Train vs. Plane in Italy
 

I'm finalizing our itinerary for Italy in March. We will be arriving in Venice, and plan to fly out of Rome. My question is, would you recommend taking the train from Venice or flying? I've heard flights within the country are quite reasonable, but wonder if the train would be a more interesting or scenic experience?

Here's a recent thread that addresses that same question:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34518404

I would train. It is about 4.5 hours and you will kill that much time getting to the airport in venice and then to downtown from the Rome airport.

I wouldn't say that either is particularly interesting, nor scenic, nor time nor cost-advantageous one over the other (assuming you are not already at the airport of either city).

Train offers the advantage that you can have a decent lunch along the way - - either of your own choosing (of the picnic variety - - I guess you could do that on the plane also - - but not as comfortably), or make use of the white tablecloth service of the dining car adjacent to first class (admittedly a good bit overpriced).

Best wishes,

Rex

I think there would be considerable difference in the "scenery" seen from the air between Venice and Rome and on the ground. The landscape isn't all that great between Venice and Bologna but between there and Florence/Rome you'll cross the Appenines throuhg one of the longer (11 miles) rail tunnels in Europe and the countryside is a bit more picturesque.

I'll let you decide if the restaurant car experience is "overpriced" or not..or should I say, whether or not the whole experience was "worth it."

Have a great trip.