Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy with historic baroque architecture and turquoise water

Travelling Through Italy by Train What to Expect

A personal journey from Milan to Venice and beyond

Clive White on 01 Mar 2021

Travelling through Italy by train is one of the most efficient and enjoyable ways to experience the country. When planned properly, it allows you to move smoothly between cities while keeping the journey simple and comfortable. From personal experience, travelling between Milan and Venice highlighted just how well the rail system supports a structured itinerary.

Starting in Milan
My journey began in Milan, where I attended a major trade fair at Fiera Milano one of Europe’s largest exhibition venues
Milan works particularly well as a starting point, combining business travel with cultural highlights.
During the stay, visits included the Duomo di Milano and La Scala, both of which give a strong sense of the city’s character.

Duomo di Milano cathedral in Milan, Italy with gothic architecture.

Milan to Venice  - By Train
From Milan, the journey continued by train to Venice.

Travelling by rail between these cities is straightforward and comfortable, with high-speed services
connecting directly between city centres. The route passes through northern Italy, including cities such
as Brescia, offering a glimpse into the wider region.

Practical insight:
Train travel in Italy works best when tickets and timings are planned in advance, allowing
for a smooth and predictable journey.

Arriving in Venice
Arrival into Venice is unlike any other city.
Stepping out of the main station at Santa Lucia, there are no roads only waterways.
Water taxis and boats provide immediate access across the Grand Canal, including
transfers towards St Mark’s Square.

Experiencing Venice
Time in Venice included visits to several of its key landmarks:
Gondola on a canal in Venice, Italy with historic buildings and waterways

St Mark’s Basilica
St Mark’s Square and the famous Moors clock tower
Bridge of Sighs (Ponte dei Sospiri)
The Doge’s Palace
Murano, known for its traditional glassmaking

Along the Grand Canal, historic buildings and landmarks such as Hotel Danieli reflect the city’s architectural
character and heritage

During certain times of the year, particularly in autumn and winter, Venice can experience acqua alta (seasonal high water).
Temporary raised walkways are set up in key areas, allowing visitors to continue exploring the city.

Balanced perspective
Venice is a high-demand destination, which means it can be busy and premium-priced in central areas.
Planning ahead and allowing enough time (typically 2–3 days) helps create a more enjoyable experience.

Why Train Travel Works So Well in Italy
City centre to city centre travel
Reliable and frequent services
Comfortable for longer journeys
Reduces overall travel stress

For many travellers, it is often the most efficient way to experience multiple destinations in one trip.

What Travellers Should Plan Carefully
Book train tickets in advance where possible
Allow time for navigating larger stations
Avoid overloading the itinerary
Choose accommodation locations carefully
Small planning decisions can significantly improve the overall experience.

Entry Requirements
Italy is part of the Schengen Area, which means entry requirements may apply depending
on your passport. Travellers should always check current visa requirements before planning their trip,
as these can change and may vary based on individual circumstances.

About This Advice
The destinations featured here are based on my own travel experience, both for leisure and business
This allows me to offer practical, real-world guidance rather than generic travel information.

Planning Your Trip
If you're planning travel to Italy and want a well-structured, stress-free experience, feel free to get in touch.


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