Venice: Day Trips and Tours from Florence

The historical city of Venice ranks as one of the most beautiful in the world. The lagoon and historic parts of the city are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its ecology, architecture and cultural heritage are monitored and protected closely.

On a Venice tour from Florence, you can experience another Italian city that played a significant role in Europe’s Renaissance period.

Here's everything you should know about planning a trip to Venice, one of the most exciting day trips from Florence.

How do I get to Venice from Florence?

Venice is the capital of northern Italy’s Veneto region and is situated about 270 kilometers north-west of the Tuscan city of Florence.

By car

The most direct route from Florence to Venice by road is 270 kilometers and takes just over 3 hours on the A13 via Bologna.

There is a more scenic route via Bologna, Modena, and Verona on the A4 and E70 takes around 4 hours without stops.

By public transport

A direct high-speed train from Florence's Firenze S.M.N to Venice takes just over 2 hours.

Budget-conscious travelers can opt for a train with one or more connections, which takes between 4 and 5 hours one way.

You can buy tickets for either option on Treno Italia.

On a guided tour

Day trips between Venice and Florence allows you to enjoy live commentary, appreciate the scenery and relax. Guided round-trip tours typically last 12 to 14 hours, though some itineraries are shorter.

What is the typical itinerary of a day trip?

Tours typically begin with pick-up or a meeting at Santa Maria Novella train station for tours by high speed train. Most tours head directly to Venice to maximize sightseeing time in the city, but some tours may stop on the way for sightseeing, refreshments or a break.

In Venice, groups will be guided past the city's top attractions and, depending on the itinerary, there may be optional opportunities to enter some sites. You will return to Florence in the late afternoon.

What are the best tours from Florence to Venice?

Guided tours Venice from Florence by high-speed train

Meet your guide at the train station and join your group for the direct journey to Venice. You can join the live guided excursion, or use the map and virtual guide provided to sightsee independently.

Our selection: Venice Tour by High-Speed train from Florence

• Price: From €240 per person (depending on group size)
• Duration: 8 to 10 hours
• Languages: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish
• Includes: Transportation by high-speed train, walking tour of Venice

Guided full-day luxury coach tours to Venice from Florence

Join a knowledgeable guide on a full-day tour to Venice by luxury coach.

After a comfortable journey, embark on a guided tour of Venice that includes a ferry trip to the main island, visits to the city’s most famous landmarks, and the chance to observe traditional Venetian glass-blowing.

There is time for independent sightseeing before you meet your guide and head back to your bus for your return to Florence.

Our selection: From Florence to Venice Day Trip to the Floating City

• Price: From €110 per person
• Duration: 14 to 15 hours
• Languages: English, Italian, Spanish
• Includes: Transportation by coach, glass blowing demonstration

Private tours to Venice from Florence

One of the selling points of a private tour to Venice from Florence is that you can plan your itinerary with your guide, capture the most picture-perfect locations and customize your time in Venice within reason.

Our selection: Private Full Day Tour with Pick Up and Drop Off

• Price: From €340 per person  (depending on group size)
• Duration: 12 hours
• Languages: English, Italian, Spanish
• Includes: Private transportation by coach with pickup and drop-off, walking tour of Venice

Private transfers to Venice from Florence

Travel to Venice in style while also enjoying a day of sightseeing. On a private transfer, you will be met by your driver-guide and travel via cities such as Bologna, Ravenna, Padova and Verona.

Some transfer tours end on arrival in Venice, while others include a short guided tour before dropping you at your hotel or end-point.

Our selection: Private Transfer to Venice with 2 hours for Sightseeing

• Price: From €115 per person  (depending on group size)
• Duration: 6 hours
• Includes: Private transportation with pickup and drop-off

What are the prices of Venice excursions from Florence?

Guided coach tours from Florence to Venice start at €100 per participant. High-speed train tours with a guide start at €155 per person, since the train ticket is expensive and drastically reduces your travel time.

Private tours, which include a photographer, cost at least €300 per person but the cost depends a lot on your group size.

What can I see and do in Venice?

Built on over 100 islands, Venice is also known as the City of Canals. It is not only famous for its unusual and captivating allure, but also for its many bridges, gondolas, historical buildings and carnival atmosphere.

Some of the top attractions in Venice include the Grand Canal, Bridge of Sighs, St Mark’s Basilica and the iconic Guggenheim Collection.

Glass blowing on the island of Murano, a stroll through the Arsenal and Naval History Museum, a gondola ride or sipping on a Venetian cocktail at one of the trendy or more traditional bars or cafés are all good options if you are considering activities in the city,

When is the best time for a trip to Venice?

The best time to visit Venice is late spring (April to early June) or early fall (September). During these periods, you'll experience milder and pleasant weather, as well as fewer tourists than the peak summer season.

If you're hoping to experience the Venice Carnival, plan your visit for February.

Can I go on excursions to Venice from other cities in Italy?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Italy:

• Venice trips from Rome
• Venice jaunts from Milan
• Venice tours from Padua

Travel tips

• Comfortable footwear is essential. The city's streets are often cobbled, and there are numerous bridges to cross.
• For a more authentic and often less expensive meal, wander a bit off the beaten path away from tourist hotspots.
• Many of Venice's popular sites can be crowded in the morning. Consider visiting later in the afternoon when groups are fewer.