Day Trip to Venice from Milan:
Complete Guide + Itinerary
Many travellers wonder if it is possible to take a day trip to Venice from Milan. Well, the answer is yes, and it’s easier than you would think. So, in this article, I will provide you with the best day trip from Milan to Venice, where you will learn about getting there and what to see, plus some helpful tips to organise your trip.
How to Get from Milan to Venice
By Train (Best Option)
The fastest and most convenient way for a day trip to Venice from Milan is by train. High-speed trains like Frecciarossa or Italo connect Milan to Venice.
Travel time: around 2 to 2.5 hours.
Departure: from Milano Centrale station.
Arrival: at Venezia Santa Lucia, right in the city centre.
Cost: prices vary from €30 to €80, depending on when you book.
You can buy tickets on the Trenitalia or Italo websites or by using apps like Omio.
By Car
Driving from Milan to Venice takes about 3 hours. However, Venice is car-free, so you’ll have to park outside the city.
Best parking: Tronchetto Parking or Piazzale Roma.
Parking can be expensive.
Traffic and toll roads might add stress.
It’s not the best option unless you plan to visit other places along the way.
By Organised Tour
Several tour companies offer day trips from Milan to Venice.
Travel time: Similar to the train, but depends on the company’s itinerary.
Pros:
– No planning needed.
– Transport and basic itinerary handled.
Cons:
– Less flexibility and limited free time.
– Often crowded or rushed.
Great if you don’t want to plan anything yourself.
Day Trip to Venice from Milan Itinerary
Santa Lucia Station is located right on the Grand Canal. When you leave the station during your day trip to Venice from Milan, take a moment to admire the view. The Grand Canal, with vaporettos, water taxis, and gondolas, is Venice’s main street. It’s a magical first impression!
Rialto Bridge and Market
It’s approximately a 20-minute walk from the station to the Rialto Bridge. You can follow signs for Rialto or look up on your phone map for directions. While this isn’t the most exciting walk, there will be plenty of sights for you to enjoy. You’ll cross various small bridges, pass by canals and see typical Venetian buildings.
The Rialto Bridge is one of the oldest and most popular bridges in Venice. It offers nice views of the Grand Canal, especially in the morning with the softer light.
The Rialto Market is also nearby and can be worth a quick stop if you come early enough. The market is open Monday through Saturday until midday. Locals buy fresh fish, fruit, and vegetables at this lively spot.
St. Mark’s Basilica
After enjoying the views from the Rialto Bridge, walk towards Piazza San Marco. It’s about a 10-15 minute walk. This is the hub of Venice and has all of its most famous sites.
St. Mark’s Basilica: One of the main landmarks you should visit during your day trip to Venice from Milan is St Mark’s Basilica. This stunning church is famous for its gold mosaics, beautiful Byzantine architecture and impressive domes. The basilica is free to enter, but be prepared for the long queues during peak hours. If you want to skip the queues, consider booking a guided tour or a ticket for early access. Inside, don’t forget to look for the Pala d’Oro, a beautiful golden altarpiece set with gems. Even if you have time constraints, it is worth spending some time exploring the exterior facade with its sculptured arches.
Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale)
The Doge’s Palace, once the home of the rulers of Venice and the centre of political life of the city, is a famed Gothic architectural masterpiece. Inside, you can see large, majestic halls, prison cells, and the bridge that joins the palace and prisons, better known as the Bridge of Sighs. To avoid the long entrance lines, consider purchasing skip the line entry tickets or combining your entry with a guided visit. If you are just passing by, I highly recommend taking the time to admire the detailed stonework and arches of the building from the outside.
Bridge of Sighs
This famous bridge links the Doge’s Palace to the old prison. According to legend, the prisoners sigh as they get one last view of Venice through their tiny windows before disappearing into the prison. You can see it from the outside. You can also visit it with a tour of Doge’s Palace, which will also allow you to view it from the inside and give you some of the cool history of the bridge!
St. Mark’s Campanile (Bell Tower)
For the best panoramic experience, take the elevator to the top of the Campanile for a breathtaking view of Venice’s rooftops, canals, and the lagoon. When it’s clear, you can even see the Dolomite mountains in the distance! This is a popular spot, so either visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.
Coffee Break?
After checking out the square, you may want a short coffee break. There are historic cafes like Caffe Florian or Gran Caffe Quadri in St. Mark’s Square. Expect to pay much more than average, especially if you sit outside with a view of the square.
If you have something to eat or drink and want to save some cash, you can find smaller cafes on the side streets. Like the locals, you can have a short standing espresso or cappuccino through a smaller cafe’s bar. You will be quicker and cheaper.
Lunch: Taste Venetian Food
After your busy morning, it’s time to fuel up with some authentic Venetian food. Venice has its own unique food culture. Its cuisine is based on seafood, fresh lagoon ingredients and traditional flavours. You should try some local dishes on your day trip to Venice from Milan:
Risotto al Nero di Seppia: Creamy risotto with squid ink. It’s black and complex.
Sarde in Saor: Sweet and sour sardines. A classic Venetian dish made with marinated sardines, onions and raisins.
Cicchetti: Little bites, basically Venetian tapas. These are served at bacari (small local bars) and are perfect for a light and inexpensive lunch.
Where to Eat?
If you want to avoid overpriced tourist traps, check out some small osteria or bacari where the locals eat. I recommend:
Osteria Al Squero: Just across from the Squero di San Trovaso (a gondola workshop). Famous for its great cicchetti and spritz.
Bacareto da Lele: A favourite with the locals near Piazzale Roma. Known for cheap wine and small sandwiches (tramezzini).
Afternoon: Explore Hidden Venice
After lunch, it’s time to experience Venice without the crowds. Now, Venice begins to reveal its calmer and truer self.
Wander the Backstreets
The best way to explore Venice is to walk. Take time to wander through narrow alleyways, cross tiny bridges, and get lost. Stumble upon small squares, alluring canals, and artisan shops.
Libreria Acqua Alta
During your day trip to Venice from Milan be sure to stop at Libreria Acqua Alta, one of the world’s quirkiest bookstores. The books are stacked in old gondolas, bathtubs, and barrels to prevent them from flooding. In addition, there is a staircase made from books at the back of the store and a gondola, which is perfect for that photo op.
Santa Maria della Salute
Cross the Accademia Bridge into the Dorsoduro district. The Dorsoduro district is much less crowded and has a more relaxed atmosphere to enjoy Venice.
Go to Santa Maria della Salute church, which was built in gratitude for surviving the plague. The church itself is lovely. However, the best part is the view back toward St. Mark’s Square and the Doge’s Palace. It is one of the most photogenic spots in Venice.
Gondola or Vaporetto
If you really want to have a Venice experience, you could take a gondola ride. It’s not cheap (about €80 for 30 minutes) but it is a romantic and memorable ride.
Or, you can save some bucks and take the vaporetto – the public water bus. The Line 1 vaporetto goes the whole length of the Grand Canal. It’s much cheaper and you still get some awesome canal views.
Optional: Murano or Burano
If you have some spare time in the late afternoon, you may want to take a vaporetto (water bus) to visit some of the islands neighbouring Venice:
Murano is known worldwide for its hundreds of years of glass-blowing tradition. On your day trip to Venice from Milan, you should visit one of the glass factories to witness the talented artisans create glass art live. Afterwards, shop in the many shops for unique Murano glass souvenirs.
Burano is known for its brightly coloured fishermen’s houses and delicate lace-making tradition. It is a picturesque little village—a perfect place for wandering about, taking photographs, and soaking up a slow pace of life. If you visit, you should be sure to try some fresh seafood!
It usually takes 1 – 2 hours to visit either island, including travel time. Vaporetto times vary by season, so check the ferry times ahead of time to maximise your afternoon.
Best Spots to End Your Day with a View
Before heading back to Milan, take a moment to enjoy Venice at sunset:
– Ponte dell’Accademia at Dusk: Watch the Grand Canal glow with reflections as the lights come on.
– Fondamenta delle Zattere: Relax by the canal and watch the sky turn golden over Giudecca.
– Skyline Rooftop Bar (Fondaco dei Tedeschi): Free rooftop terrace offering breathtaking views over the Grand Canal and Rialto Bridge (reservation needed).
Head Back to Santa Lucia Station
Give yourself ample time to get back to Santa Lucia Station, whether on foot or via vaporetto. Trains to Milan run until late evening, but always check the departure times to avoid stress.
Is a Day Trip Enough for Venice?
While Venice may seem small on a map, there’s so much to experience in terms of history, art, and charm. Of course, a day trip from Milan means you can cover many main sites, such as St. Mark’s Square, the Rialto Bridge and the Grand Canal. You’ll experience strolling the city’s narrow alleyways and walking by canals. It’s 100% worth doing a one-day trip. You will experience the ‘essence’ of Venice, which may even inspire you to return for a longer trip in the future. A day trip is a popular way to visit Venice; many people describe loving this experience! Just be sure to plan well, leave early enough, and prioritise what you want to see during your visit!
Travel Tips for a Smooth Day Trip to Venice from Milan
Book Train Tickets Early
When planning a day trip to Venice from Milan, keep in mind that taking the train is one of the best ways to go. High-speed trains like Frecciarossa and Italo are popular options, so booking early is key to getting the best prices. Reservations can be made on the Trenitalia or Italo websites. Choose Santa Lucia Station (instead of Mestre Station) to arrive in Venice on the island part.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
There are no cars—only walking and bridges with steps to climb. Distances that seem short in other countries could take longer because of narrow alleyways and turns. Good walking shoes are important to avoid sore feet.
Use Google Maps or Download Offline Maps
Many canals, alleyways, and maze-like structures can be confusing even to locals. Use Google Maps or download offline maps to your phone. You could also use good apps like Maps.me. It will save you much time and frustration while navigating Venice.
Avoid Weekends if You Can
Venice is one of the most visited cities in the world. Weekends, holidays, and summer months bring large crowds. If possible, plan your trip on a weekday to enjoy a calmer atmosphere. You’ll also have a better chance of enjoying popular spots without long lines.
Start Early
Take the earliest train possible, as you would like to arrive in Venice by approximately 8:30 or 9:00 AM. This will give you more time to explore and visit some areas before the bulk of tourists begin to arrive.
Additional Tips
Travel Light
Many streets and bridges in Venice are difficult to navigate with luggage. Travel with a smaller backpack. Anything larger than this should be left in Milan or possibly in luggage storage at the Santa Lucia Station.
Budget for Extras
Venice is pricier than other Italian cities, especially in touristy areas. On your day trip to Venice from Milan, you might notice that coffee, food, and souvenirs can be costly. If you want to save money or avoid high prices, just go a few streets away from the main squares—they typically have better prices at cafes and restaurants.
Respect Local Rules
In Venice, you cannot sit on monuments, eat on church steps or swim in the canals. Pay attention to these rules to avoid fines and respect the city. Also, try to keep noise to a minimum in local residences, especially early morning or late evening.
Local Souvenirs Tip
Looking for a meaningful souvenir from Venice?
– Murano Glass: Best bought directly from Murano’s official workshops to ensure authenticity.
– Handmade Masks: Buy from artisan mask shops (avoid cheap plastic versions). Check for certificates of authenticity.
– Burano Lace: If you visit Burano, explore local lace shops. Or look for certified boutiques in Venice.
– Venetian Paper & Stationery: Elegant journals, paper goods, and marbled papers from traditional workshops.
Avoid buying from tourist stands near main landmarks, where prices and quality are lower.
A day trip to Venice from Milan is easy and an unforgettable experience. You won’t have any difficulties reaching Venice from Milan thanks to high-speed trains. With some good planning, you can easily enjoy many of the trip’s best sights in just a few hours.
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