Venice Santa Lucia Station Guide
Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia is Venice's main railway station, located on the Grand Canal. Named after the church that once stood here, it's the gateway to Venice for millions of visitors each year.
Station Quick Facts
Station code: Venezia S.L.
Platforms: 22
Connections: Vaporetto lines 1, 2, 4.1, 4.2, 5.1, 5.2, N
Distance to San Marco: 45 min walk, 25 min vaporetto
Getting to Venice from the Station
- By Vaporetto: Exit the station, turn left for the vaporetto stops. Line 1 (slow, scenic) or Line 2 (faster) to San Marco.
- On Foot: Follow signs "Per San Marco" - about 45 minutes through the beautiful streets.
- By Water Taxi: Available at the station's water taxi stand (€60-100+).
Station Facilities
- Luggage storage (deposito bagagli)
- ACTV ticket office for vaporetto passes
- Tourist information office
- ATMs and currency exchange
- Cafes and shops
Arrival Tips
• Buy your vaporetto pass at the ACTV office before heading to the boats
• The vaporetto stop "Ferrovia" is right outside the station
• Walking is free and Venice is beautiful - consider walking to your hotel
• Avoid the unofficial "helpers" offering to carry bags
Santa Lucia or Mestre?
Venice has two main stations. Venezia Mestre is on the mainland, while Venezia Santa Lucia is on the Grand Canal in the historic centre. Most long-distance trains continue to Santa Lucia, but some stop only at Mestre; if yours does, a regional train covers the last 10 minutes across the lagoon bridge.
Connections from the Station
- Piazzale Roma: the bus terminal, across the Constitution Bridge, with buses to Marco Polo Airport (about 20 to 30 minutes) and the mainland.
- People Mover: a short automated shuttle from Piazzale Roma to the cruise terminal and the Tronchetto car park.
- Water taxis: official yellow-signed stands next to the station.
Travel Times by Train
High-speed Frecciarossa and Italo trains connect Santa Lucia with Milan in about 2.5 hours, Florence in about 2 hours and Rome in about 4 hours. Regional trains serve Padua (about 30 minutes) and Verona (about 1.5 hours), making them easy day trips.
Arriving with Luggage
Venice's bridges almost all have steps, so heavy suitcases are hard work. If your hotel is far from a vaporetto stop, consider a water taxi or a luggage porter service. The Scalzi Bridge in front of the station is the first of many.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Where to stay
Hotels, B&Bs and apartments: staying overnight lets you see Venice without the day crowds.
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