Train service
Trenitalia
Trenitalia is Italy’s state-owned rail operator, running high-speed, intercity, and regional trains across the country and beyond.
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NTV
Italo (NTV) is Italy’s first private high-speed rail operator, offering a competitive alternative to Trenitalia since 2012.
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Omio
Omio connects you with over 1,000 transport providers - trains, buses, flights, and more - to simplify your travel planning.
Trainline
Trainline sells rail and coach tickets worldwide on behalf of major UK and European transport companies.
Raileurope
Rail Europe is a leading travel tech company specializing in European train bookings for over 15,000 travel professionals worldwide.
Both Frecciarossa and Italo run direct high-speed trains between Venezia Santa Lucia and Roma Termini throughout the day. Italo’s fastest services cover the approximately 527 km route in around 3 hours 34 minutes; Frecciarossa takes approximately 3 hours 45 minutes. Around 38 trains run daily across both operators, with tickets from EUR 29.90 when booked ahead.
Venice Departure Stations
For almost everyone travelling to Rome, the departure point is Venezia Santa Lucia. It sits at the end of the Ponte della Libertà bridge where the island meets the mainland, and all Frecciarossa and Italo high-speed services start here. The station is right beside the Grand Canal and reachable by vaporetto or on foot from most of the island.
Venezia Mestre is the mainland station, about 10 minutes from Santa Lucia by regional train or bus. Some Frecciarossa and Italo services stop at Mestre before continuing to Rome, which is only worth considering if your accommodation is on the mainland. If you are based on the island, use Santa Lucia.
Venice Marco Polo Airport has no train station. Arriving by plane means taking a bus (around 20 to 25 minutes on the ACTV airport line to Piazzale Roma, beside Santa Lucia) or a water taxi to reach Venezia Santa Lucia or Venezia Mestre before boarding. Allow at least 90 minutes between landing and your train departure to cover the transfer.
Train Ticket Types
Standard Class
Frecciarossa Standard Class has electrical and USB outlets, free WiFi, and access to the FRECCE Portal. There is a café and snack bar on board. It is the most affordable Frecciarossa option and perfectly adequate for a journey that runs under four hours.
Intercity trains have Second Class seating at lower base fares than high-speed services, though the journey takes considerably longer. Worth considering if you are not in a hurry and want to keep costs down.
First Class
Frecciarossa First Class comes in three tiers. Premium has reclining leather seats and complimentary snacks. Business gives you more space and upgraded refreshments, with the option of the quieter Business Area Silenzio. Executive has the most generous seating and full at-seat service.
On Intercity trains, First Class has wider seats and more legroom than Second Class.
Night Trains
Intercity Notte overnight trains have several accommodation options. Basic seats are the cheapest. Couchette cabins sleep four, with bedding, an amenity kit, and a light breakfast included. Deluxe cabins offer premium bedding, amenity kits, and a full breakfast. The top-tier private cabin (Excelsior, being renamed Superior) comes with a private shower, welcome snacks, drinks, and breakfast in bed.
Train Companies
Two operators run direct high-speed trains on this route, with different pricing and on-board setups.
Trenitalia Services
Trenitalia is Italy’s national railway and runs the majority of services between Venice and Rome.
- Frecciarossa high-speed trains: The approximately 527 km journey takes around 3 hours 45 minutes. Classes run from Standard to Executive, with WiFi throughout.
- Intercity trains: First and Second Class seating at lower fares, with longer journey times than Frecciarossa.
- Intercity Notte: Overnight sleeper service with accommodation ranging from basic seats to private cabins.
Italo Services
Italo runs around 11 high-speed services daily in each direction between Venice and Rome. The fastest trains take approximately 3 hours 34 minutes. Fares start from EUR 29.90 on Low Cost tickets booked well ahead. Service classes are:
| Service Class | Features |
|---|---|
| Lounge / Club Executive | Spacious armchairs, dedicated catering, fast-track access, newspapers, personal screens, free WiFi |
| Prima | Fast-track access, welcome service, newspapers, reclining leather seats, extra space, free WiFi |
| Smart | Reclining leather seats, free WiFi |
Route Options
Frecciarossa and Italo both run direct services throughout the day with no transfers required. If you prefer to travel overnight, Intercity Notte trains run between Venice and Rome so you can sleep the journey and arrive in the morning.
Fast Direct Trains
High-speed direct trains run from early morning to late evening. No transfers are needed on either operator’s services.
| Train Type | Journey Time | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Frecciarossa (direct) | Approximately 3h 45m | ~527 km |
| Italo (direct) | Approximately 3h 34m | ~527 km |
| Intercity Notte (overnight) | Around 8 hours or more | ~527 km |
Night Train Routes
If you want to arrive in Rome in the morning without giving up a day to travel, the overnight Intercity Notte is a reasonable choice. Services typically run around 8 hours or more and have options from standard seats to private cabins with a shower. Reservations are compulsory, and because seats and berths are limited, you should book as early as you can.
How to Buy Tickets
Company Websites
You can buy directly from the operators. Trenitalia.com covers Frecciarossa, Intercity, and Intercity Notte. Italotreno.com charges no booking fee and supports promo codes and flexible date searches.
Other Booking Options
Tickets are also available at station ticket counters and remain valid for up to 4 hours after the scheduled departure. Resellers including Omio, Trainline, and Rail Europe sell tickets for both operators.
Ways to Save Money
Early Booking Deals
The cheapest fares are Trenitalia’s Super Economy and Italo’s Low Cost tickets, with Italo starting from EUR 29.90 when booked well in advance. Neither can be refunded or changed after purchase, so only commit to them once your travel plans are fixed. Prices climb as the departure date gets closer, and particularly in peak summer.
Rewards Programmes
Trenitalia has two discount cards worth knowing about:
- Carta Verde (ages 12 to 26): Discounts on base fare national train tickets. Annual fee applies; check trenitalia.com for current pricing.
- Carta Argento (ages 60 and over): Discounts on Intercity, Intercity Notte, and regional trains. Free for travellers aged 75 and older.
- Carta Blu: Free travel for companions of disabled travellers.
Group Discounts
- Children under 4: Travel free without a seat.
- Ages 4 to 15: 50% off base fares for national trains.
- School groups: The Scuolaintreno programme has group rates for school travel on Trenitalia; contact trenitalia.com directly for current terms.
- Groups of 10 or more: Special rates are available, with the option to reserve seats on a deposit.
Train Times
Daily Schedule
Trains between Venezia Santa Lucia and Roma Termini run from early morning through to late evening. Services are less frequent on public holidays and some weekend dates.
Number of Trains
Around 38 trains run daily between Venice and Rome across Trenitalia and Italo. Italo alone runs approximately 11 departures per direction each day. Fewer trains operate on public holidays.
Trip Length
How long the journey takes depends on which service you take.
| Train Type | Features | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Italo high-speed (direct) | No transfers needed | Approximately 3h 34m |
| Frecciarossa (direct) | No transfers needed | Approximately 3h 45m |
| Services with stops | Stops at key cities | Longer than direct |
| Regional trains | More stops; may require changes | Varies |
Extra Costs and Rules
Seat Reservation Fees
Travelling with a rail pass does not mean you can board freely. Seat reservations are compulsory on high-speed and Intercity trains and must be paid separately. Interrail pass holders pay the following fees:
| Train Type | Class | Reservation Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Frecciarossa / Frecciargento | All classes | EUR 13 |
| Frecciabianca | All classes | EUR 10 |
| Intercity | All classes | EUR 3 |
Booking a reservation at an Italian station adds a EUR 2 local fee, but those reservations are 80% refundable if you cancel before departure.
Refund Rules
- Super Economy / Low Cost tickets: No refunds or changes.
- Economy tickets: One change allowed; cancellations are not.
- Base / Normal tickets: Cancellations allowed with a 20% penalty.
- Go fares: Cancellations allowed with a 50% penalty if done at least three days before travel.
Within 24 hours of departure, no changes or cancellations are accepted. If Trenitalia cancels your train, they will try to rebook you on the next available service. If no alternative is available, you can request a full refund at the station.
Rail Pass Fees
Reservation fees apply even with a rail pass and must be paid before boarding. High-speed trains on this route fill up quickly in summer, so book your reservation as early as you can.
Using Interrail Passes
Pass Benefits
Interrail passes are valid on trains between Venice and Rome. Regional trains need no additional reservation. High-speed, Intercity, and overnight trains all require a paid seat reservation booked separately.
There are two pass options:
- Interrail Italy Pass: Covers Italy’s rail network, including Trenitalia services. See interrail.eu for current prices.
- Interrail Global Pass: Covers 33 European countries. See interrail.eu for current prices.
Pass holders can also get discounts on city sightseeing buses across Italy.
Required Reservations
| Train Type | Reservation Required | Booking Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Regional trains | No | N/A |
| Frecciarossa / Frecciargento | Yes | Booked online as a passholder e-ticket; book as early as you can |
| Intercity | Yes | Booked online as a passholder e-ticket; book as early as you can |
| Night trains | Yes | Berths are limited; book well in advance |
- Frecciarossa and Frecciargento reservations cost EUR 13 per person per train. Intercity reservations cost EUR 3.
- Night train berths are limited for pass holders, so book as early as possible.
- To avoid reservation fees altogether, take regional trains. No reservation is needed with a valid Interrail pass.
The Interrail website has a tool to check reservation requirements by route. If you have trouble booking through it, Trenitalia can also handle the reservation directly.
Accessibility
Italo and Trenitalia high-speed trains have priority seating and accessible toilets. Free special assistance for boarding and disembarking is available on request; contact the operator when booking to arrange it.
Luggage and Pets
Italo trains and Intercity Notte services have luggage racks for larger bags. Small pets are welcome on board, though the rules and any costs vary by operator, so check the policy when you book.
Food and Drink
Italo trains have vending machines for snacks and drinks, including gluten-free and lactose-free options. Intercity Notte services have a minibar trolley with snacks and beverages, including vegan and special dietary options. Most high-speed trains also have a restaurant car for hot food and drinks. You can bring your own food on board.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Venice to Rome train journey take?
Italo's fastest direct services take approximately 3 hours 34 minutes. Frecciarossa direct trains take approximately 3 hours 45 minutes. Services run from early morning to late evening, with around 38 trains daily across both operators.
How much does a Venice to Rome train ticket cost?
Italo high-speed tickets start from EUR 29.90 when booked well in advance. Frecciarossa fares are in a similar range. Intercity trains have lower base fares but the journey takes longer. Prices rise the closer you get to the departure date.
Which station in Venice do trains to Rome depart from?
Trains depart from Venezia Santa Lucia, on the island at the end of the Grand Canal bridge. If you are staying on the mainland, some services also stop at Venezia Mestre. If you are arriving by plane, note that Venice Marco Polo Airport has no train station. You will need a bus (around 20 to 25 minutes on the ACTV airport line to Piazzale Roma, beside Santa Lucia) or a water taxi to reach Santa Lucia or Mestre before boarding.
Can I use an Interrail pass on the Venice to Rome route?
Yes. Interrail passes are valid on Frecciarossa and Italo high-speed services between Venice and Rome, but a paid seat reservation is compulsory and must be booked separately. The fee is EUR 13 per person per Frecciarossa or Frecciargento service, and EUR 3 per Intercity service. Regional trains need no reservation.
What amenities are available on Venice to Rome high-speed trains?
High-speed trains on this route have free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and electrical outlets, with food and drink available on board. Italo trains have vending machines with gluten-free and lactose-free options. For overnight travel, Intercity Notte services have a range of cabin types from basic seats to a private cabin with shower.
Is there a night train from Venice to Rome?
Yes. Trenitalia's Intercity Notte runs overnight between Venice and Rome, taking around 8 hours or more. Accommodation options range from basic seats and shared couchette cabins (sleeping four, with bedding and breakfast) to the top-tier Excelsior cabin (being renamed Superior), which has a private shower, welcome snacks, and breakfast in bed. Reservations are compulsory and berths are limited, so book as early as possible.
