Venice Day Trip--Leave on 7:30 pm or midnight train back to Bologna?
May 1st, 2013, 10:36 AM
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Venice Day Trip--Leave on 7:30 pm or midnight train back to Bologna?
We will be spending 2 weeks in Italy (our 4th visit) in early June. For the first week, we will be based in Bologna (apartment rental). We would like to go to Venice on a day trip (we've been there before but my son hasn't) and will be traveling by train. We have a choice of returning to Bologna on either the 7:30 p.m. train or the 12:30 a.m. train. I would prefer the later train so that we can enjoy a nice dinner somewhere, but my husband is worried that we will end up having to wait around the train station for a few hours because nothing will be open that late.
Looking for opinions from anyone who might be able to help us decide.
Looking for opinions from anyone who might be able to help us decide.
May 1st, 2013, 12:58 PM
#4
I would take the later train. After dinner, walk a bit and then hang out in Piazza Navona and listen to the bands until they stop for the night. I don't know what time that is, but I know Café Florian stays open until midnight. Unless you don't mind spending $$$, don't sit down in any of the chairs in front of the bands where you'll be expected to order an expensive drink.
It will take you 30-40 minutes from San Marco to the train station on the vaporetto.
http://www.actv.it/en
It will take you 30-40 minutes from San Marco to the train station on the vaporetto.
http://www.actv.it/en
May 2nd, 2013, 08:37 AM
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Thank you all--that's what I would prefer too. My husband is a morning person so was concerned about not getting back to our apartment in Bologna until 2 a.m. But hey--we're on vacation! We can sleep in the next day!
May 11th, 2013, 10:00 AM
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This is great information - we are doing the same (day trip from Bologna to Venice on Friday, June 1, and was going to ask the same question on return trip timing. Have you considered hiring a car/driver for the return trip back to Bologna? Wondering what the cost for this would be (there are 3 of us)instead of the train. Thanks
May 11th, 2013, 01:47 PM
#12
LitaP, there are still Economy priced seats available on the 12:08a train on June 2nd for only 15 euros per person. (45 euros for 3 people.) If you miss this fare, the Basic 2nd class fare is 18,50 euros per person (55,50 euros for 3 people).
A city-to-city search on viamichelin.com estimates the fuel and tolls costs alone for that drive at about 30 euros one way, so 60 euros total since you pay for the driver's return trip too. Then add the cost of the driver's time (3.5-4 hours total), the fact that there might be an after-hours premium, etc., and you can see how this would become an expensive alternative to the 3 train tickets. But get a quote if you're still curious.
A city-to-city search on viamichelin.com estimates the fuel and tolls costs alone for that drive at about 30 euros one way, so 60 euros total since you pay for the driver's return trip too. Then add the cost of the driver's time (3.5-4 hours total), the fact that there might be an after-hours premium, etc., and you can see how this would become an expensive alternative to the 3 train tickets. But get a quote if you're still curious.
May 11th, 2013, 04:29 PM
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Oh definitely take the later train! Just so you can see the sunset on the Grand Canal. Oh it's lovely. As long as you know you can safely get back to your apartment when you get back to Bologna, stay and enjoy Venice. That's my favorite city in Italy. 
