Public Transport, Getting Around Veneto and Beyond

I still remember my first experience with public transport in Italy—it can feel a bit overwhelming at first, especially in a new language. Like many travellers, I had a few learning moments, including one time when I took a taxi from Venice to Vicenza, a journey of about 80 km (50 miles).

The fare? A steep €170, which I later realised could have been much cheaper with public transport.

So, to help you navigate the region with ease and avoid unexpected costs, here’s a handy guide to Veneto’s buses, trams, ferries, and trains.

Trains: Your Best Friend for Longer Journeys

In Veneto, the train public transport network offers options for both longer intercity journeys and local travel between towns. Here’s a breakdown focusing on the types of trains connecting Veneto towns and cities, from the fast options to those for shorter, scenic routes.

• Frecciarossa: Trenitalia’s top-tier high-speed trains (up to 300 km/h) connect Venice to Milan, Rome, and other major cities. They skip smaller towns but are perfect for long-distance speed.
• Frecciargento: Slightly slower (up to 250 km/h), these trains link Venice and Rome via Padua, offering a scenic route through the countryside. Stops in Veneto include Venice and Padua.
• Frecciabianca: Running up to 200 km/h on traditional lines, Frecciabianca connects Venice, Padua, Vicenza, and Verona. It’s a fast and frequent choice for intercity travel in Veneto.
• Italo: This private operator rivals Frecciarossa, linking Venice, Padua, and Verona with Milan. Italo skips smaller towns, focusing on swift city-to-city journeys.
• Regional Trains: Slow but steady, these are the best for local travel, connecting Venice with Padua, Vicenza, Verona, and smaller towns. Affordable and frequent, ideal for short trips like Venice to Padua in 30–40 minutes.

Ticketing Options: Ticket prices vary depending on speed and booking choice. Regional Trenitalia tickets, such as Venice to Padua, start at around €4.10, while high-speed Venice–Milan tickets start at €22 if booked in advance. You can purchase tickets:

• At stations: Major stations like Venice, Santa Lucia, and Padua have staffed counters and ticket machines. Smaller stations have self-service machines available.

Online: Trenitalia and Italo offer booking options for convenience on Trenitalia and Italo.

Interactive Rail Maps and Pass Options: For route planning, an interactive rail map provides a visual overview of Italy’s key connections, including routes to Rome, Milan, Florence, and Venice. You can find helpful maps on Trainline’s Italy Map and route details on ItaliaRail. If you’re planning multiple journeys, a Rail Pass may be a cost-effective choice, especially for travel into neighbouring countries like France or Switzerland.

Buses: Great Public Transport for Local and Suburban Travel

In Veneto’s cities, buses and trams are convenient and affordable, making them a good option for travellers. In Venice, buses and trams are operated by ACTV, which covers routes across the city and into Mestre and Marghera. APS Mobilità manages Padua’s bus network, while other cities in Veneto may have their own operators for local routes.

A single ACTV ticket typically costs between €1.30 and €2, with a 24-hour ACTV day pass priced at €5 for mainland routes around Mestre or €25 for both Venice and Mestre, which includes unlimited bus, tram, and vaporetto (waterbus) rides. Tickets can be bought at kiosks, ticket machines, or via the AVM Venezia Official App, available for Android and iOS.

Ferries (Vaporetti): Venice’s Waterways

Venice’s vaporetto (waterbus) public transport network connects the city’s canals and nearby islands. A single ride costs €7.50, but I would recommend a 24-hour pass, a more economical choice for €25 if you’re planning multiple trips. You can buy these tickets at vaporetto stops, or online via the ACTV app, which is handy for planning and updates on routes.

Taxis: A Convenient, Pricey Alternative

While taxis are available in Veneto’s cities, they are costly for longer trips, like the 80-km ride from Venice to Vicenza. Private water taxis in Venice are unique but costly, so for the budget-conscious traveller, taxis are best kept for shorter trips.

Conclusion 

In my experience, Veneto’s public transport is efficient and well-organised, making it an ideal option for travellers. However, I’d advise doing a bit of homework before setting off. The system runs smoothly, but navigating a new place in another language can be challenging, and you can’t always rely on everyone speaking English. Train travel in Italy is pleasantly affordable compared to much of Europe, allowing you to explore on a budget.