Florence to Venice

By the Viamo editorial team · Editor Terje Moy · Last updated July 2026 · 5 min read

Planning this trip? Currency converter · Jet-lag calculator · Trip budget · Compare routes

Florence and Venice are two of Italy's most-visited cities, and they sit about 260 kilometres apart — close enough for a straightforward day trip, but requiring a little planning because the high-speed rail line between them passes through Bologna. The journey is easy and well-served, with fast trains, slower regional options and a coach as the main alternatives.

The quickest way: the high-speed train via Bologna

There is no direct high-speed line between Florence and Venice, but the connection via Bologna Centrale is fast and usually seamless. From Florence Santa Maria Novella, a Frecciarossa north to Bologna takes around 35–40 minutes; connecting north-east to Venice Santa Lucia takes another 1 hour 20–30 minutes. Total journey time with a short connection: roughly 2 hours to 2 hours 20 minutes.

Some Frecciarossa services run through without needing to change — they continue from Florence (or further south) through Bologna and on to Venice. Check the timetable carefully, as direct through-trains are more convenient than having to switch platforms in Bologna, though the connection there is at a major hub and generally well-managed.

Reservations are compulsory on Frecciarossa services, and advance booking secures the best fares. See our guide to seat reservations on European trains if you are travelling with a rail pass.

The regional train option

Regional trains run between Florence and Venice, stopping at more towns and taking around 3–4 hours depending on the routing. These require no advance reservation and can be boarded with an open ticket or a standard Interrail/Eurail pass without paying a reservation supplement. The fares are lower than high-speed services.

The regional route typically goes via Prato, Pistoia, Bologna and Padua. It is a pleasant journey through the Tuscan and Emilian countryside, perfectly comfortable, and a good option for flexible travellers who do not want to commit to a specific departure in advance.

The cheapest way: the coach

FlixBus and other operators run direct coach services between Florence and Venice, typically taking around 3–4 hours and departing from the coach terminal near Florence's Santa Maria Novella station. Coaches arrive at Venice's Piazzale Roma — the road terminus at the edge of the lagoon city, from which you continue by water bus or on foot. Fares are usually the cheapest available on this corridor.

Flying: not applicable here

No meaningful scheduled flight exists directly between Florence Peretola airport (FLR) and Venice Marco Polo (VCE). Any air routing would involve a connection and take far longer than the train. Flying between these two cities is simply not a viable option.

The scenic way: driving

The drive from Florence to Venice is around 260 km, taking roughly 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours on the A1 and A4 motorways via Bologna. Tolls apply. The A1 cuts north through the Apennines in a series of tunnels and viaducts — visually dramatic in places — before descending to the flat Po Valley. The A4 east from Bologna is unremarkable.

As with all routes into Venice, you cannot drive onto the islands — parking at Tronchetto or Piazzale Roma on the edge of the lagoon, then continuing by boat. Parking fees are high, so driving only makes sense if you have a specific need for a car in the Veneto region. For the journey itself, the fast train matches or beats driving on time and is considerably easier.

Which should you choose?

The high-speed train via Bologna is the clear choice for most travellers — fast, comfortable, city-centre-to-city-centre and not expensive with advance booking. The regional train is the right call for flexible, budget-conscious travellers happy to take a little longer. The coach suits those who prioritise cost and do not mind a 3–4 hour journey. Driving is only worth the added complexity for travellers who need a car in the region.

Practical tips

• Florence Santa Maria Novella is the main central station, well placed for the historic centre. Venice Santa Lucia is right on the Grand Canal — one of Europe's finest rail arrivals.
• Bologna Centrale, if you make the change there, is a large, efficient station. The journey north-east to Venice passes through Ferrara and Padua, both worth knowing about for future trips.
• Italy's high-speed network is extensive; our Italy by train guide gives a full picture of the routes and what each train type covers.
• For Interrail and Eurail pass holders: regional trains between Florence and Venice do not require a reservation supplement, making them very flexible — just board and go.
• Venice Marco Polo airport, about 15 km from the city, is an alternative entry or exit point if your wider trip involves flying.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a direct train from Florence to Venice?

Some Frecciarossa and Frecciargento services run directly between Florence Santa Maria Novella and Venice Santa Lucia without requiring a change. Others require a short connection at Bologna Centrale. Check the timetable when booking — direct services are more convenient.

How long does the journey from Florence to Venice take?

The high-speed train (with or without a change at Bologna) takes about 2 hours to 2 hours 20 minutes. Regional trains take around 3–4 hours. Coaches take a similar time to regional trains, around 3–4 hours.

Do I need to book the train in advance?

For Frecciarossa and Frecciargento high-speed services, advance booking is strongly recommended and reservations are compulsory. Regional trains do not require reservations and can be used with an open ticket or rail pass without a supplement.

How do I get from Piazzale Roma into Venice if I arrive by coach?

Piazzale Roma is the road terminus for Venice. From there, ACTV vaporetto (water bus) services run into the city along the Grand Canal and out to other parts of the lagoon. Line 1 is the main canal route; line 2 is faster. A single journey or multi-day pass can be bought at the vaporetto stop or online.