Continuing your journey past Venice after arriving at the airport can be a smart move. Navigating Venice to reach your hotel can be time-consuming and challenging, especially with luggage. Imagine arriving at Piazzale Roma by airport bus, only to face bridges to cross to reach even nearby hotels – often at a premium price. For instance, a small double room could easily cost $350 in late September, even at a less expensive option. Then, the next morning, catching a train involves either tackling the modern bridge over the Grand Canal to the station (daunting with luggage) or paying for a vaporetto just to cross the canal.
All this hassle for a Venice hotel might not be ideal if you’re planning to explore Venice later in your trip.
A more convenient alternative is to take the airport bus to Mestre and hop on a train towards Rome from there. However, instead of going directly to Rome, which is almost a 4-hour journey, consider stopping at Ferrara, a mere 50 minutes away by train. Ferrara is a charming small city, perfect for relaxing after a flight. Its pedestrian zone and piazza offer a delightful space to stretch your legs, with numerous shops and restaurants within easy reach. The best part? You’ll find a lovely boutique hotel just steps from the Ferrara train station. The city’s main piazza is also a pleasant 10-15 minute walk along a pedestrian path.
You could be settled in your Ferrara hotel quicker than reaching a Venice hotel, likely pay less for accommodation, enjoy a peaceful and less crowded city that afternoon, and benefit from a shorter train ride to Rome the following day.
The Venice Hotel Hurdle: Bridges, Luggage, and Expense
Arriving at Venice Marco Polo Airport, the allure of Venice is undeniable. However, the practicalities of reaching your Venice hotel immediately can present unexpected challenges. The city’s unique layout, characterized by canals and bridges, becomes a significant factor when you’re managing luggage. Even hotels near Piazzale Roma, the main transportation hub accessible by airport bus, often require navigating at least one bridge. These bridges, while picturesque, can be cumbersome with suitcases, especially after a long flight.
Furthermore, Venice hotels, particularly in popular areas, tend to be expensive. As mentioned, even budget-conscious travelers might find themselves paying a premium for relatively small rooms. This cost can be a significant consideration, especially if Venice is not your primary destination upon arrival and you plan to visit it later in your itinerary.
Finally, the journey from your Venice hotel to the train station adds another layer of complexity. Reaching Venice Santa Lucia train station involves either crossing the Calatrava Bridge, a modern bridge over the Grand Canal, which can be intimidating with luggage, or opting for a vaporetto ride. While the vaporetto is a quintessential Venice experience, it adds extra time and cost for a very short distance, especially if your goal is to quickly and efficiently continue your travels by train.
Discover Ferrara: Your Ideal Italian Stopover
Instead of diving straight into the Venetian maze, consider a more relaxed and efficient approach: a stopover in Ferrara. Easily accessible from Venice Marco Polo Airport, Ferrara offers a tranquil and culturally rich experience without the immediate logistical challenges of Venice.
Upon arrival at the airport, simply take the airport bus to Mestre train station. From Mestre, Ferrara is a short and comfortable train ride, typically around 50 minutes. This significantly reduces your initial travel time and hassle compared to reaching a hotel in Venice itself.
Ferrara is a delightful city to explore on foot, particularly after a flight. Its pedestrian-friendly center allows for easy strolling and discovery. The city boasts a beautiful piazza, lined with shops and restaurants, perfect for enjoying a leisurely afternoon and evening. Ferrara is known for its Renaissance architecture, offering a taste of Italian history and culture in a more relaxed setting than the bustling streets of Venice.
Conveniently located near the Ferrara train station is a selection of hotels, including charming boutique options. This proximity is a major advantage, allowing you to quickly reach your accommodation and settle in after your train journey. The main piazza and the heart of Ferrara are also within a pleasant 10-15 minute walk from the station, making it easy to explore the city’s highlights.
Benefits of Choosing Ferrara Before Rome
Opting for a Ferrara stopover before continuing your train travel from Venice to Rome offers several distinct advantages:
- Reduced Travel Stress on Arrival Day: Reaching your Ferrara hotel is significantly faster and less stressful than navigating to a Venice hotel upon arrival at Venice airport. The straightforward train journey from Mestre to Ferrara eliminates the challenges of bridges, vaporetti, and potentially confusing Venetian streets.
- Cost-Effective Accommodation: Hotel prices in Ferrara are generally more affordable than in Venice. This can lead to significant savings, especially for an overnight stay before continuing your journey.
- Pleasant and Relaxing City Experience: Ferrara provides a charming and less crowded Italian city experience. It’s an ideal place to unwind after a flight, explore at your own pace, and enjoy authentic Italian cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere.
- Shorter Train Journey to Rome the Next Day: By starting your train journey to Rome from Ferrara instead of Venice, you effectively shorten your overall travel time the next day. This can make the long trip to Rome feel less tiring and more manageable.
In conclusion, when planning your train travel from Venice to Rome, consider the smart and enjoyable option of a stopover in Ferrara. It offers a more relaxed, cost-effective, and logistically simpler start to your Italian adventure, allowing you to arrive in Rome refreshed and ready to explore.
