Trip from Lucca to Venice-car vs. train
 

We need to get to Venice from Lucca to spend a couple of days. We're short on time and money. Which way would be cheaper, keeping in mind parking for two days if we drive vs train tickets for 2 adults, 2 kids 15 and under? From my research it looks like it would be about a 3 hour drive vs about 5 on the train, but I might be wrong. Any ideas?
Thanks

winniew: Unless you intend to stop on the way (Verona, Padua, etc.), take the train. It is not a very scenic drive. Much of it is industrial. I did it once by bus; dreary.
You are certainly not going to need a car in Venice. Five hours sounds like more than it should be. I'm guessing it is less. I would relax on the train.

Take the train. If time is a factor, it will be by far faster. Try to take the Euro or Rapido from Florence to Venice. It will be non-stop. Local trains will stop at every stop. You can get the schedule and price from the Trenitalia(?) web site. Consider that gas in Italy is $5-$6, rental price, 5 hours versus 2-2.5, and finding parking places outside of Venice. The train may cost $25-$30 per person, but worth it.

I failed to mention that if you do take the train and are planning to return to Lucca, see if you can leave some of your luggage at the hotel secure area. If you can, take only enough for the few days you will be there. Have fun

Hi Win,

Go to www.trenitalia.com.

Choose the ES* train for speed, the IC for low cost.

Click on "discounts and promotions". Your kids can get reduced fares.

If you go on a Saturday, fares are as low as 15E.

((I))

Thanks for the help. I think we'll take the train. Do we need to make reservations?

For the Inter City (IC) from Lucca to Florence, no. But depending on when you go, the Euro or Rapido may require a reservation to get seats. Before or during tourist season. If you have the dates that you wish to travel, you can reserve on the trinatilia sit from Lucca to Venice.

Hi win,

>Do we need to make reservations?<

Only if you are going when it's crowded.

Train schedules from Lucca to Venice are at www.trenitalia.com.

ES* trains are reservation only.

((I))