Pula to Venice tickets

About the ride from Pula to Venice

If you thought Pula, Croatia, was a taste of heaven, just wait until you reach Venice. From its stunning bridges to its iconic architecture, a picture is truly worth a thousand words when you arrive in "The City of Canals."

With only the Adriatic Sea between them, you can make the direct trip from Pula to Venice by purchasing a high-speed ferry ticket. However, you can save a little money by taking a bus and going around the Gulf of Trieste until you arrive in Venice. 

Buses are also more convenient because they connect daily no matter what time of year you go, whereas ferries are seasonal.

What is Venice like?

Venice has many nicknames, such as "The Floating City" and "The Queen of the Adriatic." There is a lot of water around Venice, so you'll have to take water taxis and water buses to get around.

Additionally, music can be found everywhere, from the classical tunes played at Piazza San Marco to the melodies floating over the water from passing gondolas.

Things to see in Venice

If you're going to Venice, your itinerary will be full. There is a lot to see and do in this magical city. Make sure you bring a map of all the canals to help you get around easily. Here are some of the top things you will want to do:

1. Go sightseeing: Start at Piazza San Marco (Saint Mark's Square) and admire everything around you, from the people to the majestic architecture. Then, check out the fantastic cathedrals at Saint Mark's Basilica and climb high into the Campanile Bell Tower.
   
   Next, head over to the Doge's Palace, a magnificent museum home to some of the most stunning views of Venice. But make sure you leave time for the Bridge of Sighs, Teatro la Fenice, and the Beach of Lido di Venezia.

2. Take a boat ride in Canal Grande: It's not called the "City of Canals" for nothing. Known as the Grand Canal (or Canal Grande), this boat ride takes you through the best parts of Venice and under the famous Ponte di Rialto Bridge.

3. Go on a gondola: Have you even been to Venice if you haven't been on a gondola ride? These small boats are perfect for a romantic ride on the canals, taking you through the city's oldest parts as your gondolier serenades you with the sounds of Italy.

4. Indulge your appetite at Mercati di Rialto: This popular market is located right on the Grand Canal and has the best foods Venice has to offer, including vegetables, fish, fruit, meat, and special spices.

Transportation from Pula to Venice

There are three primary ways to get from Pula to Venice:

1. Bus

2. Ferry

3. Bus + Ferry

The distance you travel is much different between the ferry and the bus. If you take a ferry, you will cut across the water, making the distance 141 km (88 mi). If you take a bus, you will be going around the Gulf of Trieste and through Slovenia, making the trip 284 km (174 mi).

Take a bus

The drive from Pula to Venice is about 4.5 hours. Tickets start around $56. 

Depending on the operator, they depart from the Pula Central Bus Station, the Pula Airport, and the Pula Central Train Station. They arrive at various points throughout Venice, so read the fine print when choosing your trip. 

Tickets cannot be changed after purchase.

Some amenities include: 

AC 

TV

Wheelchair accessibility

WiFi

Take a high-speed ferry

A high-speed ferry means you don't have to worry about traffic or stops between countries. It's a direct way to go and extremely relaxing as you glide across the water, watching the Venice coastline come into view. 

Be advised that ferries only transport passengers regularly during peak tourist season from June to September. And schedules are subject to change. A minimum of 120 tickets must be sold for the ferry to depart.

Prices start at $84, and the total travel time is 3.5 hours. 

All ferries have air conditioning and a baggage allowance of 10 kg (22 lb) plus one hand luggage per passenger. Extra luggage costs 5 euros per item. There is an additional fee for bicycles and/or pets.

Ferries depart from Pula Terminal Ferry and arrive at Venice Terminal San Basilio.

You get free cancellation/changes up to 24 hours in advance. There's a 50% fee for any cancellation/changes within 12 hours of departure.

Take a bus + ferry

This option is for those who wish to take a bus directly from their hotel in Pula to the port and then travel by high-speed ferry to Venice. Tickets start at $95. 

All amenities for the ferry are the same as those for a high-speed ferry, and schedules are subject to change.

What to know about the trip from Pula to Venice?

Before making the trip, you must have all the proper documentation. If you go by bus, you're going the long way and will be passing through not just Croatia and Italy but also Slovenia. 

Since all three countries are part of the Schengen Zone, you do not need to worry about obtaining new visas when traveling between countries.

When is the best time to visit Venice?

From a weather perspective, June to September is when the temperatures are as perfect as can be. Highs range from 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 30°C), and nights require a light jacket. There is a lot more sunshine during this time of year than in the winter, when it's cold and wet. 

If you plan to spend some time on the beaches, the only time to go is July and August, when Venice is the warmest.

If you want to avoid crowds, late spring and early fall are your best bet since they are right before and after the peak tourist season. Bring a jacket as it is a little cooler but it's still quite pleasant. 

Where should I go after Venice? 

After experiencing the beauty of Venice, keep working your way south in Italy and stop in Florence. Going from Venice to Florence will only take you approximately two hours by train or three to four hours by bus. 

Florence is a sightseeing treasure. It is most known for its stunning architecture and amazing art galleries. Stop and see the Uffizi Galleries, the Palazzo Vecchio, the Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence, and the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore.

If your ultimate goal is to get to Rome and Naples, Florence is the perfect stop to make along the way to make your vacation all the better.