Want Venice without the planning?
High-speed train tickets from Florence, a private licensed guide in Venice and the Venice access fee, all in one booking.
Staying in Florence and wondering if you can see Venice in a day? You can, and it is easier than most people think. High-speed trains connect Firenze Santa Maria Novella with Venezia Santa Lucia, the station right on the Grand Canal, in about two hours. That leaves you a good part of the day in Venice and you are back in Florence for dinner.
This guide explains how the day works, what you can see and whether it is better to go on your own or with a guide.
Quick answer
- Train: about 2 hours each way, Firenze Santa Maria Novella → Venezia Santa Lucia
- A full day, but much shorter on the train than a day trip from Rome
- Best for: travellers based in Florence with one free day who want to see Venice’s highlights
- Easiest option: a day trip with train tickets, the access fee and a private local guide waiting for you in Venice
How long is the train from Florence to Venice?
High-speed trains (Frecciarossa and Italo) take about two hours from Firenze Santa Maria Novella to Venezia Santa Lucia. Both stations are in the historic centre: in Florence you leave from the main station in the city centre, and in Venice you walk out of the station straight onto the Grand Canal, with no extra transfer.
Do not confuse Venezia Santa Lucia with Venezia Mestre, the station on the mainland. For a day trip you want Santa Lucia.
What a typical day looks like
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| Morning | High-speed train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella (our day trip departs at 08:30) |
| Late morning | Arrival at Venezia Santa Lucia, on the Grand Canal, where your guide meets you |
| Middle of the day | Private walking tour of the historic centre: canals, bridges and squares |
| Afternoon | Lunch and free time to explore before the train back |
| Evening | High-speed train back to Florence |
What can you see in Venice in one day?
On foot, in a few hours, you can see the essentials of Venice:
- St Mark’s Square, with St Mark’s Basilica, the bell tower and the Doge’s Palace
- The Rialto Bridge and the Grand Canal
- The small canals and campi (squares) away from the busiest streets
As one of our guests wrote on Viator: “We saw all the highlights in a short trip.”
Want Venice without the planning?
High-speed train tickets from Florence, a private licensed guide in Venice and the Venice access fee, all in one booking.
On your own or with a guide?
On your own you buy train tickets on Trenitalia or Italo, find your way through Venice with a map and plan your own route. On selected days Venice also charges an access fee to day visitors, which you must book online in advance.
With a guided day trip the train tickets with reserved seats and the access fee are organised for you, and a licensed guide meets you in Venice. On our Venice day trip from Florence the walking tour is private, only for your group, so you can adapt it to your interests. Guests often mention our Venice guides by name, such as Benedetta and Sneh.
Venice day trip from Florence
Round-trip high-speed train tickets with reserved seats, a private licensed guide in Venice and the Venice access fee included. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Practical tips
- Be at Santa Maria Novella station a little before departure: trains leave on time.
- Wear comfortable shoes: Venice has no cars and many bridges with steps.
- Travel light: a small backpack is easier than a bag in Venice’s narrow lanes.
- If you want to enter St Mark’s Basilica, cover shoulders and knees.
- Book a few weeks ahead in spring, summer and around holidays.
Staying in Rome or Milan instead?
The same day trip is possible from other cities: see our Venice day trip from Rome (about four hours by train, read our guide to Venice from Rome by train) and our Venice day trip from Milan. If you are also visiting the lakes, see our Lake Como tours.
Planning your day in Venice
Follow our one-day walking route in Venice, check when the Venice access fee applies, and make sure your train ticket is to Venezia Santa Lucia, not Mestre.
FAQ
Is a day trip from Florence to Venice worth it?
Yes. The high-speed train takes only about two hours each way, so you have a good part of the day in Venice and are back in Florence in the evening without changing hotel.
How long is the train from Florence to Venice?
About two hours each way on high-speed trains from Firenze Santa Maria Novella to Venezia Santa Lucia, the station on the Grand Canal.
Do I need to buy train tickets for the guided day trip?
No. Round-trip high-speed train tickets with reserved seats are included: we send you the tickets, you travel on your own and your licensed local guide meets you in Venice.
Is the walking tour in Venice private?
Yes. On our Venice day trip from Florence the walking tour is private, only for your group, with a licensed local guide.
Is the Venice access fee included?
Yes. The Venice access fee is included in our Venice day trip from Florence.