Day trips from Venice, recommended by a local
Last updated on August 9th, 2026.
Venice's day-tripper access fee ran on 60 dates between April and July 2026, and that trial period ended on July 27, 2026: the fee is not currently in effect. It's set to return in April 2027 for the next season; I'll update this section with exact dates and pricing closer to the time.
When I think about taking a day trip from Venice, Florence or Rome wouldn't be my first thought. But do a quick search online, and some guides will suggest otherwise.
As a local living in Vicenza, in the Veneto region of northern Italy, I have a good understanding of the real journey times between these places.
As appealing as hopping between Venice and Florence sounds, it's a tight squeeze as a day trip, and Rome is even further out of reach.
A day trip from Venice to Rome takes around 5.5 hours by car, not factoring in traffic, roadworks, or stops along the highway. By train, it's somewhat faster at 3hrs 49min, but still a long day either way.
Choosing a realistic itinerary is one of the fundamental pieces of advice I outline in planning a trip to Italy. Which is why, in this post, I'm listing 15 Venice day trips that are realistic and easily doable.
Ideal material for your Italy bucket list, you may well need a second visit to Venice to see them all.
Quick answers
- Most popular: Murano and Burano. The lagoon islands are the most visited day trips from Venice and easily reached by vaporetto in under 45 minutes.
- Easiest: Treviso. Just 30 minutes by train from Venice Santa Lucia, no advance booking needed, and far less crowded than anywhere else on this list.
- Most unique: the small towns and villages in Veneto. They attract more Italians than tourists and are a perfect escape from Venice's crowds.
Venice day trips at a glance
Here's a quick overview of all 15 destinations, including travel time from Venice Santa Lucia station and who each trip suits best.
| Destination | Travel time | Best for | Difficulty |
| Murano, Burano & Torcello | 40 minutes by vaporetto | First-time visitors | Easy |
| Lido di Venezia | 32 minutes by vaporetto | Beach lovers | Easy |
| Padua | 15 minutes by train/30 minutes' drive | Families with kids | Easy |
| Treviso | 30 minutes by train | Off-the-beaten path | Easy |
| Vicenza | 50 minutes by train | Palladian architecture | Easy |
| Chioggia | 53 minutes by car | Alternative to Venice | Easy |
| Arquà Petrarca | 55 minutes by car | Slow travel | Medium |
| Este | 1hr 6mins by train | Castle buffs | Medium |
| Soave | 1hr 10mins by car | Wine lovers | Medium |
| Asolo | 1 hour by car (fastest route) | Literary lovers | Medium |
| Montagnana | 1hr 25mins by train | Local life, no tourists | Medium |
| Bassano del Grappa | 1hr 15mins by train | Views and Grappa | Easy |
| Verona | 1.5 hours by train | Views and romance | Easy |
| Lake Garda (Sirmione) | 1.5 by car | Lake Garda's most popular town | Easy |
| Ravenna | 2hrs 9mins by car | Historic mosaics | Medium |
What about Florence, Bologna or the Dolomites?
You'll see plenty of guides listing Florence, Bologna, or even the Dolomites as day trips from Venice.
Technically, you can get to any of them and back in a single day, but I wouldn't recommend it.
As someone who lives in Veneto, I'd rather be upfront about that than pad this list with destinations that don't make for a good day out.
I define a day trip as a journey that takes you from your (home) base to the destination, and then home again.
And for me, Florence deserves at least two days to enjoy properly.
You'll spend a huge chunk of a single-day trip just getting there and back, with barely enough time to see the Duomo and a gallery before you're back on the train.
The same goes for Bologna and the Dolomites. Both are worth visiting, but they're better as their own trip, or an extension onto a longer Veneto stay, not a rushed round-trip from Venice.
Everything on this list is a destination I'd recommend doing in a single day. Realistic journey times and enough time on the ground to make the trip worthwhile.
📌 A note on timings: all journey times in this guide are approximate and can vary depending on traffic, roadworks, or reduced train and bus services. Always check current times before you travel.
Venice: the basics
For first-time visitors to Venice, two full days is a good starting point to see the main sights.
Book tickets for attractions in advance so you can skip any long lines and save both time and money. It's one of several important things to know before visiting Venice.
If you can afford more time, I suggest taking it so you can enjoy Venice at a slower pace.
Walking around Venice in 1 day is probably doable, but I wouldn’t recommend it.
The city has so much to see and do that it’s smarter to split your itinerary across two days.
Map: 15 day trips from Venice (travel times from santa Lucia train station)
Use this interactive map to plan your route.
Each pin shows the destination, travel time from Venice Santa Lucia station and the best way to get there.
Click any pin for the details, then scroll down to the full guide for everything you need to know before you go.
Jump to:
15 day trips from Venice
1. Murano, Burano and Torcello
Once you’ve sufficiently explored the best sights in Venice, it’s time to see what else the lagoon has to offer.
An easy water bus (vaporetto),or water taxi ride away are the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello. Three islands may sound like a lot to see in one day, but as our itinerary shows, it’s doable.
Of the three islands, Murano is the largest, measuring 1,134 acres (459 hectares). The island’s most known for its glass industry, a tradition that dates over 1,000 years. Many of the shops and factories offer free glass-making demonstrations; a nice budget-friendly touch.
A direct vaporetto from Piazzale Roma to Murano takes around 40 minutes. It’s faster than taking a vaporetto that stops at every stop along the Grand Canal.
Murano offers a taste of Venetian life without the crowds of tourists you'll find on the main island.
On to Burano
A huge smile instantly appears on my face when I write about Burano. The island of color is one of my favorite day trips in Venice and it never disappoints.
Burano’s small size means you can complete a leisurely visit within 1.5 hours, not factoring in time to eat.
Aside from the colorful houses (case colorate), Burano’s other attractions can be counted on one hand. They include the leaning tower of Burano (a slightly distorted bell tower) and the Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Martino Vescovo.
The best part is that all of these attractions are completely free, a budget-friendly stop for any type of traveler.
If visiting in summer, come as early as possible to avoid the crowds and the heat.
Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Martino Vescovo (St Martin’s Parish Church), Piazza Baldassarre Galuppi, 20
Last stop: Torcello
Torcello is the quietest, and smallest of the three islands, making any time of the day good to visit.
Unlike Murano and Burano, Torcello isn’t heavily residential. You’ll find a few hotels and B&Bs but it’s relatively quiet overall.
It’s also impossible to get lost here. The path from the vaporetto stop runs alongside the canal leading to the island’s attractions and back again.
After passing by the iconic Ponte di Diavolo (Devil’s Bridge), you’ll reach an area of historic importance.
First is the Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta, dating to the 7th century, and home to the earliest mosaics in Venice. Opposite the basilica are several stone structures, including il Trono di Attila. Sources disagree on whether it truly belonged to Attila the Hun.
A truly relaxing island in Venice, Torcello makes a worthwhile addition to any Venice day trip itinerary.
Basilica di Santa Maria Assunta (St. Mary’s Basilica), Via isola di, Campiello Lazzari
Trono di Attila (Attila’s Throne), Via Fondamenta
Hotel recommendations for Murano, Burano and Torcello
Escape the noise of the main island of Venice and consider basing your stay at one of the following:
- Murano — Murano Palace
- Burano — Casa Burano
- Torcello — Locanda Cipriani
Murano, Burano & Torcello (40 min by vaporetto (direct))
Tour or go independently? Independent is easy and cheaper if you're comfortable navigating the vaporetto lines yourself. However, a tour is worth it if you want a private glass-blowing demonstration or want to hit all three islands without working out the connections yourself.
How to get there: take the ACTV vaporetto Line 12 from Fondamente Nove to Murano (10 to 15 min), continuing on to Burano (25 to 30 min further). Torcello is a short additional hop from Burano on the same line.
2. Lido di Venezia
One of the last stops on several vaporetto lines is Lido of Venice (Lido di Venezia).
The island is most famous for hosting the Venice Film Festival every September, but that's far from its only draw.
What sets Lido di Venezia apart from Venice's other islands is its beaches.
The most popular, and largest, is Spiaggia Blue Moon (Blue Moon Beach). It's a stretch of coastline overlooking the Adriatic Sea, where locals and tourists alike come to enjoy sandy shores and warm waters.
At the other end of the Lido is the slightly quieter Spiaggia degli Alberoni. Like Blue Moon, it's popular with visitors and ideal if you're looking for a relaxing break from the city.
Lido di Venezia (32 minutes)
Tour or go independently? Independent, no question. Lido is a straightforward vaporetto ride and doesn't need a guide.
How to get there: Vaporetto lines 1, 5.1 or 6 from Piazzale Roma to Lido di Venezia (Lido Santa Maria Elisabetta) take around 32 minutes. From my experience, I recommend the no.6 vaporetto: it has 7 stops and is the quickest route.
Watch: 4 best Venice day trips
3. Treviso: The 'mini venice'
The city they call 'mini Venice' has all the makings of a great day trip, yet Treviso often gets overlooked.
Reachable from Venice by car (35 minutes) or train (30 minutes), it's usually recognized only as home to one of the other airports serving Venice, and not much more.
But with a historic center filled with palazzos, piazzas, and charming canal spots, you'd be missing out by skipping it.
We ticked off all the main attractions during our 1 day in Treviso, including its grand Duomo and Seafood Island.
Visiting around Easter and want to avoid the main crowds in Venice? Treviso and Bassano del Grappa (further below) are two of the best Easter Monday (Pasquetta) train trips from Venice.
⏩️ Read: Easter Monday (Pasquetta) in Italy (food, closures, what to do)
Hotel recommendations for Treviso
Choose to spend the night, or two, in Treviso at one of my top picks in the city.
- Palazzina300 — located in the central Piazza dei Signori
- Locanda Ponte Dante — central location, spacious rooms and elegant furnishings
Distance from Venice: 24mi/38km 36min*
Treviso (30 minutes by train)
Tour or go independently? Independent. Treviso is an easy, direct train ride and doesn't warrant a guided tour for the town itself.
How to get there: direct trains from Venezia Santa Lucia to Treviso take around 30 minutes.
4. Padua: art & history
After Treviso, the next closest city to Venice is Padua (Padova) with a journey time (car) of around 30 minutes.
A city steeped in history, Padua is also home to one of Italy's oldest universities, though unlike traditional university towns, it's not immediately obvious.
Some of the university's campuses are historic buildings, like Palazzo Bo, located in the city center. Unless you spot groups of students heading to class or gathering outside, you'd be none the wiser.
The city's most recognizable landmark is the eye-catching Palazzo della Ragione.
The medieval building was once the seat of government in Padua, and today runs as a museum and exhibition space.
My favorite part of the palazzo is the area beneath its grand portico. Home to a variety of food shops, market stalls, bars, and cafes, it’s a good spot to take a refreshment break on your day trip.
Outside Padua city center
While Padua's historic center has plenty to occupy a day trip, it's worth noting a couple of attractions just outside it.
The first is the striking Prato della Valle. The elliptical square island surrounded by water is overlooked by more than 70 statues of famous historical figures. At 90,000 sqm, it's the largest square in Italy, and well worth including on your day trip from Venice.
A short distance away is the Orto Botanico dell'Università degli Studi di Padova. Founded by Benedictine monks, it's the oldest academic botanical garden in the world, home to more than 3,500 species.
Orto botanico dell'Università degli Studi di Padova (Botanical Garden of the University of Padova, Via Orto Botanico, 15
Distance from Venice: 24mi/38km 38min*
Padua (30 minutes by car)
Tour or go independently? Independent by train is simple and fast. A tour is only worth it for the Brenta Canal cruise option, which is a different experience (slower, scenic, villa-focused) rather than a faster way to reach the city.
How to get there: Direct trains run from Venezia Santa Lucia to Padova, taking around 15 minutes.
5. Vicenza: Palladian architecture
My home city in the north, I'm probably a little biased about why you should visit Vicenza.
The province is home to towns like Montecchio Maggiore, plus there's plenty of things to do in Vicenza's city center.
One of Vicenza's most famous residents was Andrea Palladio. Padua-born, but Vicenza-lived, the architect designed some of the city’s most famous attractions.
At its heart is the magnificent Basilica Palladiana in Piazza dei Signori.
The building was once a seat of government, but today serves as an exhibition and gallery space. Cast your eyes over the striking loggia (the covered upper-level corridor) and the Venetian windows.
Palladio’s other notable works in Vicenza include:
- Teatro Olimpico (Olympic Theater) — Piazza Matteotti, 11
- Palazzo Chiericati (Chiericati Palace) — Piazza Matteotti, 37/39
- Villa Rotonda del Palladio (Palladio’s Round Villa) — Via della Rotonda, 45
Vicenza is around 50 minutes by car (up to 55 with traffic), and about 50 minutes by train from Venezia Santa Lucia station. It’s one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips on this list.
Distance from Venice: 43mi/70km 50min*
Vicenza (50 minutes by train)
Tour or go independently? My home city is easy to visit independently by train, but a guided tour is worth considering if Palladian architecture is your main reason for visiting. A local guide adds real context you won't get wandering on your own.
How to get there: direct trains from Venezia Santa Lucia to Vicenza take around 50 minutes.
6. Chioggia
Often called 'Little Venice' for its own network of canals, Chioggia sits at the southern edge of the Venetian Lagoon. But the atmosphere couldn't be more different.
Where Venice can feel overwhelmed by tourism, Chioggia is laid-back, local and chilled out.
We drove down from Vicenza on a sunny February day, and it was perfect. While there were visitors, it wasn’t overwhelmed with tourists.
I was pregnant at the time, so seafood was off the table for me. However, I made up for it with plenty of freshly cooked cicchetti instead.
Best things to do in Chioggia
The fish market is the heart of Chioggia, and it's easy to see why. The produce is incredibly fresh, and it's where locals shop, not a tourist attraction dressed up as one.
Afterward, wander the Corso del Popolo, the town's main pedestrian street. Stop at one of the many laid-back spots for cicchetti, a glass of prosecco and fresh fish and seafood. It’s noticeably cheaper than what you'd pay in Venice.
Chioggia (50 mins by car)
Tour or go independently? independent. Chioggia doesn't need a guide, and wandering at your own pace is part of the appeal.
How to get there: by car, around 50 minutes from Venice. By bus, around 1hr 8mins from Piazzale Roma. There's also a scenic vaporetto route (Line 11) via Lido and Pellestrina, taking around 75 minutes. However, I can't speak to this option myself, since we drove from Vicenza.
7. Arquà Petrarca: medieval town in the Euganean Hills
It takes less than an hour from Venice to visit the small borgo of Arquà Petrarca.
Surrounded by the picturesque Colli Euganei (Euganean Hills), it’s a little gem of a town well worth visiting.
Arquà Petrarca’s small size means that you’ll most likely be done within a few hours. Personally, I enjoy these kind of day trip; fewer attractions means more time to explore at a slower pace.
The village’s most notable attraction is Casa del Petrarca, named after the Tuscan-born poet and scholar, Francesco Petrarca, who lived here until his death.
The building dates to the 13th century and now runs as a public museum. A sight for all the senses, and without the long lines you'll find elsewhere, Casa del Petrarca is a must see.
Casa del Petrarca (Petrarca House), Via Valleselle 4
A private palazzo
As you continue exploring the streets of Arquà Petrarca, you’ll eventually come across the imposing Palazzo Contarini. The 15th century building comes as an unexpected surprise — but a welcome one.
Unfortunately, being privately owned it’s not open to the public. That doesn’t stop you from getting closer for a better look, though.
Distance from Venice: 42mi/67.9km 55min*
Arquà Petrarca (55 minutes by car)
Tour or go independently? This one really needs a car. There's no practical public transport option, so independent driving (or an Arquà Petrarca guided tour from Padua) is the only way in.
How to get there: around 55 minutes by car from Venice. There are no direct train or bus services.
8. Soave: Medieval walls and vineyards
The last few Venice day trips on this list are smaller towns in the Veneto region.
Many are classified as 'borghi', small, historic towns, often with medieval roots. You'll find hundreds of them across Italy (like Montemerano in Tuscany) each one with their own unique charm.
Just over an hour by car from Venice is the small town of Soave. Wine drinkers may recognize its name for its famous Soave Classico wine, produced in the vineyards surrounding the historic town.
Signs of Soave’s wine history are evident the moment you walk through the castle gate at Porta Aquila. Empty wine bottles hang from the ceiling, forming an unexpected piece of art fit for a contemporary museum.
The castle at the top
While some come to Soave for the wine, others come for the castle. Like many Italian castles I’ve written about, Castello Scaligero di Soave sits in an elevated position.
The path up, and back down, is paved with uneven stones, some of which can be slippery. As you near the top, the view opens up to glorious vineyards and the wider countryside.
The castle entrance sits at the side rather than the top of the stony steps. Like in the town of Cittadella, you can walk the length of the castle walls and enjoy uninterrupted views.
Castello Scaligero di Soave (Scaligeri Castle), Via Castello Scaligero, 12/14
Via Giulio Camuzzoni, 33
Distance from Venice: 60mi/97km 1hr 4min*
Soave (1hr 10mins by car)
Tour or go independently? A tour makes sense here specifically for the wine element. Tasting means you shouldn't be driving, so either designate a driver or book a wine-tour that includes transport.
How to get there: Around 1hr 10mins by car from Venice. Public transport is available but involves taking a train and a bus, so a car (or tour) is the practical choice.
9. Montagnana: two (plus Este) walled cities in one day
Within the province of Padova are two small cities that make an ideal 2-in-1-day trip from Venice. Montagnana is approximately 1hr 10mins by car but you can also arrive by train (1hr 25mins).
A city center enclosed within the castle walls, visiting Montagnana is like stepping into the past.
At its heart is the town’s Duomo, Santa Maria Assunta, a church that dates to the 15th century. Influenced by Renaissance and Gothic architectural styles, it’s an impressive structure for a small town.
Along with the remarkable walls, Montagnana also has a castle to its name. While many of the original features of Castello San Zeno are gone, signs of an internal moat and arches remain.
Montagnana (1hr 25mins)
Tour or go independently? Independent. This is a local, low-tourist stop, and part of the point is experiencing it without a guided group.
How to get there: trains from Venezia Santa Lucia to Montagnana take around 1hr 25mins, typically with a change at Monselice.
10. Este
A short 20-minute drive from Montagnana is the equally small town of Este. Where the aforementioned city center sits with the castle walls, Este’s is located outside.
To say the castle walls in Este are impressive would be an understatement. Castello Carrarese dates to the 14th century and 12 of the 14 towers are still standing.
The main palace building today houses the Atestino Museum, and within the grounds is a Renaissance-style garden complete with stone statues surrounded by pretty foliage.
Castello Carrarese, Via G. Negri 9
Distance from Venice: 64mi/102km 1hr 10min* (Montagnana) 44mi/70.3km 57min* (Este)
Este (1hr 6mins by train)
Tour or go independently? Independent by train works well. This is an off-the-radar stop that doesn't have organized tours built around it, which is part of its appeal.
How to get there: Trains from Venezia Santa Lucia to Este take around 1hr 6mins, typically with a change.
11. Asolo: Town of one hundred horizons
The photogenic borgo of Asolo sits 50 miles (81km) from Venice, around 1 hour by car via the fastest route. Like Arquà Petrarca, there are no direct train or bus services here.
The historic borgo has a few famous literary links to its name. English poet Robert Browning, and English writer and traveler Freya Stark, were both inspired by Asolo. Stark loved the town so much that she lived there, in Villa Freya, until her death.
Like Soave, the town's main attraction, the Rocca di Asolo, sits at the top. Unlike Soave, though, the way up is longer and more challenging.
There's a small entrance fee (€5), but it's well worth it. On a clear, sunny day, it's possible to see the peaks of the Dolomites and a tiny outline of Venice.
Asolo isn't just a great Venice day trip, it's also one of the prettiest borghi in Italy.
Distance from Venice: 39.8mi/64km 1 hour (fastest route by car)*
Asolo (1 hour by car)
Tour or go independently? Independent by car if you're comfortable driving. Otherwise a tour is the easier route, since public transport connections are limited.
How to get there: around 1 hour by car from Venice.
12. Bassano del Grappa: alpine views & wooden bridge
Bassano del Grappa is famous for its namesake spirit and its iconic bridge designed by Andrea Palladio.
Reachable from Venice by train in around 1hr 15mins, it offers a more dramatic, alpine backdrop compared to Treviso.
Most travelers only know the name from the bottles of grappa in their local liquor store.
But once you stand on the iconic Ponte degli Alpini you’ll understand why locals come here. The wooden covered bridge with views of the Brenta River and the Dolomites is a must see.
Spend the day exploring the historic center's lively squares, Piazza Libertà and Piazza Garibaldi.
At the entrance of the bridge is the Nardini Distillery, the oldest in Italy. Sipping an aperitivo while leaning against the wooden railings of the bridge is a rite of passage here.
With its medieval history, Bassano del Grappa is a charming escape that feels worlds away from the Venetian crowds.
Hotel recommendations for Bassano del Grappa
Spend a night to truly soak up the mountain air at one of my picks.
- Villa Lovi - an elegant and peaceful hotel conveniently located 6 minutes away (by car) from Ponte deli Alpini.
- Hotel Al Castello - the only hotel located within Bassano’s historic walls, right next to the castle and steps from the famous bridge.
Distance from Venice: 37mi/60km 1h 15m*
Bassano del Grappa (1hr 15mins by train)
Tour or go independently? Independent by train is simple and works well for most visitors.
How to get there: direct or single-change trains from Venezia Santa Lucia to Bassano del Grappa take around 1hr 15mins.
13. Verona: city of romance
A visit to Verona is always a good idea.
And at just four train stops from Venice, it's one of the most convenient day trips on this list, with its main attractions within easy walking distance of each other.
They include the Arena di Verona, Casa di Giulietta (Juliet's House), Museo di Castelvecchio, the Philharmonic Theater, Porta Borsari and the beautiful Giardino Giusti gardens.
Near Verona: the real Romeo and Juliet castles
While Casa di Giulietta is Verona's most famous sight, the real inspiration behind Shakespeare's story lies elsewhere.
The small town of Montecchio Maggiore, in the neighboring province of Vicenza, is home to the hilltop castles of the Capulet and Montague families.
Romeo's Italian surname, Montecchi, directly reflects the town's claim to the story.
What remains are the stone structures of both castles, with Juliet's castle sitting higher and offering panoramic views across the Venetian countryside.
It's free to enter and completely off the tourist trail.
Distance from Venice: 68mi/110km 1hr 15mins*
Verona (1.5 hours by train)
Tour or go independently? Independent by train is easy and the most common approach. Verona's historic center is compact and walkable once you arrive, so a guide isn't essential unless you specifically want the Juliet's House/Arena history explained in depth.
How to get there: direct trains from Venezia Santa Lucia to Verona take around 1.5hrs.
14. Lake Garda (Sirmione)
Lake Garda is Italy's largest lake, and easily the most popular. It’s why Sirmione, its most accessible town from Venice, gets busy fast, especially in summer.
Best things to do
Explore the Scaligero Castle, a moated medieval fortress at the town's edge, and walk out to the Grotte di Catullo, the ruins of a Roman villa at the tip of the peninsula with sweeping lake views.
📌 Lisa’s tip: go as early as possible, or much later in the afternoon, to avoid both the crowds and the parking headaches. Sirmione fills up quickly, particularly in summer.
Looking for something quieter? As a local who's visited many towns around Lake Garda, I'd point you toward Lazise, on the Veneto side of the lake. It's just as beautiful as Sirmione, with a fraction of the crowds.
Sirmione (1.5 hours by car)
Tour or go independently? Independent is doable but involves a train change; a tour simplifies the logistics if you'd rather not manage connections yourself.
How to get there: Around 1.5hrs by car (93mi/150km). By train, journeys typically require a change, often at Verona. See 1 Day in Lake Garda, Italy for the complete route breakdown.
15. Ravenna
Ravenna is one of my favorite cities in central Italy, and one that photos, mine included, rarely do justice.
It's home to some of the best-preserved early Christian mosaics anywhere in the world. And, while it does get visitors, it never feels crowded the way Venice does.
Best things to do
The Basilica di San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia are the two unmissable stops. Both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, each is covered in mosaics that have survived over 1,500 years.
The Tomb of Dante is also here, quieter, and worth the short walk from the basilicas.
For lunch, we found a local spot in the center (Profumo di Piadina) serving traditional, budget-friendly stuffed piadina (see One day in Ravenna, Italy for full details).
Ravenna (2hrs 9mins by car)
Tour or go independently? independent by train works well, though it typically requires a change.
How to get there: around 2hrs 9mins by car (89mi/143km). By train, journeys take around 3 hours with a change at Bologna Centrale.
That's 15 honestly-recommended day trips from Venice. If you're heading south after your Veneto adventures, don't miss these 23 most beautiful places in Tuscany.
2026 Venice access fee: rules for day-trippers
Update: the 2026 trial period for the Access Fee ended on July 27, 2026. The fee is not currently in effect, and it's not required to visit Venice right now. It's set to return for the next season starting April 2027. I'll update the section below with confirmed 2027 dates and pricing as soon as they're announced.
For context, here's how it worked during the 2026 trial, useful if you're planning ahead for 2027:
The fee applied to day-trippers entering Venice's historic center on 60 designated peak days between April and July (mostly weekends and holidays).
- Cost was €5 if booked at least 4 days ahead, or €10 last-minute
- Overnight guests were exempt, but needed a hotel-provided QR code to prove it on the way back through the station
- Exempt without needing to register: children under 14, Veneto residents (with ID), and anyone just passing through Stazione Santa Lucia or Piazzale Roma without entering the historic center on foot
- Fines for non-compliance ranged from €25 to €150 on the ground (up to €300 by regulation)
📌 Lisa’s tip: checks during the 2026 trial were strict, with inspectors stationed at main access points. If the fee returns in 2027 as expected, carrying your QR code will again be the only way to avoid a fine.
Full 2026 peak-day calendar and detailed rules: available on the official Comune di Venezia website. I'll republish a full dated breakdown here once 2027 details are confirmed.
FAQs about Venice day trips
1. Murano, Burano and Torcello
2. Lido of Venice
3. Treviso
4. Padova
5. Vicenza
1. Murano, Burano and Torcello
2. Lido of Venice
3. Treviso
4. Padova
5. Jesolo
Verona, Vicenza, Treviso, Padua and Bologna are all reachable by train in under 90 minutes and make excellent day trips. Verona and Vicenza are my personal favorites. Both are compact, walkable and far less crowded than Venice itself.
Around 1hr 15mins on a direct regional service. Trains run frequently throughout the day and no advance booking is required. Buy your ticket at the station or on the Trenitalia app.
Absolutely, and I'd argue it's one of the smartest ways to experience the Veneto region. Venice is unmissable but the surrounding region is exceptional and largely overlooked by visitors who stay put. Vicenza and Treviso in particular offer world-class history and architecture with fewer crowds and lower prices than Venice itself.
Two to three days covers the main highlights of Venice comfortably. Adding one or two day trips from your Venice base extends your experience without the cost of moving accommodation. If you're planning multiple day trips, three to four nights gives you the right balance.
Technically yes. Tours cover Cortina d'Ampezzo in around 2 hours each way. But I wouldn't recommend it; the Dolomites deserve more than a rushed few hours; budget at least one night if you can.
Not right now, the 2026 trial ended July 27. When active, it cost €5 to €10 per person on peak dates, with overnight guests exempt. It's expected to return in April 2027.
Final words
What do you think of these day trips from Venice Italy? Which one would you most like to visit? Let me know in the comments below or send me a DM on Instagram.
*approximate distance and journey time
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Written by Lisa Rivera: Italy traveler and resident for 10+ years. First-hand researched for 2026.
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These are some of the spectacular day trips from Venice you have listed here and I would love to visit most of them.The colorful architecture of Burano led by zigzagging waterways. And the gothic and renaissance architecture reflected in the churches, gardens, town squares, castles and museums of Verona and Arqa petrarca and not to forget the unique wine bottle architecture of Suave. Venice is a beautiful place.
I'm glad you enjoyed the post 🙂 Venice has some great options and so varied too
Thank you for this detailed guide! I would totally go to Montagnana and Este, as a two in one day trip sounds amazing.
Both are great choices and really worth seeing from Venice 🙂
I love Venice as it is such a wonderful place and I can't wait to go there, I missed visiting Torcello and Padua the last time so would want to see both these places on my next visit to Italy
I hope you come back and visit one day!
I would love to visit Venice, it seems so fun and beautiful to explore. Thanks for sharing!
Welcome
It's been many years since I've been to Venice and I had no idea there was so much to do! I love the idea of visiting some of those cute islands and I'd definitely like to take a trip to Padua which looks so pretty.
I hope you come back and visit us one day again 🙂
These are all great day trips from Venice. I have been to Burano when I last visited Venice, but didn't make it to Murano yet. Maybe another time. I have also been to Verona on a different trip which I loved so much. It's such a compact but gorgeous city.
So true, many don't realise Verona is actually very small!
This is such an useful guide. I want to go back to Venice next year and haven't done any day trips in the pass so I'll be using your guide as it's do easily detailed, Burano it's a the top of my list but it was great to learn about the other options too!
Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it 🙂 Burano is wonderful I know you'll enjoy it!
I know this sounds crazy but when I went to Venice, we were literally just in Venice the whole time and I didn't even realise there were so many good day trips from Venice! Will definitely be exploring more from there next time we go thanks for the tips!
You did the right thing! It's better to stay and explore the city if you're a first time visitor. Any day trips can come after 🙂
I have yet to visit Venice, but I would definitely be interested in what day trips I could do if I was staying for a few days! I’ve heard good things about Trevisio from other friends and Verona also sounds lovely for all the sights. There are so many great options!
You must definitely come and visit! I recommend at least 2 full days for Venice for first time visitors, better if you can spare 3 🙂
I have visited Venice but haven't heard of most of the places close by. I have visited Verona and it was beautiful but I can see there are many more places to visit. I would like to see the Islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello as they look really beautiful. I love castles, so I would also want to visit as many of those as possible. I think the Prato della Valle in Padova looks stunning and I also want to see Treviso too.
There are some great places nearby to see and as a local I'm happy to help on this!
Thank you for the tips, I am planning to visit there soon.
Great
It makes me a little sad to even consider someone would go to Rome or Florence as a day trip, it’s not enough time to experience either city. I visited Venice on an organized tour and was very excited Burano was part of the itinerary. The guide didn’t have us gather until late afternoon and everything was closed when we arrived. He ushered us to a restaurant for dinner and then we returned. So disappointing. I would LOVE to return and actually see the island.
Me too, and as a local it really doesn't make sense! That doesn't sound like a great guide, I hope you revisit one day
So, I did the "day trip" from Florence to Venice and it was a total disaster in many ways. There was a taxi strike (which happens all the time, I'm told), so we missed the early train. That gave us only about 6 hours to almost run through Venice, and take the vaporetto to Murano and Burano before heading back to Florence. After reading your post, I wish we had spent a few nights in Venice to take day trips from there. I would love to enjoy a leisurely beach day at Lido Di Venezia, and delve into the historic landmarks of "Romeo and Juliet" fame. (I never realized it was a true story!) My next trip to Italy will definitely include more time exploring this region in depth with many of the inspiring day trips from Venice on my itinerary. Great tips!
Thank you Jackie! I'm sorry to hear your experience, but it does reinforce my point 😀 You must come back and try these local day trips. Florence is a whole separate chapter x
I rremember visiting Venice on a day trip when I was aboutt 11. I can still remember it to this day and have always wanted to revist
I really hope you do revisit one day
Me and my fiance really want to go back to Venice again as we loved it when we were there. So it's good to know how many lovely looking places you can do day trips from x
There are plenty of places to explore and not far too 🙂
Nice tips I had not considered during my first Venice trip. Torcello and Lido beach will be added to my list during my next visit. Thanks for putting all these tips together.
You're welcome 🙂
I've been to Venice for 3 nights and only was able to see the city and not beyond. But I should have taken advantage of some day trips like you've recommended. They all seem to be hidden gems. I've heard much about Murano, but many of the others were new suggested destinations. Next trip!
Thank you, I try to give a local perspective!
I have yet to visit Venice but it helps to do some research about it before we do go. Lake Garda is on the list, as a day trip of maybe longer, I would love to go see it. It's supposed to be beautiful.
Garda is extremely beautiful but it really deserves its own itinerary separate from Venice 🙂
Oh my gosh, all of Italy looks so gorgeous! I've only been to Rome once and we had two days there. I can definitely see why it wouldn't be a "day trip" from Venice. But I'd love to go back and visit Venice as well as some of these other locations. It's neat to see the big city but also just as fun to go to the lesser-known places, too.
You definitely must revisit we have many places to explore 😀
I would love to see Venice one day. I love the canals, and the vibe is just spectacular. This would make the perfect itinerary.
You must
Wow, I didn't expect there to be such variety of interesting places just outside of Venice. I do love all the islands and you touched on all my favorite places to visit. Also, I totally love Verona, it is such a gorgeous medieval city to explore including the river areas on the perimeter.
Verona is always a joy to revisit, I love the vibe there
omg take me to Venice please...I had the best time there, I love it. Venice is a gorgeous city.
It really is
We have visited Venice several times and spent virtually all of our time wandering in the city. Although we did get to Murano and bought a crystal chandelier! We need to visit the other outer islands and discover their charms. And I can’t believe we missed the beach at Lido de Venezia. Padova my require more than just a day trip.
I completely understand! It's why I found it strange to see places like Rome or Florence as day trips, Venice has so much to see! Padova is doable, but probably for a second or third visit to the city 🙂