The train from Vienna to Venice does offer some scenic views, but choosing to drive will give you more flexibility to pursue picturesque mountainous passes and to stop along the way to see all that the countryside of Austria, Slovenia, and Italy has to offer.
How do I get to Venice from Vienna?
You can take a flight, train, bus, or Daytripโs private car service from Venice to Vienna. If you want the most relaxing, convenient, and enriching option, a private car ride with Daytrip is the best option. You wonโt have to lift a finger, and sightseeing stops mean you can see even more of Austria and Italy (and everything in between)!
How long is the Eurail from Vienna to Venice?
The Eurail train claims to offer a shorter travel time of just over 7.5 hours, but this varies across the train schedule and may also fluctuate seasonally or during peak travel times. Traveling in the opposite direction from Venice to Vienna is available via. night train, and will take just under 11 hours.
Can I drive to Venice?
It is absolutely possible to drive to the outskirts of Venice, but importantly you will not be able to navigate the city by car once you arrive given itโs a city entirely based upon canals. All transport in the heart of Venice is done by foot paths or with water taxis and smaller boats!
Whatโs the cheapest way to get to Venice from Vienna?
The most affordable transport option from Vienna to Venice is likely to be the bus routes, but it is important to note that the cost of these tickets fluctuates quite a bit, and going by bus will not allow you to stop en route for sightseeing in Austria, Slovenia, and Italy.
How long is the train journey from Vienna to Venice?
The train from Vienna to Venice takes around 8-10.5 hours. The cost of tickets varies depending on the time of day you travel, with day trip tickets being around โฌ70-110, and night train tickets ranging from โฌ50-150.
Driving from Vienna to Venice takes you through a sprawling map of spectacular scenery on a journey of around 6 and a half hours. The most popular route will take you through the picturesque lowlands of the East Austrian countryside and Slovenia, both dotted with historic castles and charming villages to visit en route to Italy.
The most direct path will place you on the S Autobahn, a central motorway that presents you with a wealth of sightseeing options that donโt require too much of a detour. A local driver can tailor your journey to include gems such as Graz, a city in the South of Austria famed for its Renaissance and Baroque architecture and its romantic, narrowly winding streets.
While some opt for one of the train routes connecting these two historical cities, traversing this distance can take over 10 hours and involves at least one transfer. If you use Daytrip to drive from Vienna to Venice instead, you will have a much more convenient door-to-door experience. Youโll be assisted with your luggage, avoid the stress of navigating the train schedules and most excitingly, youโll have the option of exploring sightseeing stops along the way with an English-speaking driver who can provide unique local insight. Some of the smaller cities and villages along this route are less well connected by public transport options, but are no less worth seeing!
About Venice
Venice is perhaps one of the most iconic cities that spring to mind at the mention of Italy. Traveling through the tucked-away cobblestone squares and grand cathedrals offers a mesmerizing glimpse into the cityโs arts-centered Renaissance past.
An official UNESCO World Heritage Site, Venice is a beautiful feat of engineering and architecture that defies probability and gravity by rising proudly from a lagoon as if floating atop the water. Because of the resulting interlacing maze of canals, Venice is sometimes aptly called โthe city of bridgesโ or โthe floating city.โ Driving from Vienna to Venice grants you a unique opportunity to experience one of Italyโs greatest treasures. Naturally, because of its watery base, it is not possible to drive in the heart of Venice itself, but once youโve come that far with a personal driver, you will be transferred directly to the ferry dock where your exciting navigation of the map of canals can begin.
### Venice today: is the city sinking?
The stunning floating city was built atop a series of marshy islands that have been slowly dissolving into the surrounding lagoon over the course of the last two thousand years. The weighty marble structures rest atop wooden piles pushed deep into the mud, a foundation that has become increasingly unstable with time.
This phenomenon is what gives the city its beautiful aquatic appeal, but it has also become a cause for concern. In recent years, many people have become increasingly eager to visit Venice on their trips to Italy, due to the widespread notion that the city is slowly sinking as a result of rising sea levels. The usual flooding that results in Venice is called aqua alta, and it now occurs at least 60 days of the year where it once was sporadic.
All is not lost, though! If you are keenly planning your trip to Venice, know that the rate of sinking is still reportedly at only around 1-2 millimeters per year. The damage that this causes certainly isnโt to be overlooked, but it doesnโt mean you should rush to cancel your flight either. Many coastal cities, unfortunately, face the same perils in the age of climate change, and keeping Venice on your list of destinations in Italy is certainly worth it for any traveler hoping to experience the cityโs rich artistic and cultural impact on Italian heritage.
From Vienna to Venice: travel tips
Stop to see the sights
As you cover the distance from Vienna to Venice, itโs worth stopping along the way throughout Austria to stroll around cities such as the aforementioned Graz, or Klagenfurtโs historic city center, with its elaborate arcaded courtyards overlooking the shores of Lake Wรถrthersee. With a private Daytrip driver, as part of your travel day through Slovenia, you may be able to stop in Maribor for an exploration of the regionโs wine heritage and visit the worldโs oldest vine or spend some time amongst the gardens in Ljubljana, overlooked by a medieval castle.
### Be mindful of mountainous journeys
While it may seem cheaper to rent a car and tackle the drive from Vienna to Venice yourself, note that this area is rich in hills and valleys and that some of the sightseeing stops along the way may involve difficult winding passes, hairpin turns, or unfamiliar traffic patterns.
Whatโs more, once you get to Venice, you will not be able to use a rented car and will have to either return it outside of the city or pay to park it during your stay - not a cheap option! To save yourself the headache, it can be best to leave these routes to a professional driver who is familiar with the area and can ensure your safe transfer.
### Peak season preparations
If you are visiting Venice in the hot summer months, be mindful that there is a significant influx of visitors to the relatively compact city (sometimes, in the peak season, this can look like a 2:1 ratio of visitors to locals). This means that it can be trickier to carry large amounts of luggage along the canals upon first arriving, so consider utilizing the water bus (starting at about โฌ9.50) or private boat taxis to get to your accommodation.
How to get from Vienna to Venice
There are a few different ways to get from Vienna to Venice, and the best option for you will depend on your budget, time constraints, and personal preferences.
Private car transfer from Vienna to Venice
One of the best ways to make the most of your journey between these two remarkable cities is to seek out a private car service to provide you with a seamless door-to-door transfer. With Daytrip, this route will cost around โฌ142 for two passengers (thatโs about the same as a train or bus ticket per person!).
The real benefit of this option is that you will have the freedom to select sightseeing stops along the way to gain once-in-a-lifetime access to the less accessible parts of the Austrian and Italian countryside. Driving allows you to see more on your way, which is a real benefit on longer routes such as from Vienna to Venice, as it can break up how far you have to travel in one uninterrupted stretch.
### Flight from Vienna to Venice
The fastest possible way to get from Vienna to Venice is by flying between these two cityโs airports, which will cut your transfer time to around 3 hours and 45 minutes. However, depending on when you intend to travel as well as when you book your flight, the costs can be widely variable and appear to range from โฌ28 to as much as โฌ170.
Remember that while you will save time with a flight, you will also likely need to pay more for any excessive baggage and will need to account for the time and money spent on the transfer between your accommodation and the airport.
### Train from Vienna to Venice
As previously mentioned, there is a train route connecting these two cities that operates with a schedule of about 15 weekly departures. This means youโll need to be somewhat flexible with your intended departure and arrival times, as you may only have one or two scheduled trains to pick from on any given day. The train costs an average of โฌ70-110 and can take from almost 8 hours to 10 and a half depending on the number of transfers.
Youโll usually transfer to a new train once in Salzburg and again in Innsbruck, following a more Northern route through Austria that skips over Slovenia entirely. There is also a night train that tends to have a slightly lower cost, ranging from โฌ50-150 depending on your travel dates - but only some of these trains are direct, so you may face a middle-of-the-night transfer.
### Bus from Vienna to Venice
It is possible to take a bus from Vienna to Venice, and it averages around 9 hours in travel time, so it will take about as much time as a train. This option can be more affordable, with tickets ranging from โฌ40-60. The night bus schedule tends to cost less than those departing during the day, but again be sure to check whether your sleep in transit will be interrupted by a transfer. Most routes involve at least one stop in Maribor.
#### Hereโs a breakdown of the cost and time comparison for each option: Private car transfer: starting at โฌ142 | 6 and half hours
Flight: varies widely from โฌ28-170 | 3 hours and 45 minutes
Train: day ticket โฌ70-110, night ticket โฌ50-150 | 8 to 10 and half hours
Bus: day or night tickets around โฌ40-60 | just under 9 hours
Things to do when you get to Venice
However you decide to get from Vienna to Venice, you are not short of choices of things to see, taste, and experience in this artistic center of Italy.
### Visit St. Markโs Square and Basilica
St. Markโs Square is the centerpiece of Venice, boasting an expanse of 12th-century galleries and central access to some of the most iconic sights in Venice, including the iconic St. Markโs Basilica.
This spectacular work of architecture with its signature domes and elaborate artistic touches is one of the most opulent churches you could ever hope to see. The interior is just as stupendous as the facade suggests, with ornate mosaics and plenty of gold covering nearly every surface. The square is a must-see for your time in Venice to appreciate the centuries of work put into these intricate displays of Italian history and culture.
### Take an excursion to Murano or Burano
These two small islands are a reasonable boat ride away from the center of Venice, with Murano being a little closer for those seeking shorter transfers. This island is renowned for its blown glass, so catch a demonstration of this ancient fiery art in action or spend your time shopping for beautiful hand-crafted souvenirs to bring home.
Burano on the other hand is known for its distinctive rainbow-hued buildings, as well as for its intricate lace making. On both islands, be sure to shop around a bit before purchasing either blown glass or lace products, as some shops here can carry the same items at very different prices.
### Go on a gondola ride
A highly recognizable symbol of Venetian culture is the sleek black gondola, piloted by a singing gondolier in a striped shirt and straw hat. Itโs important to note that these gondolas are no longer a primary form of transport in Venice, and the water taxis have largely taken over for practical transfers.
The gondoliers now cater more toward scenic tours of the canals, romantic evenings, and historical experiences. Interestingly, the price of gondola rides in Venice is regulated as strictly as the iconic gondoliersโ uniforms, so youโll want to focus on finding a route youโll enjoy with a friendly gondolier rather than trying to hunt for a cheaper option.
### Indulge in Venetian cuisine
It should be no surprise that the floating city specializes in seafood dishes, but there are a couple of standouts in the world of Venetian cuisine that you should sample during your stay, including Bigoli in salsa (a thick-cut pasta coated in a salty onion and cured anchovies sauce) or the notably jet black Risotto al nero di seppia (squid ink risotto).
One of the best parts of Venice in the warmer weather is enjoying a leisurely Italian meal on a patio overlooking the canals. Just be sure to try and find smaller restaurants off of the main streets and away from the busiest squaresโif you want to avoid a highly crowded meal, consider asking a local for their favorite place to eat.
When is the best time to visit Venice?
Many people choose to visit in the summer months, from around May to October, but this peak travel season is very hot and often Venice becomes incredibly crowded. Prices also tend to be higher for the main attractions given the influx of tourism the city receives.
Instead, consider planning your drive from Vienna to Venice for the earlier spring months or in early autumn when the weather will be cooler and the destinations will likely be much less crowded. For the budget conscious, visiting the city in winter can reward travellers with the fewest crowds and the cheapest accommodation, dining, and activities.
๊ฐ๋ ๊ธธ์ ์ด ๋ช ์๋ค์ ๋ฐฉ๋ฌธํ์ธ์
Franzensburg
Franzenburg Castle sits on an island in a lake in the park grounds and is the most impressive structure in the Austrian Laxenburg Castle complex.ย The emperorโs private toyย
Forchtenstein Castle
This imposing fourteenth-century castle survived the Turkish invasion of 1529 and today is home to one of the largest private weapons collection in Europe.ย An impregnable symbol of Burgenlandย
Villach
People were wearing skins in Villach in Neolithic times, much later they donned Roman togas. Today it's an important infrastructural link and a crucial part of the Alpe-Adria region.ย Long-toothed southern Austrian Alpine townย
Kranjska Gora - Zelenci Lake
A peaceful resort town full of Slovenian charm and culture in every season. Enclosed by mountains, it is only fitting that Kranjska Gora is home to Slovenia's best ski resort.ย Foothills of the Julian Alpsย
Palmanova Outlet
Italy and fashion go hand in hand, and this plaza offers discounts on Italian and name brands.ย A Discount Shopping Citadelย
Basilica di Aquileia
A relic of one of the greatest cities of the ancient world, the floor of this UNESCO-listed church is the largest Paleochristian mosaic in the western world.ย Massive Mosaicsย
โWe had a very good trip. It was a long journey between cities made easier by a lunch stop in Bled. Our driver Vladimir was on time, courteous, and an excellent driver. Great way to get around Central Europe-would definitely use again.โ
โWow, after disembarking from our cruise ship, we were met by Marko and our journey began. Marko was very personable, knowledgeable, and spoke wonderful English! He willing engaged in conversation with us and was a wealth of information when it came to answering our many questions.......which made us more at ease during our drive.
He was also very accommodating when we wanted to stop for breaks and snacks. He helped us order and explained the food choices, etc.
Our first big stop was in Ljubljana, Slovenia, a most beautiful place. He walked with us around the town and markets explaining things as we walked. When we went up to the castle, he waited for us below and found a lovely little restaurant, The House Beneath the Castle, for us to have lunch. We all had coffee and hot chocolate (the best I have ever tasted) in the square along the river. Marko was just like a family member! We learned so much about the area from him through our casual conversations.
We then we're off to Bled, Slovenia. This was also a most beautiful town by The Lake of the Swan. Totally picturesque! Marko drove us to our rental cottage and helped with our luggage. We all went sightseeing and walked to a restaurant by the lake. Marko was so very kind and took pictures for me when my iPhone died!
The next day we drove to Vienna, Austria and once again, Marko helped with our luggage and spent most of the afternoon walking around the square with us. He was quite patient with all of our stopping to take photos, etc.
When our time was up, Marko was there to drive us back to Venice so we could catch our plane the next day.
Right from the beginning, Tomas and his coworkers were absolutely fabulous. His suggestions were spot on and his concern for us and our experience was evident. He could not have chosen a more perfect travel guide for us. Marko was simply the best! When we return to Europe, we will definitely contact Tomas again!! If I could rate his company higher than a 5, I would!!โ
โWe utlized DayTrip to get from Venice to Vienna. There are not many other direct transportation options other than a car. The drive is also very gorgeous so DayTrip afforded us the ability to see some fantastic countryside while also getting safely to our next destination and stopping at few places along the way. We really enjoyed the day trip! It was great, as was our guide. He was very personable, safe, and professional.
The only constructive feedback I would add is to make sure you understand the payment terms of the trip. We thought we could pay by credit card but were informed when we reached our destination that the driver could only accept cash. This meant we had to promptly come up with 400 Euro in cash, which was a bit a frustrating. It would be nice, especially for the many american travelers that utilize this service.
Overall, it was a great experience. We have recommended it to several friends already and will continue to do so to those traveling to Europe. I will also consider your services on future travels.โ
โWe arranged for a car to take our family of five from Vienna to Venice, because the train options were for overnight trips, and we wanted to see the countryside. Our driver was fantastic, the van was roomy and comfortable, and the overall trip was smooth and pleasant. We were met right outside our train by our friendly driver, who took the time to show us a bit of Vienna before hitting the road. He was happy to stop when necessary, and he made a great recommendation for dinner in Slovenia. He took us right where we needed to go in Venice. What a great service. We would highly recommend it!โ
โTravelling with Daytrip was an excellent experience! I. Our driver Isidor was very professional friendly, and a great driver.
This was much easier than getting all our bags on to a train and switching trains, etc..
We enjoyed the tour through Slovenia too.
We would highly recommend this service.โ
