Venice to Verona: A Perfect Day Trip in Northern Italy
I’ve taken day trips from Venice to Verona in both the winter and summer, and can say: it’s worth it any time of year.
In just over one hour by train, you can swap the canals in Venice for Roman ruins, piazzas, and hilltop views over the Adige River in Verona.
Verona’s historic center is compact and walkable, making it easy to see the city’s highlights.
Basics on a Trip from Venice to Verona
- 70 minutes from Venice (by train)
- Walkable to the city center
- Pedestrian-friendly streets, lined with shops and restaurants
- Home to Juliet’s balcony, and an ancient Roman arena
- Hike (or take a funicular) for sweeping city views
Venice to Verona: Day Trip Tour
While you can easily get to Verona from Venice by train, you can choose to hire a knowledgeable guide who also handles the navigating.
The Train from Venice to Verona
It’s easy to get to Verona from Venice, and it’ll take under an hour on the train.
The Train to Verona
I’ve been using the Trainline app (free to download) in much of Europe. The search function includes the Italian lines (Frecciarossa, Italo, Trenord, etc.). After booking, your boarding pass pops up easily as a QR code on your phone.
Or, you can book your ticket in person at one of the easy-to-use kiosks at the train station.
The cost varies for a train ride from Venice to Verona, but the last time we went, it was about $25 each way for a 70-minute train ride.
- Trainlines from Venice to Verona: Frecciarossa or Italo
- Travel time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Cost: It ranges from $10 for the slower train to $40 for the faster train.
- Departure stations: Venezia Santa Lucia (not Mestre if you’re in central Venice)
- Arrival station: Verona Porta Nuova
After Arriving in Verona
You can take a taxi or walk about 15 minutes to the city center. Aim for Piazza Bra.
Video: Venice to Verona
Things to Do in Verona
The list is endless, but here are my favorites.
The Verona Arena
- A remarkably well-preserved Roman amphitheater, which is still used for concerts and opera.
Piazza delle Erbe & Piazza dei Signori
- Verona’s historic heart, lined with frescoed buildings, market stalls, and cafes. The nearby Piazza dei Signori is just as vibrant.
Castelvecchio & Ponte Scaligero
- A medieval fortress overlooking the Adige River, paired with a striking red-brick bridge. Great for photos and a short walk outside the busiest areas.
Ponte Pietra
- Cross this bridge for beautiful city views, and head to the funicular or walking path up the hill to the castle.
The Verona Funicular
- A short ride up the hill on the Verona Funicular is the easiest way to reach Verona’s best viewpoint.
- Summer hours (April-October): 10:00am – 9:00pm
- Winter hours (November-March): 10:00am – 5:00pm
- Cost: € 3,00
Castel San Pietro
- Originally a medieval fortress on the hill outside Verona.
- The original castle was built in the late 1300s, then destroyed in 1801.
- Work on the current castle began in 1850.
Juliet’s House (Casa di Giulietta)
You’ll have to book tickets in advance online if you want to visit the balcony in Verona that inspired Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” in 1597.
➡️ Click to Book: Romeo & Juliet Tour
The entrance to Juliet’s home, right on one of the main streets in Verona, is nondescript:
Ticket Prices:
- 22€ Adults > 25 yo
- 19€ Seniors > 65 yo
- 13€ Young Adults > 18 to 25 yo
- 10€ Children > 5 – 17 yo
- (Free under 5)
Hours
- Tuesday to Sunday
- 9:00am – 7:00pm
- Last entry to the house at 6.30 pm
- Closed on Mondays
What to Expect on a Visit
Tourists with admission tickets are allowed one hour to explore Juliet’s balcony, and the rooms in her home. There are exhibits to Shakespeare’s play and Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 movie.
Verona Christmas Markets in December
Verona has a few Christmas markets to check out.
Mercantini di Natale
Right outside the arena, dozens of artisans set up booths to create the Mercantini di Natale, selling all kinds of Christmas crafts for gifts and souvenirs.
The food booths offer so many free tastings, you’ll feel like you’ve had a full meal from the samples alone. It’s a mix of German pastries, plus chocolates and Italian favorites.
If you’re with someone who’s spending a lot of time shopping, treat yourself to a $5 glass of prosecco or wine.
Piazza Delle Erbe / Piazza dei Signori
You’ll find this sprawling market in the center of a bustling square, surrounded by restaurants with indoor and outdoor patio seating (even in December).
This market sells more leather goods and touristy souvenirs.
The Best Time to Visit Verona
I’ve been to Verona in both the winter and summer, and can say: it’s a perfect day trip from Venice any time of year.
Here’s a breakdown of what to expect weather-wise:
Spring (March/April/May)
- Mild and gradually warming, with daytime highs from the mid-50s to low-70s °F.
- Typical moderate springtime rainfall.
Summer (June/July/August)
- Hot and often humid, with highs in the mid-80s to low-90s °F.
- Rainfall is minimal.
Fall (September/October/November)
- Comfortable and cooler, with highs in the top 70s, then down into the 50s by November.
- Rainfall increases, averaging 3+ inches per month.
Winter (December/January/February)
- Cold but manageable, with highs in the 40s °F.
- Some drizzle and occasional snow, but also many sunny days.
Wrap: Is a Venice to Verona Day Trip Worth It?
Definitely! Off the top of my head, after just doing another day trip visit myself, these reasons come to mind:
- Fast train connections: High-speed trains reach Verona in about an hour and run all day.
- Walkable historic center: The major sights are close together.
- Roman Arena: One of the best-preserved amphitheaters in Italy.
- Scenic Views: Take the funicular or hike up to Castel San Pietro.
- Classic northern Italian food: Great local wines, and casual trattorias.
I love other day trips from Venice, to Treviso, Padua, and of course the islands of Murano and Burano. It’s also fun to check out the prosecco operations in the hills north of Venice.
Italy’s big cities are all great hubs to explore the different regions. From Florence, I’d suggest taking a day trip to San Gimignano or Pisa.
From Rome, I’d suggest day trips to Orvieto and Assisi (or both).
The list goes on!
While your Venice itinerary will be full even without the day trips, they complete a trip to the Veneto region of Italy!
