Milan to Venice train with Frecciarossa

Milan to Venice by Train: Everything You Need to Know!

Introduction

Venice is truly one of my favorite cities on the planet. It’s one of those rare places that still completely blows me away every time I step out of the train station. As I mentioned in a previous article, taking the train is, hands-down, the best way to arrive in a city as touristic as Venice. No need to worry about parking or hours of traffic — just hop on a train, step off, and you’re ready to roam the city of canals.

Route Overview

The easiest way to get to Venice from Milan is by taking the Frecciarossa, Trenitalia’s high-speed train operator. You can also take Italo, a private operator offering a similar travel time. Both trains take around 2 hours and 30 minutes to link the two cities.

Transportation Experience

Since there are two operators, the best way to compare prices and book is through Omio, where you can view and reserve tickets for both. It’s a seamless digital booking experience — I simply selected my time and fare, paid, and instantly received my ticket by email and app.

Route Details

Departure & Arrival Stations

Milano Centrale is my favorite station in Italy because of its monumental beauty. Built during the Mussolini era, it shares architectural similarities with Washington Union Station, although Milano Centrale is way bigger. I’d even say it feels like more of a monument than a train station. Take a moment to admire the details, especially the ceiling — it’s truly breathtaking. Venice Santa Lucia Station is another gem, but for different reasons. It’s incredibly practical — step out of the terminal, and you’re right in front of the Grand Canal. No cars, no taxis — just pedestrians, boats, and the immense beauty that only Venice can offer. Everything is a five-minute walk from there.

Schedule & Frequency

Frecciarossa trains run every hour—and even every 30 minutes during peak morning and evening hours. All trains take around 2.5 hours on average.

Onboard Experience & Services

Frecciarossa offers four travel classes:

• Standard – Comfortable and affordable, similar to Second Class.
• Premium – More spacious seating and includes a light snack and drink.
• Business – Even more spacious, with snacks and drinks included.
• Executive – The most luxurious with 1-1 seating, plus food and drinks.

As for the luggage policy, Frecciarossa allows two medium bags and one carry-on per person, with no weight limit.

For this trip, I traveled in Premium and found it very comfortable! After enjoying a coffee and a light snack, I discovered a new wafer flavor (Stracciatella), a life-changing moment for a snack lover like me!

The scenery between Milan and Venice is lovely, but there are two moments you must catch:

• Lake Garda: Sit on the left-hand side of the train. Between Lonato and Peschiera del Garda, you’ll get glimpses of Lake Garda with its orange-tiled roofs, blue waters, and green mountains — absolutely magical.

• Venetian Lagoon: Just before arriving at Santa Lucia, you’re crossing the lagoon over the Ponte della Libertà into Venice. It feels like you're flying over the water — such a cool moment!

Ticketing Advice & Budget Breakdown

Milan to Venice train ticket prices are generally reasonable. You can sometimes find last-minute tickets for €30. I booked a Premium seat, so I paid a bit more, but it was worth it.

Top Tips & Personal Recommendations

• Book early to secure the best prices.
• Sit on the left-hand side for Lake Garda views.
• Bring your camera — the scenery is stunning.

Conclusion

Fast and convenient — train travel in Italy is among the best in Europe. And arriving in Venice by train is truly something special. The Milan to Venice train route combines comfort and efficiency with unforgettable scenery, including the landscapes around Lake Garda. If you’re planning a trip to Italy, consider experiencing the journey by train.

About the Author: Thibault Constant

• Job Title: Train Travel Content Creator
• Bio: Content creator, specializing in train travel from all across the globe — including over 40 countries explored by rail.