I read somewhere that the best way to arrive in Venice the first time is by sea. I will be in Rome for four days in October before going to Venice, and although my first thought was to go directly by train (I will be moseying on the way back), I’m now wondering if there is a not-too-complicated way to arrive by boat. Take the train to a port town (which?) and a ferry or local boat to Venice? Any suggestions?

There really isn't a ferry from Ravenna or somewhere along the coast that can be gotten to by train?

Dorothy - I don't know of one. I think arriving by sea is really only a convenient option from Venice airport, - unless you're coming from Slovenia/Croatia.<BR><BR>Steve

My first entrance to Venice (1960) was by boat from Chioggia (probably a thirty minute trip). We left a car there so I haven't a clue if there is a train station in Chioggia. BTW, the boat docked at Piazetta San Marco. What an introduction to Venice!

Hmm... Could take a train from Rome to the Venice Airport, and a boat from there??

Sorry. No train near Marco Polo Airport.

Don't know about 'by sea' but 'by canal' is the only way into Venice proper. You can catch a water taxi or water bus from the Venice train station or the Venice airport (Marco Polo). The Taxi ride from the airport into Venice, through the Grand Canal is a real treat.

Dorothy - you could get off the train at Venice MESTRE and take a bus or taxi out to the airport.<BR>From there you can take the Alilaguna ferry (or water-taxi) to San Marco.<BR><BR>But really the vaporetto ride down the Grand Canal from Santa Lucia Station is also a great option.<BR><BR>Steve<BR><BR>

Dorothy:<BR><BR>I too wanted to arrive at Venice "by sea" (as the piazetta in front of Palazzo Ducale is laid out to impress when seen from the lagoon).<BR><BR>This is what I did: I took vaporetto line number 82 in front of the railway station running AWAY from Canal Grande (i.e. going to the right). This will take you to the west and south of the city, stopping a few times on the Giudecca and at San Giorgio Maggiore. From San Giorgio Maggiore this line crosses the lagoon past the Dogana del Mar and it will dock at San Marco.<BR><BR>Easiest and cheapest way to arrive "from sea" and keeping the fantastic surprise of the Canal Grande. Be sure to sit on the left side of the boat.<BR><BR>Enjoy your trip<BR><BR>Phil.

Never thought of that one. Great idea Phil!