Venezia Santa Lucia

Situated strategically on the banks of the Grand Canal in Venice itself, just 20 minutes' walk from the Rialto Bridge, Venice Santa Lucia (Venezia S. Lucia or just Venezia SL) is Venice's main station, built in the 1940s and 1950s. It required the demolition of the Church of Santa Lucia, which is where the station gets its name. Crossing the causeway over the lagoon and then walking out of the station to see the Grand Canal right in front of you with vaporettos (waterbuses), water taxis, and gondolas makes it arguably the most impressive arrival experience of any station in Europe. The station is well-connected to major Italian cities like Milan, Rome, and Florence, as well as international destinations. Between locals coming to work and visiting tourists, it was often very crowded where my partner, our friends, family members, and I boarded the Italo high-speed train last Monday to our next destination, Florence. The ticket windows are on ground level, along with the restrooms, tourist information, and some shops and restaurants. Seating was limited. All tracks were clearly marked. The scheduled departure board was very clear. All aboard!

We used the train to get across the country from Livorno on the Ligurian Coast to Venice. We took Italo’s first class seats and they were really nice! They dropped us off here and then we had to figure out how to get to our hotel. There are lots of porters everywhere asking if you want them to handle your bags, as there are lots of steps over canals and most luggage can’t handle them. I just wish the signage here was better and things were better coordinated so you know what to do, especially on your first visit. We had to figure everything out on our own and it was tough going, but we made it. The station is also way over-crowded, not only with passengers, but so many vendors and others trying to make a buck, that needs to be better controlled as well.

The main and only one railway station in Venice. You can connect from Venice to various important places in Italy from here.

📍 Venezia Santa Lucia – Venice, Italy 🇮🇹 The main train station of Venice 🚆, set right on the Grand Canal 🌊. Always busy and crowded 🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️ with tourists, but very convenient as the city’s gateway. Inside you’ll find shops 🛍️, cafés ☕, and ticket counters 🎟️. Vaporetto (water bus) services ⛴️ depart right in front, and trolley services are also available to help with luggage 🧳—a relief if you’re carrying heavy bags. A hectic but unforgettable arrival into Venice. 🙌

Venezia Santa Lucia train station is the primary railway hub in Venice, Italy. Located on the northern edge of the city’s historic center, it serves as the main gateway for visitors arriving by train. The station is well-connected to major Italian cities like Milan, Rome, and Florence, as well as international destinations. The station itself is a modernist structure with a simple yet functional design. Inside, travelers will find a range of amenities, including ticket offices, self-service machines, restrooms, and luggage storage. There are also cafes, shops, and a waiting area. Despite its efficiency, it can become crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons. One of its most striking features is its direct access to the Grand Canal. Upon exiting, visitors are immediately greeted by breathtaking views of Venice’s waterways, with vaporetto (water bus) stops right outside, providing easy transportation to various parts of the city. While Santa Lucia is well-organized, travelers should be cautious of pickpockets and ensure they validate their tickets before boarding regional trains. Overall, it is an efficient and well-located transport hub that seamlessly connects Venice with the rest of Italy while offering a dramatic first impression of the city’s unique beauty.

The train station arriving to Venice is this big train station. Ticket counters and automatic machines are available for the purchase. Staff are accommodating and display boards are posted well. The high speed trains arriving here transfers most of the population. Please be aware of the pick picketers. The view of Venice as soon as you step outside station is amazing and the boat stops are nearby marked as ferrovial.

Stazione di Venezia Santa Lucia was clean and had lots of amenities and easy-to-use ticket machines. We caught our train to Florence from here. The process was simple and everything was correct. Once on the train, luggage goes above your head on the racks. Overall a smooth and stress-free experience.

This is one of the 2 main rail stations that serves Venice and the one and only rail station located in the main island of Venice. Passengers arriving from all parts or Europe to Venice used to get off from the train from this station. From this point onwards they have to take floating transport mediums to reach their final destinations. Crowded at all times.

Pretty easy to navigate overall! We took the water taxi to this station. And had to wait a couple hours before our train arrived. If you are lucky, you can find places to sit and wait around the station. We found some tables to sit at and grabbed a coffee and donut. Then our gate was listed on the screen and we jumped on Train 3.

The Venice train station is old and sort of lack of maintenance. It's been under construction and make sure to plan ahead of time to get to your platform for departure.

It was a big train station yet very clean and open. It was easy to navigate but it is crowded. Be prepared to stand around unless you buy first class tickets and can use the lounge.

Very busy train station. Lots of places to eat, self-service stations, cafes, bistro, etc. There are quick service booths to get tickets at the train station, the staff is mostly friendly. Always check your train schedule and plan accordingly. It is tough to find a spot to rest if your train is on a delay. I booked tickets via eurail, make sure to activate your travel day, and tickets are validated inside the train. I can see a lot of platforms, and the schedule gets updated on the big screen. With this busy, they definitely maintained it. Constant announcements going in Italy. As you exit the train station, you will see the wonderful venice water and beautiful city.

Easy station to navigate. Clear signage and very clean. Station is located immediately across the street from the Vaporetto station Ferrovia.

Okay this was going to be a cool place no matter what given that we hoped here by water taxi walked right off the pier and into the station. That alone is 5 stars. The Venice Train Station was quite fun. This was our first rail experience in Europe and the time / convenience / value kills an airplane hop any day. The train station was fairly large and had multiple stores and restaurants / cafes (covered in another review). It was well lit, the information boards were intutive and easy to read and as a bonus overhead announcements were in Italian and English. The place was spotlessly clean. Unlike the FLorence Train Station it was easy to stroll out on the platforms and look at the multitude of trains as we had arrived early to make sure we knew what we were doing. If a water taxi is too pricey (40 Euros for me and my son) the water bus makes frequent stops there as well.

Modern new clean train station. Two train lines come here. Men here have vests, tags & carts to move luggage & baggage from the station around Venice. Unfortunately, the cars did not have racks for over sized luggage. There were no porters to help put carry on luggage overhead. There were many elderly & women who could not lift their own bags & sat stuffed uncomfortably in their seats with baggage.

A big train station, quick customer services in Venice. Trains are going to a lot of destinations in Europe .

A very convenient train station which provides access to the Wonderful world of Venice. The station is rather easy to navigate with plenty of ticket kiosk in order to purchase and validate your ticket on the run. The boards are easy to read and access. They have a few shops to purchase items and food on the go.

Very clean station, and I love their food vendors. The layout of the station might be slightly confusing on an initial look, and the bathrooms are kind of not easy to find. You also have to have your wits about you, as there are many teams of pick-pockets. However, if you're vigilant, you will have an efficient travel experience getting in and out of this train station. Just a tip: here as with other stations around Italy, you need to have coins to be allowed to use the bathroom facilities. There are change machines near the bathroom entrances as well.

Venice Santa Lucia Station is the final terminal station on the island. It has many platforms in two separate sections. I didn't even know they had more platforms until one time my train departed from the platform number higher than all the platforms I could see from the station. Oh no! Where is my train? Then I found out the 2nd section is next to the main platform! Lol! The good thing about Venice Santa Lucia Station is that all the platforms are connected at the station entrance. Not the underground tunnel. So no stairs to walk up or down. The trains will stop longer at this terminal station. We can take our time with the trains. However, the lobby is very busy, with lines in front of the ticket machines all the time. The credit cards we use from the United States take longer to get authorization for the purchase. It looks like we are holding the machine hostage!

I remember catching the last train back to Milan on a day trip to Venice the last time I was here. This time a little less chaotic as we had a Hotel just 5 minutes away. Time got away and we didn't book our tickets to Florence in advance which wasn't a problem. That said, as peak starts in June would definitely recommend advance booking. Self serve booking wasn't as quick since you have to enter some personal information. A light queue around 10:30 on a Tuesday morning. This is the main station for Venice so a decent size with a few stores and restaurants. A limited amount of self serve ticket stations in front with more closer to the platforms. Not enough seats though given the size of the station. It's hurry up and wait for your platform number to be posted with some continuously staring at the arrival/departure display boards. Once the platform is posted it looks like a marathon just started as all are moving quickly with luggage towards their train. Funny how this is the same no matter city/country. The High Speed train was comfortable and took a little over 2 hours for our trip. Would definitely recommend the express and paying a little extra for premium seats as coffee, water, orange juice and a light snack are included. Overall, a good alternative to flying & also so to complete the travel mantra of "planes, trains, automobiles....."

My mom and I went here last month to catch a couple trains. Typical Italian train station. A lot of people. The employees were a tad more helpful than the ones at Roma Termini. Everything was clean with upgraded facilities. When I come to this train station again, I know I'll be able to get there and find and board my train without issue.

THIS is the station located on the main island in the Venetian lagoon. There is another station 'Venezia' on the land side. This is just one station more. It's a quick trip from Milan, the trains are comfortable and the cost reasonable. Purchase your tickets on the Trenitalia app or buy a paper copy at any of the machines in the station. It's quick and easy. A conductor will come by with a tablet to verify your trip. Trains have cafe cars and restroom. First class sometimes has what they call 'cleaning service' (a wet wipe), newspapers and/or drink service of coffee or tea or wine - your choice. Newer trains have ports to plug in your device. The station is lovely, and as soon as you walk out the view of the Grand Canal is stunning. You have arrived! Public transport is by boat in Venice and there are multiple public transports in the Canal right in front of the train station. Google maps can tell you which one you need to get where you are going (Murano, Burano, St. Marks, etc) or walk over the bridge on your left and through the narrow alleys, look in the shop windows, stop in a restaurant. There are also private water taxi's if you are in a hurry.

The station sits to the northern part of the city off the Grand Canal and easy to get to courtesy of water taxis. There several glass and souvenir shops as well as cafes and a tabacchi store. There are multiple ticket machine and in-person purchase options so buying a ticket is a breeze. There is also a tour ticket office those just arriving in a Venice. Last piece is info, you will require a euro to enter the bathroom or a credit card that is tap enabled. I flew into Venice, boated around, and took the train out. So easy to get in , out, and around.

Only train station in Venezia. The station was built atop the church of Santa Lucia. This church once housed the relics of Saint Lucia for which the train station is named after . There is a small statue dedicated to her inside the station with a short biography. FYI in case you see it and are wondering what she is holding in the dish - it's eyes ! She is the patron saint of Siracusa- a protector of blind people and those suffering from eye related diseases . As far as the station -it is busy but easy to navigate and buy tickets . They have benches which is nice considering most stations I've encountered don't offer any places to sit while waiting for your train. There's a great view of the canal in the front . It's a great welcome as you exit the station .

Imagine you get down at the station and coming out of the station and see the Grand Canal, that's where Venice Vibe hits you. The Venice Santa Lucia Train Station is the main train station that travelers arrive/depart in from Venice. This modern station is conveniently located and provides direct access to the Grand Canal. The station is a perfect entrance to this unique city of Venice. There is daily service to cities throughout Italy, as well as major cities elsewhere in Europe. We boarded the train to Florence. There are ( i guess) 16 tracks at Venezia Santa Lucia, The main floor of the Santa Lucia station is where the train platforms, ticket windows, restrooms tourist information, and some shops and restaurants are located. The left luggage facility is on the main level, near platform one. There is also a Vaporetto (water bus) stop right in front of the station.

The main station in Venice. This is the station you'd get off if you're heading to Venice. From here you can take water taxis or walk and I find it's about the same time for both no matter the destination on Venice. Porters are outside to take your luggage if you bring a lot of stuff, not free. At the station you can take water taxis to the other islands like Murano and it's about a 30 minute water taxi ride. If your hungry, the station has some bites and outside the station there's plenty of shops and restaurants. Enjoy.

My friend and I arrived in Venice by train and departed by train. It is easy to find your way around as the station is not very big - then again, neither is the city. The train station is very old but has been well preserved, and its old design fits in with the city's architecture. Probably the best part about this station is that you are dropped off right in the middle of the city and as soon as you step out, you are surrounded by the canals. Definitely not a sight you can find anywhere.

It's a clean and modern station with nice shops. Once you step outside, picture perfect Venice is right in front of you! Tip: Unless you are willing to pay 1 Euro, you may want to use the bathroom on the train. ***************************** If you found something useful in my review, please hit "useful" to let me know. It helps me to improve my future reviews. If you love food and traveling, follow me, or better yet, let's become Yelp friends! Thank you and happy Yelping! If you think your friends will find my review useful, please share it with them!

The first thing you see when you take the train into Venice and its beautiful and easy to get in and out which is the most important thing because some train stations in Italy are mazes. This one is fairly simple. Staff is helpful if you need it. Otherwise no biggie. I stayed across the waterway so this was pretty much a daily thing for me.

The gateway into Venice. It is busy and there are so many stairs when leaving the terminal. It's a great way to get accustomed to all the stairs you have to go through when traveling between islands. To save yourself the trouble, if you look to the left there is a ramp you can take. There are a few stores you can stop by to kill time.

Venice train station is huge and very busy. We came from Florence, One thing that I can really compliment the Italian government is on their train system. We used trains quite a bit to travel from city to city. From Rome airport into the city, from Rome to Florence, from Florence to Venice etc. and each time we had absolutely no problems buying tickets, boarding, punctuality and service. It is superb. Such an easy and trouble free way to travel. Then as soon as you step out of the station you are confronted by the beautiful views of the canals. I took a moment to take it in and take some pictures. Also to the other side of the station there is a bus terminal where you can take buses into the areas of the city that are not surrounded by canals, and into the airport which we did a few days later. Of course every station has a variety of stores which I didn't look over much, but I was very impressed by the train services in Italy overall. There are a lot of people coming and going, and every once in a while you will hear it through the intercom to beware of pickpockets, I never saw any criminal activity going on in any other city except here in Venice. so a word of caution beware of pickpockets here.

Yep, this is another one of those Mussolini Stations which basically means that it is incredibly ugly. Honestly, I really don't know what people see in these railway stations, unless it is simply to point to the a time period that most Italians wish to forget about, or the fact that he did actually do things for the country in the short time that he was in power. Well, as for the station, you can probably guess my feelings about the place, though honestly there are much better places here to check out than to simply admire a railway station that really shouldn't be admired.

This train station is quite large and I found it to be nice. There are high speed rail options to desirable and less desirable destinations in Italy. Used largely by commuters, the train station has several cafes, clothing, and home goods stores (also a MAC Cosmetics). It is located along the water bus line so it is convenient for travelers. My train experience was overall a pleasant one. The train left around the scheduled time and was clean and didn't have any hang ups or set backs. I would like for the train to have an announcement of the stops prior to reaching them. If it isn't desirable to have an audible announcement (because of sleeping passengers) then a digital one and map in each car or segment would work. There was no system to alert us of the stops. When looking to talk to a live person for information or to by tickets through an agent there is a set up where a ticket must be acquired first. Similar to the at a grocery store or large bakery that employs a number system for service, instead there is a touch screen where you select the nature of the help you need and a river it dispensed to you. Note: agents will not talk to you before you print a ticket and wait your fair turn. The train station is close to Venice proper. Get out and enjoy the city and what Italy has to offer!!!

This is the main train station in Venice and is an easy one at that. Unlike most stations, it's very straight to the point and has a few shopping and dining centers between the entrance and the platforms to keep you busy if you end up arriving too early. If you are taking the Freccia (Rosa, Argento, Bianca) trains, you will not need to validate your tickets. Simply, you will show your ticket at the platform if there are attendants and they will scan your tickets once the train has departed. Most trains in Italy will not arrive until maybe 15-20 minutes before departure. While you are likely used to arriving incredibly early to the airport to check in, drop your luggage, and await your boarding time, you will find no such thing at this train station or any other stations for that matter. One of the biggest benefits of that is certainly how much time it saves. You can truly enjoy the city without having to worry if you have missed your boarding time due to various reasons. Regarding luggage, I will always recommend a carry-on as it is still the easiest way to travel around Europe because these trains have overhead spaces for bags, few luggage racks in the center of each coach, and stowaway racks at the ends of the coach for larger luggage. If you find yourself traveling with bigger luggage, be aware that you might not have any space in the stow away... so plan ahead, plan light, and when in doubt just leave it behind!

Its a train station, dirty and crowded what more can I say? You will go because its efficient and speedy. I love the warning signs they post, watch out for bandits and thieves.

The big train station in Venice. Pretty much you will come accross this spot if you're coming into Venice via train or leaving it. It's really large, and it's really easy to buy tickets thanks to the automated self serve machines which also has an English option. (Thank you!) Staff is also very helpful. It's very easy to find the train you're supposed to go on due to the numbers on the side, and again a pretty easy process. Good train station overall.

Venice's history goes waaay back, unfortunately, so does its train station. In dire need of a renovation, the station is currently undergoing some construction. This is a busy station considering its small size, with very few seating area inside and not much retail shops. I wouldn't advise getting here early if you're taking the train to another city. Although if you did, you can hang out at the steps outside and take in the view of the water or the church across the street. Vaporetto passes are sold at a kiosk to the left when you exit and signs are clearly marked.

Oh hey!! Venezia by train!! It's probably my favorite way. Cost you the same amount of time flying from Rome. Unless you're up north and coming down. The station itself seems huge which is huge! You go outside and viola! The city on the water greets you!! It's polar opposite from the other side aka train tracks! It's like Napoli centrale but prettier. As usual, a lot of stores! Few big cafeteria, ( good sandwiches) and shops. The train is at the end of it all. So they are not as organized about schedule and tickets. Most stations have free bathroom but this one you pay ( like other places in Europe.) A lot bigger but and a lot more chaotic than most central/ major/ big train stations! Best part is right outside! The views!! You hop on any boats/ water taxis into Venice!

Mid, pretty mid, bruh like period was aii, was definitely not chill like that, had to mask up

Pretty simple train station as in easy to follow and get around, there is a few stores to shop at and places to eat. There is a piano there for anyone to play, saw some people go up and play a bit. When you walk out of the station you can easily see where the water boats, water taxis and private boats are awaiting. One of the things I enjoyed about Venice was the lack of hustlers, people pushing their items on to you, granted there was a few but not like Milan and Rome. Enjoyed taking the train from town to town and seeing the country sites and stations along the way

I have always enjoyed the contrast of Santa Lucia Train Station. One one side are the tracks and when you walk out the front door, there's the Grand Canal, with a Vaporetto or pedestrian bridge to take you where you want to go, including a fascinating 40 minute walk to St. Mark's Square. The Station itself is small, with no seating areas to speak of, and with a lot of people ready and going from A to B. If you're looking for a last minute gift before leaving town, you'll kick yourself for not shopping earlier. And if you have an open ticket, don't forget to find the green machine to validate. I have both arrived and departed from Santa Lucia Train Station over the years. This time around, Gayle and I were leaving town after a wonderful 1 week Cruise and a couple of days wandering around Venice. Next stop? Bolzan/Bozen and the Dolomites (via Verona).

The representatives for the Euro rail in the little kiosk are absolutely useless at this train station. They are very much like the DMV workers in much of the areas in the United States meaning that they could care less and they just want you to go away from them. A pro tip if you're traveling to Italy is do not ever get the EuroRail pass as you pay double for this and there is tons of restrictions and co fees to pay when using it. Bottom line is buy your tickets individual for each trip. Way cheaper and more efficient. Here's another fascinating tip I bought a first-class EuroRail pass and there was not one true first class cabin on any of the trains that I took throughout Italy. The highest they had was business class. Which was the same as coach however you had about 4 inches of space more and a drink service where you get a small bag of chips and soda lol. The water taxi is what you must resort to when getting off the train station here to get to your hotel. Be prepared to pay anywhere from 50 to 70 euros for the 5-minute but ride.

There are so many reasons that I love this station. It brings you into one of the most amazing cities in the world, and whenever I step off the train and walk through the station I feel like I'm going back in time. The stairs from the station give way to water busses, tour guides, porters looking for business, families taking first or last photos of their Venetian experience, immigrants, and tourists from all over the world. It really is an experience to just take in as you exit or enter the station. I love riding the train in and I only drive when I'm on a tight schedule. Otherwise the overall experience is totally worth the train ride in.

The only train station located right in the heart of San Marco. You can easily navigate your way to the city , boats, water taxis is just a few feet away from the exit . Ideal for meeting points in case you get lost in the City. There are several places for snacks and gift stores. But they charge €1,00 for restroom use or WC (Water Closet) for the upkeep, attendants are present at all times. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to board the train.

For many people, Venezia S.L. is the entry point into La Serenissima, and it's quite reflective as the city that it serves as one of the few train stations with an immediate waterfront! When you exit out of the station, everything you thought you knew about Venice will be thrown out of the window because the first sight of Venice as you step out will be more than you have imagined. If anything, I think getting into Venice through train via this canalside station is a lot more romantic than an airport bus or a car ride into the gritty parking garage in Piazzale Roma! The station itself is relatively small compared to the other grand stations in Italy, but that is good because if you are in Venice, you would rather spend more time by the canal rather than the rail, right? Venezia S.L. is truly designed so that you can quickly get in and out of your trains so you can maximize your time by the amazing Venetian canals. Even if you are not using the train in Venice, V.S.L. is still an useful transport point because almost all the vaporetto lines, including the Murano express route 3, pass or originate here, so if you plan to get out to outer islands often, staying around this station (or Fondamente Nove) may be a good option. Thankfully because V.S.L. is a terminus station, your outbound train will almost always be on-time. But if you are waiting for an outbound train, why not check out the nearby Chiesa degli Schiavi (https://www.yelp.com/biz/chiesa-di-santa-maria-di-nazareth-chiesa-degli-scalvi-venezia?hrid=FGia8j-paQFk_HXnfRzD_A)? Though it lacks any headliner artwork, the Baroque church is quite beautiful. Anyway, for all its worth, V.S.L. is a solid train station that well served as the modern link to the historic center of Venice. Although it's lacking in waiting-time entertainment, the station well accomplishes its job of delivering people in and out. --- tl;dr version: 1) Most romantic way to enter Venice aside from airport water taxi 2) Small but useful train station as a centralized transport point

This place is amazing! When you first will arrive to Venice, right behind the doors you will see the cathedral and grand canal!

Oh man, be sure you take a huge breath before you disembark your train at the Santa Lucia station. It's absolute chaos on the other end at the entrance of Venezia, so just expect these things: - Yelling porters asking to transport your luggage to your hotel - Tons of cruise ship tourists milling around - Cheap souvenir kiosks (don't stop) - A large bridge, over which you'll be carrying your luggage Just remember that Venice is one of the most interesting destinations on earth and you'll enjoy it once you're a few blocks from the train station!

Great train station that ends in Venice. Easy to get on the trains. Quite crowded because of the location. Automatic ticket stations. Be sure you validate your train ticket before you get on board of the train.

I recommend buying your tickets online if you know that you're going to have to take the train to get somewhere because it will save you so much time and money. Unfortunately there are cons to being a tourist. Outside the train station on the steps, a group of guys wait to see if you have heavy luggage and they walk over and carry it up the stairs for you and ask you for a couples euros with some bullshit excuse. Also if you're a tourist do not buy your train tickets from tourist agencies such as agenzie365 because they just want to take your money. I recommend taking the italo train because it's cheaper and there's free wifi on the plane!

I thought this station was actually pretty neat. They have pretty much almost everything you need before heading out on the train (cigs, sandwiches, candy, newpapers, magazines, ATM, food, tourist trinkets, clothes, baked goods, fragrances, drinks, etc). I was just glad that they had a Left Luggage (Deposito Bagagli) counter so that you can leave your suitcase or backpack until you're ready to leave on your train. This is a busy station though so at peak times, be prepared to wait to drop your bag and try to pack light or have a smaller bag. We stood in line for about 20 mins to drop our bags and were able to skip ahead of some other people that had huge bags or had those big suitcases that are like hard cases. I guess they're able to squeeze more flexible bags in when the left luggage is full. If the left luggage is full, sometimes hotels nearby will let you drop your bags there for a fee as well, but check before you lug your bags all over town trying to find somewhere to drop your bags. I think we paid about $13-$16 Euros for about 8 hours which I think is really reasonable. They are also open later than most left luggage counters so if you've got a train leaving later in the evening, you shouldn't have too much trouble leaving your bags there. Just remember to check the hours before you leave the station. Also, when you walk out the back side of the station it takes you almost directly to the water taxi station that takes you all the way down the canal.

#376-2016: How do you reach Venice by land? Through the railroad tracks which lead to this station. Built in the 20s, the décor is marmoreal and makes for an impressive eye view (or sore, depending on how you like this architectural style). However, as many before me lament, if you need to spend more than a few minutes waiting for the train, good luck trying to sit down on anything other than your luggage. Extremely busy at every hour of the day (tourists flock like ants dispersing at the arrival of an ant eater), it may prove tasking. I personally prefer to spend as much time outside the station and then rush through. So, if you get to Venice, just walk on right past souvenirs stores with outrageous prices and rude personnel. Skip the bars with aweful espresso and non-edible croissants and head on out ... the view will be worth it (the Gran Canal).

This is the central train station of Venice. It's located across the first bridge from the bus terminal. As you step off the bridge, there is a shortcut to the back of the station where the trains are (instead of climbing more steps at the front entrance). To find your train, look for the posted schedule. Note that one side is arrivals and the other departures. If you are traveling to Rome and you are not staying in Venice proper, consider using the Mestre station; it's easier to get to and navigate.

Upon arrival, me and a dozen other passagers frantically followed the "WC" signs to in order to get to the Water Closet(aka bathroom). We followed... And followed... And followed... And ultimately the WC signs stopped and just led us to one of the main shopping streets north of the station. WTF? Lesson of the Day? Pee on the train's WC before it arrives.

A fairly large train station with decent electronic signs, plenty of ticket sale and ticket validation machines, a decent sized customer service desk, and plenty of shops. I didn't see any free bathrooms, but the coffee shop gives you a bathroom token with the purchase of any item, if you ask for one. Although busy, we were always able to get to where we were going without having to plow through people. It's a fairly impressive view when you step out of the train station into Venice the first time.

This is a very busy train station that seems to have outgrown its britches. In other words, it's overwhelmed for its size. This isn't one of Europe's most glamorous train stations but it's clean, safe and has a few decent snack bar type places to grab a bite while waiting for your train. There's not much seating at all here, so be prepared to stand while you wait. The station is easily reached by public vaporetto, local buses or water taxis. Be warned that there are lots of steps at the base of this station so don't try to lug too many suitcases with you! It's a hard climb!

I have to say Im not a fan, Its impressive from the front, and It has some nice shops. Everything is well laid out, its easy to see what to do and where to go... That said, my feelings for it were shaped by the fact that my train arived hours late, with me waiting in the below freezing out door waiting area with occasional forays into said shops trying not to freeze...Hard to be a fan after that.

This is a nice train station. Automated ticket sales and humanoid information booths. WC. Trains to Trieste and Venice. Local bus station across the street.