Taking a train from Milan to Venice is fast, convenient, and flexible. Here’s what you need to know:
- High-speed trains: Travel in just 2h 25m at speeds up to 155 mph. Tickets start at $15 (Italo) or $53 (Frecciarossa).
- Regional trains: Slower but cheaper, taking 5h 5m for around $24.
- Daily frequency: Around 45 trains, running from early morning until late evening.
- Comfort: Modern trains offer Wi-Fi, power outlets, air conditioning, and dining options.
Quick Comparison:
| Travel Option | Journey Time | Starting Price | Daily Frequency | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High-speed (Italo) | ~2h 25m | $15 | ~12 trains | Reclining seats, Wi-Fi |
| High-speed (Frecciarossa) | ~2h 25m | $53 | ~23 trains | Leather seats, dining options |
| Regional Trains | ~5h 5m | $24 | Multiple | Budget-friendly, slower |
Pro Tip: Book early for discounts, and consider high-speed trains for the best balance of time and comfort.
How to travel by train from Milan to Venice
Train Companies and Routes
Two main train operators – Trenitalia and Italo – run services on the Milan–Venice route, with about 49 trains available daily [3].
Trenitalia Trains
Trenitalia offers two types of services for this route:
- Frecciarossa trains: These high-speed trains can hit speeds of up to 186 mph, completing some trips in as little as 2 hours and 15 minutes [3]. Amenities include:
- Free WiFi
- Power outlets at each seat
- Air conditioning
- Restaurant/bar service
- Entertainment system
- Dedicated luggage storage
- Regionale trains: These slower trains take about 5 hours and 5 minutes, stopping at smaller stations along the way.
| Trenitalia Service | Daily Frequency | Avg Duration | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frecciarossa | 23 trains | 2h 30m | $60 |
| Regionale | Multiple | 5h 5m | $22 |
Italo Services
Italo operates around 12 high-speed trains daily between Milan and Venice [3]. Their fleet includes two train models:
- AGV 575: Capable of reaching speeds up to 186 mph.
- EVO: Reaches speeds of up to 150 mph.
Passenger perks include:
- Reclining leather seats
- Free WiFi
- Power outlets
- Snack machines
- Access to Italo Live entertainment
- Direct boarding without check-in
Both Trenitalia and Italo’s high-speed trains stop at key cities like Bologna, Padua, and Verona, making it easy to connect to other destinations. The direct route between Milan and Venice covers 153 miles of rail [1].
Tickets and Booking
Ticket Types
Trenitalia and Italo provide a range of ticket classes to suit different needs.
For Trenitalia’s high-speed Frecciarossa trains, you can choose from four service levels:
- Standard: Features 2+2 seating with Wi-Fi, power outlets, and cloth seats (some upgraded to leather).
- Premium: Includes leather seats and a welcome drink.
- Business: Offers 2+1 seating with leather seats, a welcome drink, snack box, and access to a quiet car.
- Executive: Provides reclining leather seats, steward service, meal service, power outlets, Wi-Fi, and Frecciaclub lounge access.
Italo also has four service classes:
- Smart: Reclining leather seats, power outlets, and snack facilities.
- Comfort: Reclining leather seats with extra legroom and a break area.
- Prima: Premium seating with a welcome service that includes drinks and snacks.
- Club Executive: Features spacious armchairs, catering service, Fast Track access, and lounge privileges.
Trenitalia offers several fare options: Base, Economy, Super Economy, and Ordinaria. Base tickets allow changes or cancellations, while Economy and Super Economy are cheaper but have stricter conditions.
Once you’ve decided on a class, tickets can be purchased through various options.
Where to Buy Tickets
You can buy your tickets through these channels:
- Official websites: Book directly on Trenitalia or Italo’s websites.
- Station ticket offices: Available in major train stations.
- Self-service machines: Found in larger stations for quick purchases.
- Mobile apps: Use the dedicated apps from Trenitalia or Italo for convenience.
Booking tickets up to 70 days in advance can help you find the best prices. High-speed train fares typically range from $10.90 to $52.90, with prices increasing as the departure date approaches [2].
Using Interrail Passes
If you prefer flexibility, Interrail passes are a great alternative. The Italy One Country Pass is ideal for domestic travel, while the Global Pass covers Italy along with 32 other European countries. Keep in mind, seat reservations are required for high-speed trains, especially during busy travel periods.
Prices and Discounts
After selecting your ticket type, it’s helpful to understand how fares work and ways to save.
Standard Fares
Train ticket prices vary based on the type of train and how early you book. Standard fares range from around $15 for advance promotional tickets to $53 for high-speed services.
Here’s a quick look at starting fares for different train services:
| Train Service | Starting Price | Class Options |
|---|---|---|
| Regionale | $24 | Standard |
| Italo | $33 | Smart to Club Executive |
| Frecciarossa | $53 | Standard to Executive |
On average, tickets cost about $22, but prices can rise during busy travel times. Let’s explore some ways to cut costs.
How to Save Money
Want to spend less on train tickets? Try these tips:
- Book early: The sooner you book, the better the deals.
- Seasonal promotions: Italo offers family deals where kids under 14 ride free, and adults get 50% off. Trenitalia provides discounts of up to 60% on same-day round-trip tickets for eligible Frecce trains (excluding Executive class).
- Group and age-based discounts: Both Italo and Trenitalia offer special rates for families, seniors, and weekend travelers.
Extra Costs
Keep in mind a few added expenses:
- Booking fees: These can vary depending on how you purchase your ticket.
- Seat reservations: Required on high-speed trains. Some tickets include this cost, but promotional fares might charge extra.
- Changes and cancellations: Fees depend on the type of fare you choose.
Up next, we’ll dive into train schedules and journey details.
Train Times and Journey Info
Daily Schedule
Trains between Milan and Venice run frequently, with about 45 departures daily from Milano Centrale station [1]. The first train leaves at 6:15 a.m., and the last one departs at 11:18 p.m. High-speed trains are available every 30 to 60 minutes during peak hours and about once or twice an hour at other times.
Here’s a general breakdown of the schedule:
- Morning (6:15 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.): Departures every 30–60 minutes
- Mid-day and Afternoon: One to two trains per hour
- Evening: Regular service until the last train at 11:18 p.m.
| Time Period | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Peak Hours (6:15–9 a.m.) | Every 30 minutes | Most frequent service |
| Off-Peak Hours | Every 60 minutes | Steady, regular schedule |
| Weekends/Holidays | Reduced schedule | Fewer trains, longer gaps |
For smooth planning, consider not just the frequency but also the travel time and route options.
Travel Time and Route
The 153-mile journey varies in duration depending on the type of train you choose:
| Train Type | Journey Duration | Stops/Connections |
|---|---|---|
| High-Speed (Frecciarossa) | ~2 hours 25 minutes | Limited stops |
| Regional Trains | ~5 hours 5 minutes | Numerous stops |
Some intercity options with transfers can complete the trip in around 3.5 hours. High-speed trains often stop briefly in major cities like Bologna and Padua, with a few also stopping in Genoa.
Key Details to Keep in Mind:
- High-speed trains can reach speeds of up to 155 miles per hour [1].
- Regional trains don’t usually require seat reservations.
- Weekend and holiday schedules may feature fewer trains and longer travel times.
- Direct routes avoid transfers, but some services may include connections.
Travel Tips
Planning ahead goes beyond just tickets and schedules. Knowing how to navigate stations and make the most of onboard services can make your journey much smoother.
Train Stations
Milano Centrale, Italy’s second-largest train station, serves over 320,000 passengers daily [5]. Here’s a quick guide to what you can find there:
| Facility | Location/Details |
|---|---|
| Platforms | 24 platforms in total [4] |
| Premium Lounges | FRECCIALounge (near platform 21) and Italo Club (near platform 16) [4] |
| Taxi Stands & Services | Located on the eastern side (platform 21) and western side (platform 4); includes left luggage, ATMs, and ticket counters [4] |
| Connectivity | Free WiFi via the "WiFiStation" network [4] |
Pro Tip: Moving between platforms 1-3 and 23-24 takes about 3-4 minutes, so plan accordingly.
Venezia Santa Lucia offers a unique convenience – it’s located directly on Venice’s main island, putting you right in the heart of the city without needing extra transfers from the mainland [5].
Onboard Services
The amenities you’ll find onboard often depend on the train operator and service class. High-speed trains typically include:
- Air conditioning
- Electrical outlets
- Free Wi‑Fi
- Restrooms and luggage storage at the end of each car [1]
Italo trains provide three service levels, each catering to different needs:
| Class | Key Amenities |
|---|---|
| Club Executive | Lounge access, fast track boarding, extra-wide armchairs, dedicated catering, personal screens [2] |
| Prima | Fast track boarding, welcome service, reclining leather seats, more personal space [2] |
| Smart | Reclining leather seats, power sockets, and access to a snack area [2] |
Boarding Process
At Milano Centrale, aim to arrive at least 15 minutes before your train departs. With Italo, there’s no need for pre-boarding check-ins, making it a hassle-free experience [2]. Digital displays will guide you to the correct platform, and English-speaking customer support is available for assistance [2].
Summary
Here’s a quick look at your Milan–Venice train travel options:
| Service Type | Travel Time | Starting Price | Daily Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-speed (Italo & Frecciarossa) | 2h 25m | Italo: ~$15; Frecciarossa: ~$53 | 31 direct trains |
| Regional | 5h 5m | ~$24 | 18 trains |
The journey covers about 153 miles (246 km), with trains departing from Milano Centrale and arriving at Venezia Santa Lucia.
Key Details to Keep in Mind:
- Italo Perks: Children under 14 ride free with the Family Offer, and the Friends Offer provides discounts of up to 60%.
- Book Early: To snag the best deals, plan ahead – Italo often offers fares starting at $15.
- Off-Peak Savings: Traveling during less busy times can help you save even more.
- Special Packages: Check out options like the Italo Travel Pack, which can slash costs by up to 80%.
High-speed trains require seat reservations, while regional trains allow more flexibility but take longer. With so many choices, you can easily plan a rail trip that suits your schedule and budget between these two iconic cities.
