I am traveling with six people and am wondering if it is better to take the train from Florence to Venice or to drive there. We know about the lack of parking etc. but I'm still wondering which is better.

"Better" in what sense? They will both get you there but you may have a difficult time renting a car (and much expense) big enough for all of you and your luggage. If the goal is to just get straight there, save yourself time and money and get on the train.

BTW - it takes approximately 3 hours by train (some more, some less)and will cost from 30e-45e per person depending on if you choose first or 2nd class. You can probably get some kind of family discount as well.

Better in terms of?? It is a easy to train to Venice. You certainly won't need a car in Venice itself.

If you drove, would you need two cars? Two cars that migtht have to drive together and stay together-ish on the road? I mean it may be more cost effective to drive two cars instead of fares for six people, but the train knows its way, gives all of you a chance to relax (driving can be stressful), and takes you where you want to go without having to fuss with the cars, gas, parking, bathroom stops, turning the car in, etc. which=time. The train is part of the adventure as well, I think. My vote is for the train. Have a great time!

We took the train from Florence to Venice and it was easy as pie and also a nice change from the driving we'd been doing in Tuscany. Also, our lovely hotel was literally across the canal from the train station. We wheeled our suitcases across the bridge and voila! We were checked in and in our room within 15 minutes of arriving in Venice.

It's an easy short train ride. The train will take you right into the heart of Venice. I would definitely not rent car(s) for just that.

I took the train from Rome to Florence, then to Venice a few years back. My family of five were able to get a Italian rail pass for a set number of kilometers before we left that made all our train travel very cheap (something like $250). We were able to use the pass at each station to get five tickets to whatever train we wanted. I think we even had first class seats. The trip from Florence to Venice in the rain during the spring, with blooming trees and rushing streams, was one of my favorite memories of our trip. Check the Italian train site for info. Train travel is the way to go!

Hi S,

Is this for a daytrip, to and fro, or is it a one-way trip?

You can check auto rental prices at www.autoeurope.com and www.novacarhire.com.

Train ticket prices are at www.trenitalia.com

Definitely take the train. There's nothing like exiting the train station to your first view of Venice. It will blow your mind.

Hello savinod, if you are merely trying to get from Florence to Venice I absolutely agree, take the train. And do be aware you do NOT want to leave the train at the Mestre train station you want to travel on to the Santa Lucia train station which is in Venice proper and right along the Grand Canal. Or, you might have to change trains in Mestre and take the train going to the Santa Lucia train station which is not a big problem at all. Also, with six people and luggage you would no doubt have to rent two cars. Enjoy beautiful Italy!!

Thanks to all for the info. We will defintiely take the train. Special thanks to LoveItaly for the heads up about the Santa Lucia train station.