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Mestre Railway.

About the Station

Venezia Mestre Railway Station. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars
Venezia Mestre Railway Station (Venezia Mestre) is one of the most important transport hubs not only for the Veneto region but for all of Italy. Unlike the Santa Lucia terminal station, which is located directly on the island, Mestre is situated on the mainland and serves as a key transfer point for millions of tourists and residents. It receives both high-speed trains from Rome and Milan, as well as regional trains connecting Venice with the surrounding areas.

It is important for passengers to know that the station has a pass-through layout, ensuring high passenger capacity. Navigation here is quite simple: the main passenger terminal connects the city exit with underground subways leading to the platforms (there are more than 13 in total). Electronic schedule boards are located throughout, displaying information in both Italian and English.

CityVenice
CountryItaly
TypeRailway station

Contact Information

  • Official Website: Trenitalia.com / RFI.it (operated by the state company Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane).
  • Information Phone: +39 06 68475475 (Trenitalia call centre, international rates may apply).
  • Address: Viale Stazione, 30171 Venezia VE, Italy.
  • Opening Hours: The station is open daily, approximately from 05:00 to 00:00. Ticket counters usually operate from 06:00 to 21:00.
  • Luggage Storage: KiPoint service, usually located on Platform 1. Open daily, approximately from 08:00 to 20:00.
  • Accessibility: The station features a Sala Blu (Assistance Hall) service, providing assistants for passengers with reduced mobility (it is recommended to book assistance 24 hours in advance).

How to Get There

Getting to Venezia Mestre station is very easy, as it serves as the centre of the mainland part of the city.

From the Historic Centre of Venice (Island): The fastest way is the regional train from Santa Lucia station. Trains depart every 5–10 minutes, and the journey takes just 10–12 minutes. You can also use ACTV buses (lines 2, 4L, etc.), which depart from Piazzale Roma.

From Marco Polo Airport (VCE): Direct express buses by ATVO and city buses by ACTV (line 15) will take you to the station in approximately 20–25 minutes.

From Treviso Airport (TSF): ATVO shuttles operate here; the journey takes about 40–50 minutes depending on traffic.

Public Transport and Taxis: Tram lines (T2) and numerous city bus routes pass near the station. A taxi rank is located right at the main exit; a trip within the Mestre district will take 10–15 minutes.

Services and Amenities

Venezia Mestre station offers a full range of services for a comfortable wait and transfer. The main hall houses both traditional ticket counters and numerous self-service kiosks (accepting cards and cash), where you can purchase tickets for Trenitalia and Italo trains.

Available to passengers are:

  • Waiting Areas: General seating zones and a specialised Freccia Club lounge for premium passengers.
  • Connectivity and Electronics: Free Wi-Fi (registration required) and charging points for gadgets.
  • Luggage: Paid luggage storage, which is particularly convenient for transit tourists wishing to explore the city.
  • Hygiene: Paid restrooms, maintained in a clean condition.
  • Assistance: Railway police office and support service for passengers with reduced mobility (Sala Blu).

Where to Eat

It is difficult to stay hungry within Venezia Mestre station and its immediate vicinity. Inside the building, there is a popular McDonald's, which is convenient for a quick and predictable meal. There are also several cafés (such as Chef Express) where you can enjoy a classic Italian espresso and have a fresh panini or croissant. The average bill for coffee and a sandwich will be around 5–8 Euros.

If you have at least an hour to spare, it is recommended to step out of the station building. On the street facing the station, Viale Stazione, there are numerous trattorias, pizzerias, and hotel cafés where you can have a more substantial lunch in a quiet atmosphere. Additionally, inside the building itself, there is a small supermarket and vending machines for purchasing water and snacks for your journey.

Station History

The history of railway connections in this area began in the mid-19th century, but the modern Venezia Mestre station took shape later, as a response to the rapid industrial and residential development of the Venetian mainland. The old station could no longer handle the flow, and in the early 20th century, a new passenger terminal was commissioned.

The station has been reconstructed and expanded multiple times, especially in recent decades, due to the launch of high-speed lines (Alta Velocità). Today, it is a strategically important facility: it is here that train flows separate, with some going to Trieste and Udine, and others heading across the causeway to historic Venice. Mestre acts as a "gateway," filtering the immense tourist traffic before it enters the fragile ecosystem of the lagoon.

Passenger Tips

Boarding Attention: Always check the track number (Binario) on the electronic board. Tracks may change a few minutes before the train arrives. Note that platform numbering may include additional tracks (for example, 1 Giardino), which are located to the side.

Tickets: If you have a paper regional ticket without a specific seat and time, it must be validated in the green or yellow machines before going to the platform. Fines for failure to validate are very high.

Safety: As with any major station, you should carefully watch your luggage and wallet, especially in crowds during boarding and in underground subways.

Station Distinction: Ensure you are getting off at the right place. Many tourists confuse Venezia Mestre (mainland) and Venezia Santa Lucia (island). If your hotel is in the historic centre, you need to travel to the final stop!

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