I believe I read here somewhere that the first train from Florence to Venice does not arrive until 11ish? Does anyone know of any transportation that gets their earlier? We are only spending a day there--up and back, so we'd like to make the most of our time.

Not to sound unhelpful, but really wouldn't try a daytrip to Venice from Florence. You're not going to find a means of transport any quicker than the train. If you're desperate, you could get a train around 4.30 a.m. and change at Bologna.

There's also a train at 5:15 that gets you in at 10 am - but agree that this is too far for a day trip. You will have very limited time in Venice - and that when it's most packed with tourists.

We're pretty desperate, Nonconformist. I have trouble with the trainitalia site. I think I can see the times fir trains going TO Florence, but not those returning from Venice to Florence. Is an overnight train an option? Of course then we probably have to figure out what to do at 0 dark thirty when we arrive.

For schedules on Trenitalia, just enter a date within the next week (preferably the day of week you will be traveling).

There's a weekday night train that leaves Mestre (not Venice Santa Lucia) at 3:11 am and arrives in Florence at 6:18 am. What you'd do in Venice (or Mestre) until 3 am, I have no idea... Even the few clubs in Venice close at around 2 am.

Florence to Venice simply is not a day trip. Just because you want something doesn't make it possible. I'd love to be 5'7' but just isn't the case.

If you're desperate to see Venice -- then stay a night in Venice

Janisj, just posted what I was going to say..a day trip from Florence to Venice and back to Florence the same day is not worth the time and money Leonora. Just keep your hotel room in Florence and go by train to Venice as early as you can one morning, reserve a hotel room in Venice for overnight and take the train back to Florence at the end of the next day. Yes I know you will be paying double for hotel rooms but honestly that is the only way I would consider such a quick visit to Venice. Best regards.

If you are considering leaving in the middle of the night anyway, why not just go early the evening before and spend the night in Venice rather than a few hours on a train and the rest wandering around in the dark. That way, you could, at least wake up in Venice and have some early morning time before so many tourists arrive. Alternately, go ahead and arrive at 11:00, have lunch, tour in the afternoon, and stay that night in Venice so you could have one evening to walk around and still wake up for an early morning vaporetto ride before you leave. Venice is magical and lovely, but can be miserable when too filled with tourists for you to walk around.

Hi L,

I don't recommend Venice as a day trip.

You are very likely to find it hot, mobbed and stressful.

You should plan at least an overnight.

I agree with ira, et al. Not a day trip. But certainly worth at least one night.

We didn't do it. Almost did because we found a tour co. that would get us up and back, but they couldn't make the 6 people quota, which told us something. We figure we'll do a Venice, Milan, Vienna trip someday now that we've had an introduction to the train system.