Transfers Countries Austria ViennaVienna to Venice

Private car transfer from Vienna to Venice

Door-to-door
in 6 h 20 min

From €149
per seat

Comfortable
car

One way

One wayReturnMulti-city

New

One way

Cancel for free 24 hours before departure

Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice 2024

Excellent

Trip Information

Pick-up

Your driver will meet you at your address in Vienna.

Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage

Trip

You’ll travel in comfort for 6 h 20 min.

Optional sight-seeing
Clean, comfortable car
Professional driver
Bottled water
Child seats
Prepared for handicapped
Smoke-free
Pet friendly

Drop-off

Your driver will drop you off at your address in Venice.

Door-to-door service
Help with your luggage

In total

585 km6 h 20 min

Overview: car trip from Vienna to Venice

Driving from Vienna to Venice takes you through a sprawling map of spectacular scenery on a journey of around 6 and a half hours. The most popular route will take you through the picturesque lowlands of the East Austrian countryside and Slovenia, both dotted with historic castles and charming villages to visit en route to Italy.

The most direct path will place you on the S Autobahn, a central motorway that presents you with a wealth of sightseeing options that don’t require too much of a detour. A local driver can tailor your journey to include gems such as Graz, a city in the South of Austria famed for its Renaissance and Baroque architecture and its romantic, narrowly winding streets.

While some opt for one of the train routes connecting these two historical cities, traversing this distance can take over 10 hours and involves at least one transfer. If you use Daytrip to drive from Vienna to Venice instead, you will have a much more convenient door-to-door experience. You’ll be assisted with your luggage, avoid the stress of navigating the train schedules and most excitingly, you’ll have the option of exploring sightseeing stops along the way with an English-speaking driver who can provide unique local insight. Some of the smaller cities and villages along this route are less well connected by public transport options, but are no less worth seeing!

About Venice

Venice is perhaps one of the most iconic cities that spring to mind at the mention of Italy. Traveling through the tucked-away cobblestone squares and grand cathedrals offers a mesmerizing glimpse into the city’s arts-centered Renaissance past.

An official UNESCO World Heritage Site, Venice is a beautiful feat of engineering and architecture that defies probability and gravity by rising proudly from a lagoon as if floating atop the water. Because of the resulting interlacing maze of canals, Venice is sometimes aptly called “the city of bridges” or “the floating city.” Driving from Vienna to Venice grants you a unique opportunity to experience one of Italy’s greatest treasures. Naturally, because of its watery base, it is not possible to drive in the heart of Venice itself, but once you’ve come that far with a personal driver, you will be transferred directly to the ferry dock where your exciting navigation of the map of canals can begin.

Venice today: is the city sinking?

The stunning floating city was built atop a series of marshy islands that have been slowly dissolving into the surrounding lagoon over the course of the last two thousand years. The weighty marble structures rest atop wooden piles pushed deep into the mud, a foundation that has become increasingly unstable with time.

This phenomenon is what gives the city its beautiful aquatic appeal, but it has also become a cause for concern. In recent years, many people have become increasingly eager to visit Venice on their trips to Italy, due to the widespread notion that the city is slowly sinking as a result of rising sea levels. The usual flooding that results in Venice is called _aqua alta, _and it now occurs at least 60 days of the year where it once was sporadic.

All is not lost, though! If you are keenly planning your trip to Venice, know that the rate of sinking is still reportedly at only around 1-2 millimeters per year. The damage that this causes certainly isn’t to be overlooked, but it doesn’t mean you should rush to cancel your flight either. Many coastal cities, unfortunately, face the same perils in the age of climate change, and keeping Venice on your list of destinations in Italy is certainly worth it for any traveler hoping to experience the city’s rich artistic and cultural impact on Italian heritage.

From Vienna to Venice: travel tips

Stop to see the sights

As you cover the distance from Vienna to Venice, it’s worth stopping along the way throughout Austria to stroll around cities such as the aforementioned Graz, or Klagenfurt’s historic city center, with its elaborate arcaded courtyards overlooking the shores of Lake Wörthersee. With a private Daytrip driver, as part of your travel day through Slovenia, you may be able to stop in Maribor for an exploration of the region’s wine heritage and visit the world’s oldest vine or spend some time amongst the gardens in Ljubljana, overlooked by a medieval castle.

Be mindful of mountainous journeys

While it may seem cheaper to rent a car and tackle the drive from Vienna to Venice yourself, note that this area is rich in hills and valleys and that some of the sightseeing stops along the way may involve difficult winding passes, hairpin turns, or unfamiliar traffic patterns.

What’s more, once you get to Venice, you will not be able to use a rented car and will have to either return it outside of the city or pay to park it during your stay - not a cheap option! To save yourself the headache, it can be best to leave these routes to a professional driver who is familiar with the area and can ensure your safe transfer.

Peak season preparations

If you are visiting Venice in the hot summer months, be mindful that there is a significant influx of visitors to the relatively compact city (sometimes, in the peak season, this can look like a 2:1 ratio of visitors to locals). This means that it can be trickier to carry large amounts of luggage along the canals upon first arriving, so consider utilizing the water bus (starting at about €9.50) or private boat taxis to get to your accommodation.

How to get from Vienna to Venice

There are a few different ways to get from Vienna to Venice, and the best option for you will depend on your budget, time constraints, and personal preferences.

Private car transfer from Vienna to Venice

One of the best ways to make the most of your journey between these two remarkable cities is to seek out a private car service to provide you with a seamless door-to-door transfer. With Daytrip, this route will cost around €142 for two passengers (that’s about the same as a train or bus ticket per person!).

The real benefit of this option is that you will have the freedom to select sightseeing stops along the way to gain once-in-a-lifetime access to the less accessible parts of the Austrian and Italian countryside. Driving allows you to see more on your way, which is a real benefit on longer routes such as from Vienna to Venice, as it can break up how far you have to travel in one uninterrupted stretch.

Flight from Vienna to Venice

The fastest possible way to get from Vienna to Venice is by flying between these two city’s airports, which will cut your transfer time to around 3 hours and 45 minutes. However, depending on when you intend to travel as well as when you book your flight, the costs can be widely variable and appear to range from €28 to as much as €170.

Remember that while you will save time with a flight, you will also likely need to pay more for any excessive baggage and will need to account for the time and money spent on the transfer between your accommodation and the airport.

Train from Vienna to Venice

As previously mentioned, there is a train route connecting these two cities that operates with a schedule of about 15 weekly departures. This means you’ll need to be somewhat flexible with your intended departure and arrival times, as you may only have one or two scheduled trains to pick from on any given day. The train costs an average of €70-110 and can take from almost 8 hours to 10 and a half depending on the number of transfers. You’ll usually transfer to a new train once in Salzburg and again in Innsbruck, following a more Northern route through Austria that skips over Slovenia entirely. There is also a night train that tends to have a slightly lower cost, ranging from €50-150 depending on your travel dates - but only some of these trains are direct, so you may face a middle-of-the-night transfer.

Bus from Vienna to Venice

It is possible to take a bus from Vienna to Venice, and it averages around 9 hours in travel time, so it will take about as much time as a train. This option can be more affordable, with tickets ranging from €40-60. The night bus schedule tends to cost less than those departing during the day, but again be sure to check whether your sleep in transit will be interrupted by a transfer. Most routes involve at least one stop in Maribor.

Here’s a breakdown of the cost and time comparison for each option:

Private car transfer: starting at €142 | 6 and half hours
Flight: varies widely from €28-170 | 3 hours and 45 minutes
Train: day ticket €70-110, night ticket €50-150 | 8 to 10 and half hours
Bus: day or night tickets around €40-60 | just under 9 hours

Things to do when you get to Venice

However you decide to get from Vienna to Venice, you are not short of choices of things to see, taste, and experience in this artistic center of Italy.

Visit St. Mark’s Square and Basilica

St. Mark’s Square is the centerpiece of Venice, boasting an expanse of 12th-century galleries and central access to some of the most iconic sights in Venice, including the iconic St. Mark’s Basilica.

This spectacular work of architecture with its signature domes and elaborate artistic touches is one of the most opulent churches you could ever hope to see. The interior is just as stupendous as the facade suggests, with ornate mosaics and plenty of gold covering nearly every surface. The square is a must-see for your time in Venice to appreciate the centuries of work put into these intricate displays of Italian history and culture.

Take an excursion to Murano or Burano

These two small islands are a reasonable boat ride away from the center of Venice, with Murano being a little closer for those seeking shorter transfers. This island is renowned for its blown glass, so catch a demonstration of this ancient fiery art in action or spend your time shopping for beautiful hand-crafted souvenirs to bring home.

Burano on the other hand is known for its distinctive rainbow-hued buildings, as well as for its intricate lace making. On both islands, be sure to shop around a bit before purchasing either blown glass or lace products, as some shops here can carry the same items at very different prices.

Go on a gondola ride

A highly recognizable symbol of Venetian culture is the sleek black gondola, piloted by a singing gondolier in a striped shirt and straw hat. It’s important to note that these gondolas are no longer a primary form of transport in Venice, and the water taxis have largely taken over for practical transfers.

The gondoliers now cater more toward scenic tours of the canals, romantic evenings, and historical experiences. Interestingly, the price of gondola rides in Venice is regulated as strictly as the iconic gondoliers’ uniforms, so you’ll want to focus on finding a route you’ll enjoy with a friendly gondolier rather than trying to hunt for a cheaper option.

Indulge in Venetian cuisine

It should be no surprise that the floating city specializes in seafood dishes, but there are a couple of standouts in the world of Venetian cuisine that you should sample during your stay, including Bigoli in salsa (a thick-cut pasta coated in a salty onion and cured anchovies sauce) or the notably jet black Risotto al nero di seppia (squid ink risotto).

One of the best parts of Venice in the warmer weather is enjoying a leisurely Italian meal on a patio overlooking the canals. Just be sure to try and find smaller restaurants off of the main streets and away from the busiest squares—if you want to avoid a highly crowded meal, consider asking a local for their favorite place to eat.

When is the best time to visit Venice?

Many people choose to visit in the summer months, from around May to October, but this peak travel season is very hot and often Venice becomes incredibly crowded. Prices also tend to be higher for the main attractions given the influx of tourism the city receives.

Instead, consider planning your drive from Vienna to Venice for the earlier spring months or in early autumn when the weather will be cooler and the destinations will likely be much less crowded. For the budget conscious, visiting the city in winter can reward travellers with the fewest crowds and the cheapest accommodation, dining, and activities.

Questions & Answers about Traveling from Vienna to Venice

Is the train from Vienna to Venice scenic?

The train from Vienna to Venice does offer some scenic views, but choosing to drive will give you more flexibility to pursue picturesque mountainous passes and to stop along the way to see all that the countryside of Austria, Slovenia, and Italy has to offer.

How do I get to Venice from Vienna?

You can take a flight, train, bus, or Daytrip’s private car service from Venice to Vienna. If you want the most relaxing, convenient, and enriching option, a private car ride with Daytrip is the best option. You won’t have to lift a finger, and sightseeing stops mean you can see even more of Austria and Italy (and everything in between)!

How long is the Eurail from Vienna to Venice?

The Eurail train claims to offer a shorter travel time of just over 7.5 hours, but this varies across the train schedule and may also fluctuate seasonally or during peak travel times. Traveling in the opposite direction from Venice to Vienna is available via. night train, and will take just under 11 hours.

Can I drive to Venice?

It is absolutely possible to drive to the outskirts of Venice, but importantly you will not be able to navigate the city by car once you arrive given it’s a city entirely based upon canals. All transport in the heart of Venice is done by foot paths or with water taxis and smaller boats!

What’s the cheapest way to get to Venice from Vienna?

The most affordable transport option from Vienna to Venice is likely to be the bus routes, but it is important to note that the cost of these tickets fluctuates quite a bit, and going by bus will not allow you to stop en route for sightseeing in Austria, Slovenia, and Italy.

How long is the train journey from Vienna to Venice?

The train from Vienna to Venice takes around 8-10.5 hours. The cost of tickets varies depending on the time of day you travel, with day trip tickets being around €70-110, and night train tickets ranging from €50-150.

Visit these sights on the way

Franzensburg

Franzenburg Castle sits on an island in a lake in the park grounds and is the most impressive structure in the Austrian Laxenburg Castle complex. The emperor’s private toy

Forchtenstein Castle

This imposing fourteenth-century castle survived the Turkish invasion of 1529 and today is home to one of the largest private weapons collection in Europe. An impregnable symbol of Burgenland

Villach

People were wearing skins in Villach in Neolithic times, much later they donned Roman togas. Today it's an important infrastructural link and a crucial part of the Alpe-Adria region. Long-toothed southern Austrian Alpine town

Kranjska Gora - Zelenci Lake

A peaceful resort town full of Slovenian charm and culture in every season. Enclosed by mountains, it is only fitting that Kranjska Gora is home to Slovenia's best ski resort. Foothills of the Julian Alps

Palmanova Outlet

Italy and fashion go hand in hand, and this plaza offers discounts on Italian and name brands. A Discount Shopping Citadel

Basilica di Aquileia

A relic of one of the greatest cities of the ancient world, the floor of this UNESCO-listed church is the largest Paleochristian mosaic in the western world. Massive Mosaics

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Good to know

Children

If you’re traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!

Pets

Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.

Tips

Gratuity isn’t included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).

Luggage

Big luggage
29x21x11 inches
74x53x28 cm

Small luggage
22x14x9 inches
56x36x23 cm

Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If you’re traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.

Payment methods

Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions, here are the answers.

Daytrip is a platform that connects you with local drivers who will transport you door-to-door, from one city to the next. We also give you the opportunity to explore sights/attractions along the way. We drive, you discover.

Yes! A return trip will take you back to your city of origin in the same size car in which you arrived. Return trips can be booked for the any day. You can also add customized sightseeing stops separately for each trip! Don’t worry if you don’t know your exact address at the time of booking - you’ll have the opportunity to update us closer to your travel date. Make sure to select “Return” when you start the booking process, then choose the dates and times of your departures.

For private trips, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure. For the Daytrip Pool shared shuttle, we offer 3 ticket options when booking: Non-refundable, Flexible with cancellations 24 hours before departure, and Super-flexible with cancellations up to 15 minutes before departure.

Simply choose your origin and destination via our homepage and enter your departure date and time. Browse and add sightseeing stops along the way by following the booking instructions provided on-screen. Select “One Way” or “Return” to change the type of trip you need. It’s a simple, easy, and fun way to book your next adventure! And if you don’t see your desired route on our website, you can request a custom trip. You can even book without knowing your exact pick-up or drop-off address - we let you add these later!

Each passenger is allowed one large bag (29" x 21" x 11" / 74 x 53 x 28 cm) and one small bag (22" x 14" x 9" / 56 x 36 x 23 cm). Luxury sedans can only accommodate 2 large bags. We always send the vehicle that is the best fit for you and your luggage, so make sure to select the actual amount of luggage you are traveling with when booking. If you have oversized luggage, or are unsure if your luggage will fit, contact us.

Everywhere except the USA, drivers will supply appropriate child seats (just let us know during booking). In the USA, certain states require you to supply your own child seats.

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