If riding a gondola under a dark Italian sky is one of the cheesiest things a tourist can do in Venice, then color us clichéd.
Then take the equally touristy flock-of-pigeons-lands-on-me-in-St-Mark’s-Square photo, please.
There are few countries in the world like Italy and even fewer cities like Venice. Any and every attraction or activity, from photos on the Rialto Bridge to buying a glass bowl from Murano, is worth it.
And while we will say that the boat ride into the city is iconic in its own right, so is arriving by train at the Venice Santa Lucia train station.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Mats Silvan. Image Location: Santa Lucia station, Venice, Italy
Marco, Polo: Finding the train station in Venice, Italy
Getting to the famous canals using the Italian rails.
What is the main train station in Venice?
The main train station in Venice is Venice Santa Lucia, which is also called Venice SL and Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia in Italian. It’s located on the Grand Canal which means you’re only a short walk from the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s Square when you step off of the platform.
Where is the train station in Venice?
There are two train stations in Venice, Italy: Venice Santa Lucia and Venice Mestre train station. Venice Santa Lucia is the central station located on the lagoon’s islands, in the western part of the city directly on the Grand Canal. Venice Mestre train station is located four miles away on the mainland.
Which Venice train station has the Orient Express?
If you’re planning a trip on the legendary Venice Simplon Orient Express route, you’ll have to board the train at the Venice Santa Lucia train station.
Does the train go to the Venice Marco Polo Airport?
No, there is no train between Venice Marco Polo Airport and the city of Venice. Many visitors take a bus or water taxi between the airport and the city. However, one alternative is to take the train from Venice Santa Lucia train station to Venice Mestre train station then take the ATVO Airport Express Bus to your terminal.
How far is Venice from Rome by train?
Roughly 350 miles separate the Eternal City from the Floating City. Getting between Venice and Rome is easy by train: both direct and single-change routes can take you between Venezia Santa Lucia and Roma Termini in four hours.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Cavan Images. Image Location: Santa Lucia station, Venice, Italy
Your guide to the train station in Venice, Italy
Two train stations, two very different views of Venice.
Venice Santa Lucia train station
Venice Santa Lucia train station is a beaut that was built on the Grand Canal between the 1940s and 1950s. A double-edged sword: such a perfect waterfront location tempts most visitors to depart the platform and pay no mind to this busy yet beautiful train station.
Comparing the two Venice train stations, Santa Lucia has a bit more to offer with storefronts dedicated to Nike, Sephora, and a handful of others. Sit-down bistros and restaurants plus fast food and coffee shops are on-site, but let’s be real: you’re headed straight to the gelato counter before the train stops moving.
Best hotels near Venice Santa Lucia train station
Hotel Carlton on the Grand Canal says it all in the name. Drop your bags then go straight to the Top of the Carlton Sky Lounge and Restaurant for the views your camera craves. Hotel Papadopoli Venezia is more of a boutique affair for those who like panoramic views from a soaking tub and a private terrace.
Best restaurants near Venice central train station
Pizza and canal views: that’s enough of a reason to eat at Rio Novo. Bacaro Quebrado also has sidewalk seating without views, but its varied menu has Italian favorites that’ll make any stomach happy. As for Indian food in Italy, Ital India has traditional dishes just across the Ponte San Girolamo.
Popular landmarks near Venice main train station
We’re sure you’ve got your own hit-list of places to see in Venice, so here consider a few lesser-visited spots. Giardini Papadopoli is a family-friendly garden with a playground. The Campo di Ghetto Nuovo is a Jewish neighborhood with museums reflecting the history of the Jewish community in Venice.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Haspion. Image Location: Santa Lucia station, Venice, Italy
Venice Mestre train station
Venice Mestre train station introduces you to a Venice that most travelers never see beyond a quick transit change. The station itself may not have the curb appeal that Santa Lucia has, but with no water in the way, the area around this railway station has its own allure.
As for amenities, Venezia Mestre has two coffee bars, two fast food joints, and one take-away pastry shop. A luggage storage, currency exchange, a news kiosk, and a bookstore round out its storefronts.
Best hotels near Venice Mestre train station
For backpackers well-aware of the expenses awaiting them amongst the canals, Anda Venice Hostel tries to keep those costs as low as possible with mixed dorms, shared kitchens, and a cheap laundry room. A little flashier, Leonardo Royal Hotel has stylish private bedrooms, a gym, and a restaurant and bar.
Best restaurants near Venice Mestre train station
Venice Mestre train station has one huge perk that Santa Lucia doesn’t: fewer crowds lingering about. While everyone bolts to the canals, you’re free to snag an empty seat at traditional Venetian restaurants like Hostaria Vite Rossa and contemporary Italian dishes at Da Michele.
Popular landmarks near Venice Mestre train station
Venezia Mestre train station doesn’t exactly have Doge's Palace in its backyard, but there are a few historical landmarks within a short cab ride. Forte Marghera has art exhibits and a military museum. Parco San Giuliano seems like a bit of a hike but it’s worth it for the Venetian views.
La Serenissima
Download the Trainline app and start planning your voyage to Venice today. Looking for more Venice inspiration? Check out our guides to the best boutique hotels, Venice's world-famous Carnevale, and navigating the €5 Venice tourist fee. Or head straight to Santa Lucia station and set off on a day trip from Venice by train.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Westend61. Image Location: Santa Lucia station, Venice, Italy