Transfers Countries Italy FlorenceFlorence to Venice

Private car transfer from Florence to Venice

Door-to-door
in 3 hours

From €73
per seat

Comfortable
car

One way

One wayReturnMulti-city

New

One way

Cancel for free 24 hours before departure

Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice 2024

Excellent

Trip Information

Pick-up

Your driver will meet you at your address in Florence.

Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage

Trip

You’ll travel in comfort for 3 hours.

Optional sight-seeing
Clean, comfortable car
Professional driver
Bottled water
Child seats
Prepared for handicapped
Smoke-free
Pet friendly

Drop-off

Your driver will drop you off at your address in Venice.

Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage

In total

270 km3 hours

Car trip from Florence to Venice

Driving from Florence to Venice offers a scenic journey through the heart of Italy, traversing picturesque landscapes and historic towns. The approximately 160-mile (260-kilometer) car trip provides the flexibility to explore charming villages and take in the beauty of the Italian countryside.

Italy’s modern highway system, the Autostrada, is the fastest way to get around. But for a more traditional Italian experience, take the smaller roads with their infamous hairpin turns, blind intersections, and tight squeezes through ancient streets and tunnels. A local driver makes the journey more enjoyable, expertly navigating the roads while you soak in the sights and plan your Venice itinerary.

While a high-speed train ride might be a more time-efficient option (2 hours), the car trip provides a unique opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the Italian landscape. You can’t stop for sightseeing or pull over to capture the perfect picture from a train!

Speaking of cars- you might not be driving from Florence to Venice in a Ferrari, but don’t you wish you could? For racing fans and car lovers, the cities of Modena and Maranello are a must. They are the dual homes of Ferrari. The sleek, modern design of the museum complex of Maranello sticks out among the ancient town surrounding it. It offers an immersive experience for automotive enthusiasts, providing a closer look at the brand's heritage and technological advancements. You can also visit the birthplace of Enzo Ferrari after a quick, 12 mile (20 km) drive over to Modena.

If you’ve been brushing up on your Italian language skills for this trip, stop by the Casa del Petrarca to pay homage to Petrarch. His poetry is a cornerstone of modern Italian, and he is known as “The Father of Humanism” for his work in philosophy, poetry, and scholarly pursuits.

Once you arrive in Venice, you'll find the heart of the city isn't accessible by car. But don't worry! If you're staying on the island, your driver will bring you right to the ferry dock where you can start your journey into the canals and to your accommodation.

About Venice

Venice is truly a city unlike any other. This UNESCO World Heritage Site continues to baffle engineers and architects alike. It stands as a testament to human ingenuity and will to survive in the strangest places. Going from Florence to Venice will enrich your knowledge and appreciation of the Renaissance and Italian culture.

Early founding

How did a marshy lagoon full of refugees become the center of commerce and society for a powerful 1000-year-old maritime republic? In the year 452, the Huns forced mainland Italians onto the lagoons, so they dug in their heels and found ways to survive in their new home. The Republic of Venice was born.

Built on an archipelago of over 100 small islands, Venice is a marvel of ancient engineering and construction. Strong timber poles driven into the soft ground hold up a limestone base for the buildings and bridges connecting them. The wooden poles petrified in the marshland, giving them the stone-like strength to still stand today.

Despite being surrounded by water, early Venetians had to construct cisterns to collect rainwater from rooftops and streets. Underground pipes and cisterns kept fresh water available for survival. Keep your eye out for ancient wellheads in the plazas!

Venice’s rise to power

The Republic of Venice conquered coastal areas of modern-day Croatia, Slovenia, and Italy. Venetians built their wealth on salt production, trade, banking, and military shipbuilding. Its strategic location meant control of valuable trade routes and a strong economy.

Venice was ruled by a Doge, an elected leader, and a complex system of councils, including the Great Council and the Council of Ten. Visit the Doge’s Palace for just a glimpse of the great wealth and power held by this floating city.

The Renaissance in Venice

The prosperity of Venice during the 13th to 15th centuries brought about a cultural and artistic renaissance. The construction of iconic landmarks, such as St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace, showcased that the city's architectural prowess extended above the water just as much as it did underground.

Venice became a center for the arts, fostering the development of the Venetian School of painting. Renowned artists like Titian, Tintoretto, and Giovanni Bellini flourished, contributing to the city's cultural legacy. The Gallerie dell'Accademia is the epicenter of Venetian Renaissance art and a must-see.

The fall of Venice

After years of war, the Venetian Republic fell to Napoleon Bonaparte in 1797. It underwent tumultuous political changes and the secularization of church properties. Venice lost its status as a maritime powerhouse as it was passed between the French and Austrian Empires. When it became absorbed into the Kingdom of Italy in 1866, efforts were made to restore its economy, artisan crafts, and historical sites.

Modern Venice

The 20th century saw even more revitalization of traditional crafts and building preservation as tourism boomed. 55,000 people call Venice home year-round, but during peak season up to 110,000 visitors may flood the city on any given day.

Venice became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 for its inspired engineering and role as a center of arts and culture. Venice continues to balance the important role tourism plays in its economy with the environmental challenges of keeping it from becoming Atlantis.

From Florence to Venice: travel tips

Follow the travel tips below for an amazing trip from Florence to Venice and to ensure you have a great time in the Floating City!

Stop for sightseeing

Whether you love poetry, ancient castles, or racing cars, the road from Florence to Venice is filled with exciting and enriching attractions. When you ride with Daytrip, you’ll be able to easily visit the Ferrari Museum, Petrarch’s House, or anywhere else that grabs your interest.

Talk with your driver

Along with sightseeing stops, one of the benefits of taking a private car with Daytrip is you’ll be riding with an English-speaking driver. The 3-hour drive gives you ample time to chat to get local insights and learn more about Italian history and culture. Your driver will also have some invaluable tips for when you get to Venice, whether it’s things to do, or food to try!

Don’t rent a car

Navigating Italy’s roads can be difficult, but that’s part of the adventure. There’s a different reason not to rent a car when traveling to Venice though: you can’t use it when you get there! Venice’s islands aren’t car accessible, which means if you rent a car and drive there, you’ll be paying to just leave it in a parking lot. Instead, use Daytrip’s private car service for all the perks of driving yourself with none of the drawbacks.

There’s a tourism tax in Venice

As of spring 2024, guests who are not staying overnight in Venice may have to pay a €5 fee. The fee will only be applicable on predicted peak days during the tourism season, and only for guests aged 14 and older. If you are spending the night in Venice, be sure to have proof of your accommodation ready to avoid the fee.

Prepare for the final steps

Venice’s island isn’t accessible by car, so if your accommodation is on the island, know that you won’t be able to pull up to the front door. If you’ve packed light, you can walk along the canals, but this can be difficult with large luggage, especially in the high season. Alternatively, you can hop on a water taxi and cruise the canals. The “water bus” is 7.50 EUR per person, while private water taxis usually start at 100 EUR.

Avoid eating in tourist areas

Venice is an expensive city, but you can save some money and have a more authentic experience with this simple tip! Many tourists will stop for lunch right next to the main attractions, so these businesses usually have higher prices. While it might be worth splurging for the view, step off the main thoroughfares and look for the places locals eat. When in doubt, ask a local where their favorite place to eat is. You’ll get amazing authentic food, see parts of Venice not on the normal travel itinerary, and save some money doing it!

How to get from Florence to Venice

Millions travel each year from Florence to Venice, and there are many options depending on your budget, amount of luggage, and time constraints.

Florence to Venice by private car

Daytrip's private car service is the most comfortable and convenient way to travel from Florence to Venice. Your English-speaking driver will meet you at your accommodation in Florence, load up your luggage, and hit the road to Venice. You won't have to worry about getting to a bus or train station with luggage or being left to your own devices when you get to Venice. The car trip takes about 3 hours to cover the 159 miles (256 km), making it about the same as the high-speed train since you don't need to travel to the train station. Another bonus is the chance to talk with your driver for some insider travel tips and enriching sightseeing stops!

Florence to Venice by train

Trains frequently depart Florence’s Santa Maria Novella station for Venice's Santa Lucia station. A high-speed train can make the journey to Venice in as little as 2 hours and 5 minutes, not counting the time getting to and from the train stations. This infrastructure improvement makes flights obsolete for this route. Expect to pay around €30-60. The train has bathrooms and cafe cars. Book your ticket in advance for the best prices.

Florence to Venice by bus

Multiple bus companies service the route from Florence to Venice. Some are direct, and some require changing buses in Bologna. A bus ticket will cost between €10-50 depending on the season, speed, and availability. Expect a direct connection to take 3-4 hours. Purchase your ticket ahead of time, as this route fills up fast, and make sure you account for all of your luggage to avoid surprise fees later.

Florence to Venice by rental car

Head north on the A1 highway, also known as the Autostrada del Sole, towards Bologna. This route will have tolls. The drive along the A1 from Florence to Venice takes you through the scenic Tuscan countryside, characterized by rolling hills, vineyards, and cypress trees.

If you aren’t in a rush, have a coffee break in Bologna, renowned for its medieval architecture and delicious cuisine. The city center is rich in history, featuring the famous Two Towers, Piazza Maggiore, and numerous arcaded streets.

Once back on the road, the A13 will take you from Bologna to Padua. Consider visiting Ferrara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on your way. In Padua, follow the signs for the E70. After about 6 miles (10 km) on the E70, follow signs to the A57. The A57 will take you straight to Maghera, right on the coast.

Parking in Venice

As you approach Venice, follow the signs to reach the outskirts of the city. Venice does not allow cars within the historic center (where would they drive?). You'll need to park your car at one of the designated parking areas or garages and take a vaporetto (water bus) or water taxi to reach the heart of the city.

Venice offers several parking options. On the island, the Piazzale Roma and Tronchetto are large parking garages and may be a good destination to put into your GPS. From these parking areas, you can easily access water transportation to reach the historical center of Venice. Parking costs about €25-35 for 24 hours, and usually you have to pay for the whole 24 hours even if you do not stay all day.

A slightly cheaper option is to leave the car in Mestre on the mainland, for €5-15 per 24 hours. From Mestre, trams depart incredibly frequently and take about 20 minutes to travel over the water to Venice.

Things to Do When You Get to Venice

If you thought the sites from Florence to Venice would be comparable, you’ll be gladly mistaken. Venice is a truly unique place, and these destinations are the crown jewels of this long-gone empire.

St. Mark's Square

Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square) was the center of Venetian life and will be the center of your sightseeing. Marvel at the grandeur of St. Mark's Basilica, an architectural masterpiece that reflects the Republic of Venice’s religious history. The intricate mosaics and ornate design make it a sought-after destination for history and art enthusiasts alike.

Admire the Clocktower and then head to Doge's Palace, where you’ll find the Bridge of Sighs. From this bridge, prisoners saw their last view of Venice before going to prison.

The Arsenal of Venice

For military history buffs, the Arsenal of Venice is a must-see. This vast complex of shipyards and armories is at least 900 years old, with some evidence of it being even older. Mass production technology and labor practices were used here far before the Industrial Revolution to supply ships and artillery for the Venetian Republic. It even gets a mention in Dante’s Inferno, who you may remember from your time in Florence.

Gondolas rides in Venice

No visit to Venice is complete without a romantic sunset gondola ride through its winding canals. While it may be a bit of a tourist cliché, the slow, graceful glide through the water provides a perspective of the city that is both magical and unforgettable. When in Rome, do as the Romans do- and when in Venice, take a gondola ride.

Visit Murano and Burano

If you enjoyed your gondola ride and want more time on the water, consider taking a boat trip to the nearby islands of Murano and Burano.

Murano is renowned for its production of Venetian Glass. In 1291, glass-blowers in Venice were forced to relocate to Murano to protect Venice from the possible fires from the furnaces. Artisans had to ask for permission to leave the island, and trade was closely monitored. This move to isolate the glass industry ensured the techniques did not spread to competitors. The results are unique glass-blowing styles and technology we can still appreciate today.

Burano is a small fishing island famous among photographers for its small, brightly colored houses. No house is allowed to have the same colors as its neighbors, and it is widely believed the homes were painted brightly to see the island in the fog from one’s fishing boat. It is also known for its artisan lace-making.

The Flooded Crypt of San Zaccaria Church

The flooded crypt is a mesmerizing and eerie submerged space beneath the San Zaccaria Church. It is the resting place of many nobles and serves as a captivating reminder of the city's delicate balance with the surrounding waters.

Venetian Ghetto

Said to be the first Jewish Ghetto, this neighborhood in Venice was founded in 1516. Jews from all over came to Venice as wealthy trade merchants, mainland European peasants, and fleeing the Spanish Inquisition.

Jews were forced by law to stay in this segregated part of the city, with armed guards patrolling the boundaries to ensure no one entered or exited. The only exception was for doctors, who were in great demand across all of Venice. When Napoleon Bonaparte conquered Venice, he abolished anti-Semitic law and the Jewish population spread out across Europe.

Venetian Cuisine

Venetian cuisine is, of course, predominantly seafood. Be sure to have a meal or two on an outdoor patio and enjoy dishes like risotto al nero di seppia (squid ink risotto) and baccalà mantecato (creamed salted cod).

Venetian Masks

The essential souvenir from Venice! Venetian masks emerged as a way to hide one’s identity and social class, during the Carnival season. Peasants and nobles could interact to some extent in disguise during Carnival when societal laws regarding dress and behavior were relaxed. Visit a mask shop, where artisans craft intricate and unique masks. The masks are not only beautiful souvenirs but also representative of Venice's vibrant cultural heritage distinct from other Italian cities like Rome and Milan.

Questions & Answers about Traveling from Florence to Venice

Does Venice have public transportation?

How does a city with no roads, cars, trams, or buses get you where you need to go? To complement its unique geography, Venice uses vaporetti, a public ferry. It has many routes and 24-hour service. Water taxis are also available. They’re a bit more expensive and charged by distance.

Is Venice handicap accessible?

Venice has made many adaptations to ensure all visitors have a smooth experience. For example, the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica have been renovated with elevators, ramps, and guardrails. Frequently used staircases and bridges are outfitted with ramps, and the Vaporetto water buses are wheelchair accessible. It has a lot fewer cobblestones than most Italian cities and uses flat paving stones instead. Calling ahead to accommodations, restaurants, and tours is highly recommended to ensure they are fully adapted to your needs.

Why does Venice have a day-tripper tourism tax?

Many cities have small fees for hotel guests (€1-3) staying overnight, but not for daytrippers. Venice is a delicate world wonder and vulnerable to changing sea levels, age, and overuse. This fee is to help with maintenance and preservation against the wear and tear caused by visitors coming just for a few hours via ferry and cruise ship. Visitors just coming for a few hours during the day don’t spend as much money as those spending the night, so the fee may mitigate the loss of income and help keep Venice around for years to come.

Are there toll-free options for the drive from Florence to Venice?

Yes, it is possible to get from Florence to Venice without paying tolls. However, the drive will take about 6 hours instead of 3, leaving you with less time to enjoy Venice. Italian backroads are not for the faint of heart but may provide a unique experience. The toll from Florence to Venice is only about €22, so the highway may be worth it for the speed it offers and the time saved.

Is it necessary to book tickets for attractions in Venice in advance?

While some attractions allow on-the-spot ticket purchases, booking in advance, especially for popular sites like St. Mark's Basilica, can help you skip long lines and make the most of your time in Venice. Reserving a guided tour in advance, or waking up early are the best ways to avoid a long wait. Any can’t-miss destinations on your bucket list should be researched far in advance. But no worries if the lines are too long- Venice can also be appreciated with spontaneous changes in plans. You won’t run out of museums, galleries, or sites to see.

Visit these sights on the way

Prato

A city with a seemingly endless array of palaces, castles, museums, and cathedrals for visitors to choose from. Rooted in art and nature

Modena

Modena, a town known for its architectural gems and contributions to the art of cooking, is also home to the famous sports car—the Ferrari. Food and fast cars

Pomposa Abbey

This medieval monastery is renowned for its art, architecture, library, and Carolingian repositories, and is where modern musical notation was invented. Northern Italy’s Most Important Monastery

Ferrara

Europe’s first modern city, Ferrara is a spectacular metropolis of art and culture. It blends medieval and Renaissance for a distinctive combination. City of the Renaissance

Castello di Monselice

Built over the course of several centuries, this castle complex gives a masterclass survey of Italian art and architecture. A Complex History

Petrarca's House

The father of the Renaissance and Italian language spent his final days in this peaceful villa. A Quiet Literary Monument

Verona

Fair Verona isn't just the setting for Romeo and Juliet; it's a tragically enchanting riverside city. A backdrop for an ill-fated love

Why people love Daytrip

5,100+ reviews

2,653 travelers took this route with us

Oct 2, 2025

Great transfer option.

“I used this service for a transfer from Split in Croatia to Perast Montenegro. My experience was exceptional. My driver Bojan was helpful, informative and ensured my journey was comfortable and enjoyable. I highly recommend the service.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Robyn C

Sep 20, 2025

It was a fantastic trip.

“We were extremely satisfied with the quality of service we received from Day Trip. We had two Day Trip rides on August 31 from Athens to Lefkada and September 7 from Lefkada back to Athens. Both trips included stops at scenic sites in Greece. Both drivers were excellent and accommodating. However, we’d especially like to recognize Panos Peppas, who was our driver from Lefkada to Athens. Panos was incredibly nice & pleasant and delivered outstanding customer service, which included handling all of luggage, providing us with cold waters throughout the trip, providing us protein bars, providing us with printed materials on the Corinth Canal (one of scenic stops), looking up and providing us with terminal & gate info for our flight back home and providing us with a recipe for tzatziki.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Daydream20046758137

Sep 15, 2025

Best transport company anywhere

“We absolutely love this company and have used it many times over the years to get from A to B without the hassle of hiring a car ourselves. Excellent drivers every time. Efficient and professional. It’s worth every penny and we can honestly recommend Day Trip to everyone. It’s 5 star rating is well deserved.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Mary L

Aug 20, 2025

Excellent experience in traveling

“We traveled from Nuremberg to Munich in a beautiful Audi. Driver picked us at our hotel at the exact time requested. Got us to Munich in plenty of time for our next tour. Driver made sure we were comfortable”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Steve N

Apr 22, 2025

Reasonably Priced and Safe Transportation

“Gonzalo from daytrip was our driver and he was absolutely amazing. He went over and beyond trying to locate us as our service wasn't so good on our phones. He patiently awaited our arrival to the lobby so he could take us from Tulum Dreams Resort to our other hotel in cancun an hour and a half away near the airport prior to our departure flight home. He was polite, respectful and kind. Made sure we were comfortable during our long ride. Fast and to the point. I recommend this company as finding a one way ride from Tulum to Cancun isn't easy or cheap and this company provides a great service for a great price. I will definitely be using them again whenever I'm in the Cancun/Tulum area. Thank you DayTrip and Gonzola.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler COCO

Apr 2, 2025

Daytrip never disappoints

“We were picked up by Marianna to drive us from Heraklion to Chania. The weather was terrible & due to this Marianna arrived a few minutes late. She contacted me to advise of this. Marianna lives in Chana and she made our trip very interesting by informing us of local things to do and see in Chania. Marianna is a safe driver and we all felt comfortable with the speed she drove at and how good her driving was in heavy rain. She is a lovely person with fluent English. We highly recommend Daytrips and if you are in Heraklion or Chania please make sure you ask for Marianna.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Julie M

Feb 28, 2025

Great driver in Egypt

“Used the service to go from Luxor to Hurghada, Egypt. Ahmed H was our driver and he was perfect. The car was new, clean, he had water and snacks for us, and accommodated our stops. Great service from him and would recommend it.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Maps315861

Feb 20, 2025

Comfortable and Safe Rides in Mexico

“Used Daytrip for two rides in Mexico, which were both great. So comfortable, and we arrived at each of our destinations at a great time. Both were incredible drivers, and we felt so safe. One of our drivers, Miguel, also played the best music! Will definitely use Daytrip on our next trip to Mexico.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Golourdesduarte

Apr 11, 2023

Always a reliable company!

“Transfer from Florence to Venice with a lunch stop in Ferrara was excellent! Mario was a fun driver!”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler ABW2222

Jul 26, 2019

Great decision to use Daytrip for our European holiday. 100% recommended!

“My family of three spent 4 weeks travelling through a number of Western Europe countries. I used Daytrip for a total of six transfers (Rome - Florence, Florence - Venice, Venice - Salzburg, Salzburg - Hohenschwangau, Hohenschwangau - Munich and Munich - Lucerne). Each transfer (except one) went extremely smoothly, with late model cars, professional and pleasant drivers as well as on time transfers. The extra suggested stop-offs during the transfers were of great value. Our driver not only got us out to these places, but also helped buy the tickets and gave us some great history and background of where we were visiting. With the one transfer that did not go to plan, this actually impressed me even more about Daytrip. Not having used Daytrip before my biggest fear was what would happen if our driver did not turn up? For our Venice to Salzburg trip, just prior to our scheduled departure time, Daytrip contacted me to advise that their nominated driver had called in sick and was not able to drive us. But instead of any suggestion of leaving us stranded, Daytrip confirmed that they had already sourced and organised another driver to drive from Croatia to Venice and pick us up. They compensated me for the late departure by refunding 50% of the trip cost and we arrived in Salzburg just a few hours after I originally intended which was not a problem. So I loved the Daytrip drivers, the excellent communications and customer service, the door to door service, and the proven reliability.”

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Camryn T

Good to know

Children

If you’re traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!

Pets

Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.

Tips

Gratuity isn’t included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).

Luggage

Big luggage
29x21x11 inches
74x53x28 cm

Small luggage
22x14x9 inches
56x36x23 cm

Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If you’re traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.

Payment methods

Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions, here are the answers.

Daytrip is a platform that connects you with local drivers who will transport you door-to-door, from one city to the next. We also give you the opportunity to explore sights/attractions along the way. We drive, you discover.

Yes! A return trip will take you back to your city of origin in the same size car in which you arrived. Return trips can be booked for the any day. You can also add customized sightseeing stops separately for each trip! Don’t worry if you don’t know your exact address at the time of booking - you’ll have the opportunity to update us closer to your travel date. Make sure to select “Return” when you start the booking process, then choose the dates and times of your departures.

For private trips, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure. For the Daytrip Pool shared shuttle, we offer 3 ticket options when booking: Non-refundable, Flexible with cancellations 24 hours before departure, and Super-flexible with cancellations up to 15 minutes before departure.

Simply choose your origin and destination via our homepage and enter your departure date and time. Browse and add sightseeing stops along the way by following the booking instructions provided on-screen. Select “One Way” or “Return” to change the type of trip you need. It’s a simple, easy, and fun way to book your next adventure! And if you don’t see your desired route on our website, you can request a custom trip. You can even book without knowing your exact pick-up or drop-off address - we let you add these later!

Each passenger is allowed one large bag (29" x 21" x 11" / 74 x 53 x 28 cm) and one small bag (22" x 14" x 9" / 56 x 36 x 23 cm). Luxury sedans can only accommodate 2 large bags. We always send the vehicle that is the best fit for you and your luggage, so make sure to select the actual amount of luggage you are traveling with when booking. If you have oversized luggage, or are unsure if your luggage will fit, contact us.

Everywhere except the USA, drivers will supply appropriate child seats (just let us know during booking). In the USA, certain states require you to supply your own child seats.

Daytrip is the most convenient way to experience 14,500+ cities around the world.

Every traveler deserves real insight into the cultures of the countries they’re visiting. And every amazing place on Earth deserves to be visited and appreciated. We believe unique local knowledge and real human connection are irreplaceable when it comes to truly comprehending another culture.