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The 9 best day trips from Venice
Plan easy day trips from Venice in 1–2 hours. Compare top destinations by travel time, highlights, and tips for smooth train and island travel.
The best day trips from Venice are destinations you can reach in 1–2 hours by train or vaporetto, making it easy to explore more of northern Italy without changing hotels. Venice is an ideal base thanks to its excellent rail connections and compact geography, with historic cities, lakeside towns, and nearby islands all within quick reach.
These trips are especially suitable for first-time visitors who want to see more of Italy while keeping Venice as their main base. This guide highlights nine ideal destinations for easy and rewarding day trips from Venice. Also, if you’re not sure how many days to spend in Venice, use this guide to plan your trip itinerary.
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Quick Picks — The best day drips from Venice
Venice’s central location makes it easy to reach a wide range of destinations within one to two hours. On top of checking an Italy travel guide, this table below also highlights the best day trips from Venice at a glance, comparing travel time, transport options, and key highlights to help you quickly decide where to go.
| Destination | Travel time from Venice | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Verona | ~1 hour | Roman Arena, Shakespeare sites |
| Padua | ~30 minutes | Scrovegni Chapel, historic university |
| Treviso | ~35 minutes | Canals, local food scene |
| Bologna | ~1.5 hours | Medieval centre, food culture |
| Lake Garda | ~1.5-2 hours | Lakeside towns, scenic views |
| Vicenza | ~30-45 minutes | Palladian architecture |
| Murano & Burano | ~20-45 minutes | Glassmaking, colourful houses |
| Lido di Venezia | ~15 mintues | Beaches, cycling |
| Torcello | ~1 hour | Quiet countryside, historic basili |
Best day trips from Venice by train
Santa Lucia station in Venice connects directly to many major cities in northern Italy, making train travel the easiest way to explore beyond the lagoon. High-frequency regional and high-speed services allow you to plan flexible day trips without needing a car.
Verona
Verona is best known for its Roman amphitheatre and romantic old town, with a compact historic centre that’s easy to explore in a day. The city blends ancient history with lively piazzas, making it one of the best day trips from Venice by train.
How to get there: Direct trains from Venezia Santa Lucia take about 1 hour.
What to do: Visit the Verona Arena, walk across Ponte Pietra, and explore Piazza delle Erbe.
Ideal for: History lovers and first-time visitors.
Padua
Padua is a historic university city with deep artistic and religious significance, home to some of Italy’s most important frescoes. Its walkable centre makes it ideal for a relaxed cultural day trip.
How to get there: Around 30 minutes by train from Venice.
What to do: See the Scrovegni Chapel, visit the Basilica of Saint Anthony, and explore Prato della Valle.
Ideal for: Art lovers and slow-paced travellers.
Treviso
Treviso offers a quieter alternative to Venice, with canals, medieval streets, and a strong local food culture. It’s often overlooked, which makes it a pleasant escape from crowds.
How to get there: Approximately 35 minutes by train.
What to do: Walk along the canals, try local cicchetti, and explore Piazza dei Signori.
Ideal for: Food-focused travellers and short half-day trips.
Bologna
Bologna is known for its medieval towers, arcaded streets, and reputation as Italy’s food capital. Despite its size, the historic centre is compact enough to enjoy in a single day.
How to get there: High-speed trains take around 1.5 hours.
What to do: Climb Torre degli Asinelli, walk the porticoes, try local dishes like tagliatelle al ragù.
Ideal for: Food lovers and city explorers.
Lake Garda
Lake Garda is Italy’s largest lake, surrounded by charming towns and mountain scenery. While the lake is large, towns like Desenzano or Peschiera are well-suited for a day trip from Venice.
How to get there: Train to Desenzano del Garda or Peschiera del Garda in 1.5–2 hours.
What to do: Walk the waterfront, enjoy lake views, and explore historic centres.
Ideal for: Scenic escapes and relaxed travellers.
Vicenza
Vicenza is famous for its Renaissance architecture designed by Andrea Palladio. The city feels elegant and calm, with many landmarks concentrated in the historic centre.
How to get there: About 30-45 minutes by train.
What to do: Visit Teatro Olimpico, walk Corso Palladio, and see Basilica Palladiana.
Ideal for: Architecture enthusiasts.
Best places to visit near Venice without taking the train
If you prefer staying within the lagoon, Venice’s surrounding islands offer easy, car-free day trips by vaporetto. These destinations are quieter and provide a different perspective on local life, especially if you already understand how to get around Venice.
Murano & Burano
Murano is world-famous for glassmaking, while Burano is known for its brightly coloured houses and lace-making tradition. Visiting both islands in one day is easy and highly rewarding.
How to get there: Vaporetto from Venice (20–45 minutes depending on route).
What to do: Visit glass workshops in Murano, photograph Burano’s streets.
Ideal for: Culture seekers and photographers.
Lido di Venezia
Lido di Venezia is a long barrier island known for its beaches and relaxed atmosphere. It feels more residential and open compared to Venice’s historic centre.
How to get there: 15-minute vaporetto ride.
What to do: Cycle along the island, relax on the beach, and visit Liberty-style villas.
Ideal for: Beach lovers and summer travellers.
Torcello
Torcello is one of the quietest islands in the lagoon, with open countryside and historic churches. It offers a peaceful contrast to Venice’s busy streets.
How to get there: Vaporetto via Burano, about 1 hour total.
What to do: Visit the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta and walk nature paths.
Ideal for: Slow travellers and history fans.
Practical tips for planning day trips from Venice
- Start from Venezia Santa Lucia whenever possible. This is Venice’s main train station and the most convenient departure point for mainland destinations like Verona, Padua, and Bologna. It also saves time compared to stations on the Mestre side.
- Book high-speed trains early, especially for popular routes and summer travel. Advance tickets on Trenitalia or Italo are usually cheaper and guarantee a seat during busy periods.
- Travel light for the day. Many Italian cities have cobbled streets, stairs, and compact historic centres, so a small backpack is more practical than larger bags. If you’re travelling in colder months, check Italy winter weather to pack smarter for fog, rain, and cooler temperatures.
- Always check return train times in advance. Evening services can be less frequent, particularly to smaller cities like Vicenza or Treviso, and last trains may depart earlier than expected.
- Use mobile data to navigate transport and tickets on the go. Italy SIM card and travel eSIM, such as Holafly, help with Google Maps, live train updates, digital tickets, and restaurant reservations while travelling between cities.
Stay connected on your day trips from Venice with Holafly
If you’re looking for best eSIM for Venice, Holafly Italy eSIM offers easy-to-install options designed for travellers moving between cities and islands. With instant activation and unlimited data, it’s a practical way to stay connected while planning routes, booking tickets, and navigating day trips from Venice.
You can explore available plans and destinations via the Holafly eSIM coverage, making it easy to stay online throughout your Italian journey, whether you’re heading to Verona, Lake Garda, or exploring Venice during events like Venice Carnival.
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