How to Get From Venice Train Station to San Basilio Cruise Terminal

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If you’re wondering how to go between the Venice train station (Santa Lucia) and the San Basilio Cruise Terminal, you’re not alone.

Map of Venice

Take a look at the map above. I created it after many visits to Venice and traipsing between cruise ports and the train station. Keep in mind that Venice has banned the really large cruise ships from their main cruise port, Maritima.

San Basilio is where many of the smaller passenger ships might dock. On my map, San Basilio is located right in the middle, just follow the green arrow on the top of the map.

If you arrive by train into Venice, you can see Santa Lucia station on the left side of the map. As you exit the station, there’s a Vaporetto stand right in front. Look for the #2 Vaporetto to San Basilio.

Before you exit the station you’ll find an information stand to grab a map. You can also purchase your Vaporetto ticket.

Exiting Santa Lucia station, the canal is directly in front of you.  If you can’t navigate the stairs, there are ramps on both sides of the station, just outside the doors.

At the bottom of the ramp or stairs, in front of you (see map again) are the floating boarding stations for the Vaporetto. Look for signs that read, “Ferrovia” – it means “train station” in Italian. On a return trip, you’ll leave your Vaporetto at the same place. Look for “Ferrovia” not “Santa Lucia Vaporetto”.

As I mentioned, you can purchase your ticket to San Basilio at the boarding area or in the station. Just ask the agent for a ticket to San Basilio Maritima.

Repeat: You want the #2 Vaporetto to get to San Basilio Cruise Terminal. It’s about a 25 minute boat ride to the port.

How to Go From San Basilio Cruise Terminal to Santa Lucia Train Station

The procedure is almost the same in reverse.

Your cruise line may or may provide a shuttle when you exit the ship. Most likely you will be told that you can claim your luggage at the main building.

The main entrance/exit door is at the far end of the cruise terminal.

When exiting, you will be headed in the direction of the pathway that leads to the Venice.  A small foot bridge is located just a few yards from the entrance.  Just after you cross the foot bridge, you’ll be at the San Basilio Vaporetto stop.

What to do if you need a #2 Vaporetto ticket to reach the Santa Lucia train station?

Walk past the Vaporetto platform and continue straight along the waterfront for about 10 minutes. Look for the vaporetto stop named, “Zattere”. Tickets are sold at Zattere.

To be sure to get the correct ticket, be sure to find the word, “Ferrovia” – remember it’s “train station” in Italian.  If your ship is docked at San Basilio for the night, it’s a good idea to do a pre-departure walk to Zattere and test that you know where to go. You may even be able to purchase your ticket early.

Same as before, you’ll have about a 25-minute boat ride to Santa Lucia. Be sure to leave the boat at “Ferrovia”. If everyone on board suddenly grabs their luggage, you can bet you are arriving at Ferrovia.

How to Walk From Santa Lucia To/From San Basilio

In theory, you can walk between Santa Lucia train station and San Basilio cruise terminal.  Not a bad idea if you didn’t have any luggage. But if you are hauling a suitcase or two, there are several bridges with plenty of stairs. You have to go up, across and then down.

Despite what you hear that it’s fun to get lost in Venice, it loses its allure when your on a timetable and have to get to your train or ship.

First check into your ship and then go out for a walk.  Same goes for once you’ve arrived at the train station. Find the luggage lockers and go for a walk, but only if you have plenty of time to spare.

What is There to Do at Santa Lucia Station?

There’s not too much to do. You’ll find a small café way all the way at the left side of the train platform, as you face the platform. People come and go very quickly so there is a chance you’ll find a place to sit. I’d suggest to look for seating just outside the café.

As I tell everyone, don’t arrive at any train station in Europe more that 30 minutes before boarding. Unless of course you want to check your luggage and go for a walk. At origination stations like Venice, Rome or Milan, boarding could begin about 15 minutes before departure.

Remember to keep your eye on your belongings and keep your hand on your suitcase handles. Enjoy the ride!