How far is Venice from Rome? A guide to visit both the two Italian cities

The Jubilee 2025 promises to be an extraordinary and unmissable event for millions of pilgrims and tourists from all over the world. Rome will be the spiritual and emotional center of the event, but many visitors may be tempted to extend their itinerary to other iconic Italian destinations. Like enchanting Venice, with its breathtaking lagoon and magical, unmistakable canals.

But how far is Venice from Rome, and how can you best organize your trip between these two outstanding cities? The answer depends on the chosen mode of transportation: train, car, or plane. Here’s all the information you need to plan your journey in the simplest and most convenient way, discovering travel times, the pros and cons of each option, and comparisons with routes to other Italian cities.

During the Jubilee, Rome will be the vibrant heart of unparalleled religious and cultural events, drawing pilgrims and visitors from all over the world. However, for those seeking to enrich their journey in Italy with an equally intense and inspiring experience, a city as special as Venice is a must-visit destination.

La Serenissima, with its unique charm and ability to surprise beyond the well-trodden paths, offers moments of reflection and wonder. A stroll through its narrow alleys or a sunset viewed from the Riva degli Schiavoni, one of the most scenic places in Venice, just steps from the Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Square, provides unique and evocative experiences — perfect for those who wish to immerse themselves in an atmosphere that is different but equally magical compared to the Eternal City.

With its lagoon shimmering in every season, Venice becomes an ideal stop for planning an unforgettable journey into the most authentic soul of Italy.

The distance between Rome and Venice by road is just over 500 km. This route connects two of Italy's most iconic and visited cities, offering a journey that becomes an itinerary through culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes.

Traveling between Rome and Venice requires careful planning, especially in view of the Jubilee, when Rome is expected to see record-breaking visitor numbers. The choice of transportation can make the difference between a stressful journey and a pleasant one; each option — from train to plane, and even by car — has its pros and cons, but all require good organization.

For those visiting Italy for the first time, the journey between Rome and Venice is not just a simple transfer but a continuous discovery: from the rolling Tuscan hills visible along the road to the picturesque historic towns seen from the train, and finally, the spectacular view of the Venetian lagoon from the plane.

Every kilometer traveled tells a part of Italy, a land of timeless beauty, art, and traditions. Planning this itinerary carefully can turn a simple journey into a memorable experience. Traveling at your own pace allows you to fully enjoy two of Italy and the world's most precious gems.

Traveling by train is an excellent choice for those seeking the perfect balance between speed and comfort. Direct connections offered by Frecciarossa and Italo ensure a fast journey, with travel times ranging from 3 hours and 45 minutes to 4 hours and 30 minutes. Ticket prices typically range from €35 to €90, depending on the selected fare.

From a travel perspective, the train offers a great experience, allowing you to relax while admiring the stunning Italian landscapes passing by the window. You can enjoy the scenery without the hassle of driving, worrying about directions, or dealing with traffic, making the journey smoother compared to both driving and flying.

Not only that: the convenience also lies in departing directly from Roma Termini, a station located in the heart of Rome and easily accessible from most major attractions in the historic center; and likewise, arriving at Venezia Santa Lucia, facing the Grand Canal and just steps from the Santa Croce district.

Some high-speed trains stop at Venezia Mestre, but even in this case, you can reach Venice’s historic center in just a few minutes by hopping on one of the many regional trains.

For those with limited time, flying is undoubtedly the fastest option. So, how far is Venice from Rome by plane?

Direct flights between Rome Fiumicino and Venice Marco Polo take about 1 hour and 10 minutes, seemingly unbeatable in terms of speed. However, when factoring in the time needed to reach the airports, check in, pass through security, and retrieve luggage, the time advantage significantly diminishes.

During the Jubilee, Rome’s airports are expected to be particularly busy, possibly resulting in longer queues and wait times. For those choosing to fly, it’s advisable to opt for early morning or late evening flights when air traffic is generally less intense.

Another consideration is logistics upon arrival. Venice’s Marco Polo Airport is about 13 km from the city center, and reaching the lagoon requires an additional transfer, often by water taxi or bus. While this can be a unique and fascinating experience for tourists, it’s wise to plan ahead to avoid surprises and potential delays.

Flying, in short, is a choice worth careful consideration: faster and potentially economical with the right deal. However, it can also be stressful, especially for those traveling with heavy luggage or young children.

If you love traveling independently to discover hidden and lesser-known places along the way, driving from Rome to Venice is an excellent choice. The route covers about 525 km and takes nearly 6 hours, excluding traffic and potential stops. The journey unfolds through the picturesque landscapes of Central Italy, crossing Lazio, Tuscany, and Emilia-Romagna before reaching Veneto.

Traveling by car allows you to design a personalized trip, whether for a single day or multiple days, with stops in fascinating cities along the way, such as Siena, Arezzo, Florence, or Bologna. Each stop offers a chance to immerse yourself in local art, culture, and cuisine, creating unforgettable experiences.

Naturally, some practical factors should be considered. For instance, during the Jubilee, traffic may be heavy, especially near Rome and the main highways. Additionally, fuel and toll costs can significantly impact the budget compared to traveling by train or plane.

Parking can also present a challenge, both in Venice and in other cities along the route. The unique charm of Venice—and many Italian art cities—lies in their beautifully preserved old town, best explored on foot. While you can leave your car in nearby parking facilities, this option may be slower, less convenient, and more expensive than using public transport.

In short, a road trip is ideal for true explorers eager to discover the most authentic side of local culture. The on-the-road itinerary promises a journey filled with surprises, but careful planning is essential to avoid potential inconveniences.

To better understand the distances among Italy’s main cities, it can be helpful to compare the Roma-Venezia route with other journeys. For example, the distance between Venice and Florence is about 260 km, and the train ride between these two cities takes approximately 2 hours.

Adding Florence to the Roma-Venezia itinerary allows you to appreciate the transition from the romance of the Venetian lagoon to the elegance of Florence’s squares, between Brunelleschi’s domes and the masterpieces housed in the Uffizi.

For those traveling by car, Florence is the perfect stop to break up the journey to the Serenissima: from Rome to the Tuscan capital, there are 275 km, with a route winding through beautiful countryside and picturesque villages waiting to be discovered.

Thus, Florence fits harmoniously into an itinerary that, through a succession of postcard landscapes and timeless artistic landmarks, offers a journey to the very heart of Italy’s most authentic history and beauty.