Train photo Many domestic and international trains discharge passengers at the Stazione Ferroviaria Santa Lucia, an incongruously modern but efficient railway station in the historic center, next to the causeway that leads to the mainland.

As you leave the station's main entrance, head toward the floating waterbus platforms. Buy a ticket before boarding the No. 1 vaporetto, which makes stops all along the Grand Canal, or the No. 2 express boat (formerly the No. 82) to San Marco. Be sure you're going in the right direction--i.e., toward San Marco unless you're staying in one of the outlying districts.

Another (and much more expensive) option is to take a water taxi to your hotel.

For more information, see these articles:

Venice Mestre Station

Regione del Veneto photo Not all trains come into the historic center: Some through trains merely stop at Venice Mestre, a suburb on the mainland, on their way to points north and south. If your train doesn't continue into the city, you'll need to change to a local train in Mestre for the short trip to Venezia Santa Lucia. (Trains run frequently, and the trip takes only 10 to 12 minutes.)

Also, many tourists (especially those with cars) use Mestre as a base for travel to Venice, since hotel rooms are cheaper on the mainland and parking is easier. If you plan to commute from Mestre, please see:

Next page: Arriving by car

In this article:
Arriving in Venice	Arriving by car
Arriving by air	Arriving by ship
Arriving by train

Also see:

Venice Local Transportation

Venice Cruise Port Transportation

Baggage Storage - Left Luggage

Where to Stay in Venice

Walking in Venice - Finding Your Way with Signs and Maps

Venice Map

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Hotel tip: Location can be important when choosing a hotel in Venice or on the mainland. Before booking, read our No. 1 Warning and Venice Hotel Recommendations by Area.

Venice canal reflections

From our Venice Travel Blog:

A water taxi ride to Venice Airport
A warning about water taxis

Venice Railroad Station: a vaporetto view
Long lines at Venice Airport
Free boat trips to Murano

Need to pee? Prepare to pay
The perils of overpacking
Flood warning: the sound of sirens

Stupid tourist tricks
Johnny Depp's palazzo
Venetian daily life

Maggie in Venice

From Maggie in Venice:

A dog's life in Venice
A Beagle boards a water bus
Venice Carnival for dogs

Venice cruise review:

MSC Eastern Mediterranean Cruise