

Is it possible to do a day trip to Venice from Rome

There is a lot of conversation and confusion on the internet and social media amongst travelers about whether it’s even possible to do a day trip to Venice from Rome. During my first trip to Italy, while staying in Rome, I nearly chose to skip Venice because so many people claimed it would be too rushed or even impossible. I’m here to tell you that it’s totally possible to visit Venice on a day trip from Rome. If you organize your day effectively, you will be able to visit the most important sites of Venice and have plenty of time to explore and stumble across unique places at a relaxed pace.

Day Trip to Venice Fee

The city of Venice has implemented a new fee for travelers visiting Venice for less than 24 hours. The tax for day trip visitors is 5 Euros.

Currently, Venice is running a trial on certain days to see how effective the 5 Euro day pass is. If you plan to visit during one of the trial days, you will have to pay the day trip fee. Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during peak season are expected to be included in the 2025 calendar as days requiring the day trip pass.

If the day you are planning to visit Venice requires the 5 Euro day fee, you can purchase your day pass here. You simply select the day you are visiting, pay the fee, and receive a QR code. Authorities have fined tourists up to 300 Euros for failing to obtain the proper day trip pass. The day trip fee is a relatively new approach to curbing the city’s struggle with overtourism. It was not in effect during my first solo-trip to Italy.

In my opinion, a 5 Euro day fee for a day trip to Venice from Rome is well worth it. Hopefully, the small fee will assist the city in preserving and maintaining the city for years to come.

Is it worth it to do a day trip to Venice from Rome

If you are in Italy for a short trip and only have one day to see Venice, I think it’s totally worth it. Venice is one of the most enchanting places you can visit in Italy. A day in the city gives you more than enough time to visit the most significant landmarks, explore the storied neighborhoods and impressive canals, and experience the timeless charm of the city built on the waters of the Adriatic.

Whether you are traveling with a significant other, a group of friends, or traveling solo, Venice will not disappoint. Venice is a great city for romantics and history lovers alike; the tiny city state controlled ports, islands, and vast territories across the Mediterranean.

Just visiting this magical city for a day will instill a sense of wonder and imagination that such a place can exist. I thought it was well worth the effort and planning to do my day trip to Venice from Rome.

//Planning a trip of a lifetime to Rome? Check out my blog for everything you need to know before visiting the Eternal City (COMING SOON).

How to get to Venice from Rome

There are many ways to get to Venice from Rome. The best and most enjoyable way to get to Venice from the Eternal City is by high speed train. Italy has a fantastic network of bullet trains that can take you all over the country. I highly recommend paying the small fee to upgrade to the business class cabin, which has leather seats and extra leg room and just overall feels much more luxurious.

To arrive in Venice by train, you will need to depart from the train station in Rome, called the Roma Termini station. The Roma Termini station isn’t in the best part of Rome. Watch your belongings outside the train station. Inside feels safer and more secure once you pass through security.

Train Schedule

One of my top tips for planning a day trip to Venice from Rome is to take one of the earliest trains. The earliest train departs Roma Termini most days around 5:30 am (with arrival in Venice at 9:30).  I highly recommend catching this train if you can. It’s an early start, but if you can make this train you will have the entire day to explore the city. The last trains leaving Venice usually depart around 11:00 pm. I recommend departing Venice no later than 6:00-7:30 pm or else you will be arriving well after midnight in Rome.  The Italian trains are scheduled on the 24 hour system.

It takes around 4 hours to get to Venice from Rome by train. I enjoyed the train ride by eating an Italian breakfast served in the train café, reading my book, and admiring the expansive green countryside and charming towns. Most trains also have seat chargers and free wifi.

I definitely recommend booking your tickets as soon as possible. The earlier you book your train ticket, the cheaper it will be. Since I bought my tickets quite late, they were much more expensive. I purchased my tickets online, and Google gave me all the available options.

Downloading Offline Google Maps

As I have mentioned previously on other blogs, offline Google Maps is one of my favorite resources as a solo traveler since I often have limited access to wifi or cellular data plans internationally. I was able to navigate Venice entirely by using Offline Google Maps. Just remember to include all the sights you wish to see in advance or simply download the map I’ve included in my blog before your day trip to Venice from Rome.

//Check out my complete guide and tutorial on how to use Google Maps  (COMING SOON).

Day trip to Venice from Rome Itinerary

Arrival in Venice

After a short passage through an underground  tunnel, the train came out along the tracks over the water, graced by two statues of winged lions, symbols of Venice. Seeing Venice for the first time was an unforgettable experience. It felt like something out of a novel or a movie. The waters of the Adriatic Sea surround the entire city like a garland. The train station in the historic part of the city, Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia, serves as the main arrival point (ensure you select this station when purchasing your tickets). As you exit the station, the bustling Grand Canal greets you, offering an amazing first glimpse of the city.

Getting to St. Mark’s Square

One of the top places you should visit on your day trip to Venice from Rome is St. Mark’s square. This is the historic, cultural, and social heart of Venice. There are multiple ways to get to St Mark’s Square from the Santa Lucia train station. You can take the vaporetto, or water bus which sells tickets right outside the train station. Additionally, you can also rent a private water taxi or a gondola to take you to St. Mark’s Square.

In my opinion, the best way to get to St. Mark’s square is by walking. Along the walk to St. Mark’s Square, I found countless charming streets and bridges with views of the canals. My walk took about 45 minutes as I explored canal-lined streets, beautiful churches, and eclectic shops. After four hours on the train, it felt great to stretch and explore while getting plenty of steps.

St Mark’s Square

After navigating through the countless alleys and turns leading to the city’s most important meeting point, I descended on the grand St Mark’s Square. The ornate and imposing exterior of St. Mark’s Basilica and the towering campanile, or bell tower, immediately greeted me.

St Mark’s Square is the most important gathering place in Venice for both locals and visitors alike. There are many Italian restaurants and shops lining the columned square. You can see the Adriatic Sea crashing against the foundations of the square. Nearby gondolas gently sway in the waves waiting for riders. Although it is undeniably a touristy area, it has a nice feel to it.

You can climb the campanile in St Mark’s Square. Tickets can be purchased at the base of the tower or online in advance. I did not climb the tower, but I’ve heard the views of the city at the top are breathtaking. St Mark’s campanile is the tallest point in Venice.

Practical Tips

NOTE: If you visit St Mark’s Square in the winter, it can be flooded by sea waters. St Mark’s Square is one of the lowest points in the city. Wooden catwalks are put up to get around the square and prevent people from getting their feet wet. When I visited in late October, the water was pretty low but the catwalks were still out. I have seen images where the waters are at peoples knee levels.

Alternatively, if you visit Venice in summer, crowds can surge. The city may feel more overwhelming, especially at St Mark’s Square.

Venice, like many highly desirable travel destinations, is battling with the growing problem of over tourism. The city is struggling to maintain it’s unique cultural identity and quality of life for the local population.

//Check out my blog on the rise of over-tourism, what it means for the future of travel, and how we can contribute to ethical travel (COMING SOON).

St Mark’s Basilica

History

St Mark’s Basilica is a beautiful and complicated building with a fascinating history. The cathedral took inspiration from many of the famous churches of Constantinople (now Istanbul, Turkey) thanks to its trade interaction and sometimes volatile relationship with the Byzantine Empire. The church contains many precious objects that the Venetians took from Constantinople during the 4th Crusade, including statues, icons, liturgical articles, and a magnificent gold altarpiece displayed in the center. The most famous loot taken from Constantinople were 4 bronze horses proudly welcoming visitors over the main entrance of the church. These 4 stallions once stood in the ancient Hippodrome of Constantinople, where chariot racing and other imperial sports took place in the ancient Roman and Byzantine empires. The 4 horses you see today on the exterior of the basilica are replicas with the original bronze horses in the museum in the attic and roof of the basilica.

The interior of St. Mark’s Basilica features incredibly intricate and ornate designs. Artists covered the cathedral from floor to ceiling in golden, glistening Byzantine mosaics depicting the life of Christ, the saints, and the most important political and spiritual moments in Venice’s history. The basilica interior reflects Venice interactions with other countries and cultures, along with its storied wealth from its maritime commercial dominance. The mosaics and ambiance differ from other Italian cathedrals, highlighting Venice’s connection to the East. Visit the church museum for a few euros to see the origional four bronze horses. The museum’s balcony offers views of St. Mark’s Square, the campanile, and the sea.

Important Tips for Visiting St Mark’s Basilica

One of the biggest mistakes I made on my day trip to Venice from Rome  was not purchasing a ticket to St Mark’s Basilica in advance. The cues to enter St Mark’s are long, even during quieter times of the year. If you purchase a skip the line ticket, you will save a lot of time waiting in line to enter. If you forget to purchase a ticket in advance, the line does go relatively quickly though (I waited for 30-45 minutes in late October). I imagine the line in summer could be hours to enter the basilica

It is also important to note that the church has a strict backpack policy. I have read that many travelers have had difficulty bringing backpacks and bags into the church. If you have a larger backpack or bag, you may have to check it at the coat room to the left of the basilica where they will store and secure your bag.

Remember to dress modestly when visiting the basilica or you may be denied entry. Men and Women should both cover their knees and women should cover their shoulders when visiting St. Marks Basilica.

Doge’s Palace Venice

The Doge’s palace is another of the top places I visited on my day trip to Venice from Rome. This is where the Doge of Venice, the city’s ruler, lived and governed the city state and its vast ports and colonies throughout the Mediterranean Sea. The architecture of this building is distinctly Venetian, and the palace is specially designed to adapt the structure from the physical confines and limitations Venice’s geography imposes. On the staircase leading into the palace is a depiction of Atlas holding up the globe, a unique tribute to Venice and its ambition to discover, control, and conquer different territories it came across.

Throughout the palace, artists painted beautiful frescoes portraying life in the city and famous war scenes. Leaders made important decisions that shaped Europe within the many lavish halls of the palace. When visiting the Doge’s Palace, you can also cross the Bridge of Sighs. This is where convicts would get their last glance of freedom before facing long imprisonment or execution. The Bridge of Sighs is one of the most iconic bridges in all of Venice.

I would suggest booking your tickets in advance so you can skip the line. I also purchase an audio guide after security to learn about the significance of each room in the palace. After you pass security, you will have to check your bag once inside the palace courtyard in the cloak closet.

Rialto Bridge

The Rialto Bridge is one of the top bridges to cross over in the city. The bridge divides the districts of San Marco and San Polo in Venice. There are three sets of stairs on the bridge and there are many unique shops. It is also the  oldest and most important bridge in Venice. Completed in the late 16th century, it was the only way to cross the Grand Canal for 300 years. The stone crossing gradually became a hub for commercial activity between San Marco and San Polo.

There are jewelry and local artisan stores on the bridge, and a cool antique shop that sells many old items from across the world.

Other Sights to Visit

St Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the Rialto Bridge are three of the most important cultural and historically significant places to visit in Venice.  The below list are other sights that I visited during my day trip to Venice from Rome. I recommend doing your research to plan accordingly and prioritize places that are of the most interest to you.

Santa Maria di Nazareth Church

Located in the Venetian district of Cannaregio, this small but ornate church is a one minute walk from the train station along the grand canal. The church of Santa Maria di Nazareth is a masterpiece of the late Venetian Baroque period and serves as a church for the Carmelite order in Catholicism. The church is very elaborate, and the altar is especially beautiful. Because of its close proximity to the train station, this is a great first stop on the itinerary.

Santa Maria Gloriosa Dei Frari

The church of Santa Maria Gloriosa is one of the most important churches in Venice. Although the red brick exterior is quite simple, the majestic interior more than makes up for the humble facade. The church took nearly one hundred years to build and has the second tallest bell tower in the city. Inside the church has several incredible works of art including the Renaissance masterpiece the Assumption of the Virgin by Titian.

Venetian Arsenal

The Venetian Arsenal was critical in maintaining the cities extensive navy and was the largest industrial scale operation before the industrial revolution. The Venetian Arsenal mass-produced galleys and other ships on an assembly-line process, restoring and creating naval vessels for the purpose of trade and conquest. The former military complex is closed to the public, however you can still admire the grand entrance guarded by two medieval towers and winged lions. It’s still visible to see the large area where the ships were built.

San George Dei Greci

The St George church is the place of worship and center of community life for the sizable Greek population in Venice. Granted the right to build a church in 1539, the church was built by Greek soldiers serving in the Venetian military and Greek intellectuals. Many of the first 16th Greek immigrants arrived fleeing the collapse of the Byzantine Empire. It is also the headquarters of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Italy. The church has traditional Orthodox icons with a noticeable Italian influence. There’s also a Byzantine icon museum on the church grounds. St George church is easily recognizable by it’s leaning bell-tower.

Bridge of Sighs

You can admire the little but significant bridge of sighs from a bridge just to the right of St Mark’s square. 

Waterfront Views of Venice

If you continue walking past the bridge of sighs along the waterways, you will get some incredible views of the city and its most cherished landmarks. This is a great moment to take some pictures and remind yourself that you are in Venice, Italy. For the best views, walk along the waterfront until you reach the park called Giardini Della Marinaressa.

Campo di Ghetto Nuovo- the Jewish Quarter

Venice housed a thriving Jewish population, with refugees from around the  world. The Jewish Quarter includes a museum  highlighting the Jewish culture in Venice, 5 synagogues, and many kosher restaurants and bakeries. Buildings here are taller, housing families and communities who wanted to live in close proximity to each other.

Food in Venice

The food in Venice is very delicious and high quality. You will not struggle to find a good meal here. The city has great Italian food, but also remarkable seafood dishes, not found elsewhere in Italy. There are many charming bistros, restaurants, pizzarias, and bakeries that are very welcoming and cozy. There are also nice bars and gelaterias to enjoy some ice cream with views of the city

//Florence is another great day trip from Rome. Everything you need to know about planning the perfect day trip from Rome to Florence (COMING SOON)

If your itinerary only permits one day to visit Venice,  a day trip from Rome is both possible and worthwhile. If you leave early and plan carefully, you will get a full day to explore the city’s most important highlights and get a strong feel for the unique surroundings of Venice at an enjoyable pace. Just remember to alot sufficient time to make your way back to the Santa Lucia train station. Although the day will be packed, you will have time to sufficiently experience Venice and create many new memories in this unforgettable city.