Venice Main Railway Station: Understand the railway traffic in Venice considering both the Venezia Mestre and Venezia Santa Lucia Station
Venice is a popular tourist destination in Italy, and it has two main railway stations: Venice Santa Lucia and Venice Mestre. Venice Santa Lucia is the main station in Venice, located in the city center, and is the one most commonly used by tourists. It serves as a terminus for regional and intercity trains, connecting Venice with other major cities in Italy and Europe. The station is situated on the Grand Canal and offers easy access to the city’s main attractions, such as St. Mark’s Square, the Rialto Bridge, and the Doge’s Palace.
On the other hand, Venice Mestre is a railway station located on the mainland and is about 10 km from the city center. It is an important transportation hub, connecting Venice with other parts of Italy and Europe. The station is primarily used by commuters and travelers who are passing through Venice and is a stopping point for many high-speed trains. Venice Mestre also serves as a starting point for regional trains and buses that take visitors to Venice.
Both stations have different railway traffic. Venice Santa Lucia is mainly used by regional and intercity trains, and most of the high-speed trains do not stop there. Conversely, Venice Mestre is a stop for many high-speed trains that do not pass through Venice Santa Lucia. The station is a gateway for travelers to Venice, and it has connections to many other destinations in Italy and Europe. Thus, it is essential to know which station to arrive at depending on your travel needs and the final destination.
Venice Santa Lucia Station (Venezia Santa Lucia )
The Venice Santa Lucia Station is an important transportation hub in the city, serving as the main railway station for Venice. It is situated on the Grand Canal, near the city center, making it a convenient arrival point for tourists visiting Venice. From here, visitors can easily access the city’s famous landmarks, such as St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.
If you are planning a trip to Venice, you will likely arrive at the Venezia Mestre Station, which is located on the mainland, and then need to transfer to the Venezia Santa Lucia Station. The absolute easiest way to get from the Mestre Station to the Santa Lucia Station by taking the train, which runs frequently and takes only a few minutes to reach the Santa Lucia Station.
Venice Mestre Station (Venezia Mestre)
Venezia Mestre station is an important transportation hub located on the mainland, serving as the gateway to Venice for visitors arriving from other cities in Italy, as well as from Austria and Slovenia. The station is well-connected by train, with frequent services running to Venice Santa Lucia station and other destinations throughout the country. As one of the largest stations in Italy, it provides a convenient arrival point for visitors to Venice, allowing them to easily access the city’s famous landmarks and attractions.
If you are traveling to Venice by train and need to get to the Venice Marco Polo Airport, there are several options available from the Venezia Mestre station. The most convenient way is to take the airport shuttle bus, which runs frequently and takes around 25 minutes to reach the airport. Alternatively, visitors can take a taxi or hire a private transfer, although these options are generally more expensive. It’s important to plan ahead and allow plenty of time for travel, especially during peak tourist season when crowds and traffic can be heavy.
Is There WiFi in Venezia Train Station?
Unfortunately, there is currently no public Wi-Fi available at either the Venezia Mestre or Venezia Santa Lucia train stations in Venice, Italy. Despite the importance of these transportation hubs for both tourists and locals, the stations do not offer any free or paid Wi-Fi services to their visitors. This can be inconvenient for travelers who need to check their emails, book accommodation, or simply stay connected while waiting for their trains.
However, there are some alternatives to access Wi-Fi in the area. Some cafes and restaurants around the train stations may offer free Wi-Fi to their customers. In addition, Trenitalia, the national train company of Italy, provides Wi-Fi access in the reserved area known as the FRECCIAClub for first-class passengers at Venezia Mestre station. This is a perk that is only available to those who have purchased first-class tickets on Trenitalia trains.
Italo also offers a small space for its passengers with WiFi at Venezia Mestre
It is worth noting that high-speed trains in Italy, including the Frecciarossa and Frecciargento, do provide Wi-Fi access on board. Passengers can connect to the internet during their journey and stay connected throughout their trip, which is a great feature for those who need to stay connected during their travels.
Are There Luggage Storage in Venice Train Station?
There are luggage storage options in both Venezia Mestre and Venezia Santa Lucia. There are more options in and around Venezia Mestre, and they are run by private companies, not by Trenitalia.
You can expect to pay from 5 to 20 euros per luggage, depending on how many hours you leave your baggage at one of the left luggage providers.
How to Buy Train Tickets in and to Venice?
Buying train tickets in and to Venice can be a relatively easy process as there are several options available. The most common way to purchase train tickets in Venice is to buy them directly at the train station ticket counter. However, it is important to note that purchasing train tickets at the station can be more expensive, especially for long-distance trains, if you don’t buy them in advance. It is therefore advisable to purchase tickets ahead of time to save money and avoid any unnecessary stress.
An alternative to buying tickets at the station is to purchase them online from the official websites of Trenitalia, Italo, or some third party websites. Trenitalia is the national train company of Italy and offers both regional and high-speed trains to various destinations, including Venice. Italo is a privately owned high-speed train company that also offers train services to Venice.
To buy train tickets online, you need to visit the website of the train company you want to travel with and search for available trains for your preferred travel dates. You can then select your preferred departure and arrival times and choose your seat type. Once you have selected your tickets, you will be prompted to enter your personal information and payment details. After completing the booking process, you will receive a confirmation email with your e-ticket that you can either print or show on your mobile device when boarding the train.
Budget Accommodation in Venice – €
B&B Casa Luzzi – a great bed and breakfast close to the Venezia Mestre station, with very attractive prices.
Il Veliero Romantico – an affordable accommodation in the Santa Croce area of Venice.
Reasonably Priced Accommodation in Venice – €€
Hotel Alla Fava – a reasonably priced hotel close to the Rialto Brigde, in a privileged location in Venice.
Hotel Rio – a great accommodation option close to the St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco).
Luxury Hotels in Venice – €€€
Bauer Palazzo – a beautiful refined hotel close to the Piazza San Marco.
Hotel Danieli, a Luxury Collection Hotel – a sumptuous hotel with a magnificent interior design, also close to the Piazza San Marco.
Other Resources to Travel in Italy and Europe
Are you traveling to Venice soon? Check our guides to nearby cities on where to stay in Milan, where to stay in Florence and where to stay in Ljubljana (Slovenia).