How to get from
Rovinj to Venice

About the ride from Rovinj to Venice

Rovinj is renowned for being a glorious Croatian city that some say gives you a small taste of Italy. So why not head to Venice and get the full course?

When connecting from Rovinj to Venice, taking a ferry is the most direct and cost-effective way to go. It takes just under three hours to make the journey. However, ferries only run 2-3 days per week during peak season, which runs from June to September. Schedules can also change.

If you want to travel by bus, it takes 4-5 hours to get from Rovinj to Venice. However, multiple daily connections make this a more flexible option.

What is Venice like?

With nicknames like “The City of Canals” and “The Floating City,” you get an early indication that Venice is surrounded by water. In fact, while most destinations require you to take cars and buses to move around the city, you will hop on boats and water taxis to navigate around Venice.

Venice has something for everyone. 

With so much history in art, music, religion, and architecture, one could argue three days is not enough. The best part of the city is the lively sounds, with gondola boats and musicians keeping you entertained as you stroll along the streets.

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 wonderful city. Make sure you bring a map, so you know where everything is and how to get around. 

Here are some of the top things you must do:

1. Go sightseeing: There is so much to see, so it’s best to wander and take it all in.
   
   

2. Start at Saint Mark’s Square and spend some time admiring everything around you, from the people to the majestic architecture.
   
   

3. Head to Piazza San Marco, where you will find some incredible art galleries.
   
   

4. Check out the amazing cathedrals at Saint Mark’s Basilica, and then climb high and experience the Campanile Bell Tower from above.
   
   

5. Head over to Doge’s Palace, a majestic museum home to some of the most stunning views of Venice.
   
   

6. Spend some time at the Bridge of Sighs, Teatro la Fenice, and the Beach of Lido de Venezia.

7. 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.

8. Go on a gondola: You can’t say you’ve truly experienced Venice unless you go on a gondola ride. These small boats are perfect for a romantic ride, taking you through the city’s oldest parts, where you will witness architecture and style like you’ve never seen before. Your camera will get a workout here. So will your ears, as some gondoliers will entertain you with the sounds of Italy.

9. Fulfill your appetite at Mercati di Realto: 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 Rovinj to Venice

A journey across the Adriatic Sea covers 120 km (75 mi). However, if you decide to bypass the ferry ride and go the road route, the distance is 267 km (165 mi). 

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

High-speed ferry

This is the best route if you travel anytime between June and September. There are 2-3 ferries per week, with prices starting at $84. The total travel time is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes.

It’s important to note that 120 tickets must be sold, or the ferry will be canceled.

Weather conditions can also affect the ferry schedule. 

All ferries leave the Rovinj Ferry Terminal and arrive at the Venice Terminal San Basilio.

High-speed ferry includes the following amenities:

1. A/C

2. Food & drinks

3. Pets and bicycles are allowed on board for a fee (payable at the terminal)

4. 10 kg bag and handbag per passenger (there is a fee for additional bags)

5. Free cancellation/changes 24 hours before departure. There is a 50% fee if changes are made within 12 hours.

Bus

This is a more flexible option if you don’t want to take a chance on your ferry ticket being canceled. Several buses depart daily from Rovinj Central Bus Station. There are various arrival stations throughout the city, so check each provider before purchasing your ticket.

Ticket prices start at $68. The total travel time depends on traffic and stops, but it is expected to be between 4-5 hours. A good option is taking an early morning bus to get to Venice in time for lunch or dinner.

Cancellations/changes are not allowed after purchasing a ticket. 

Bus + ferry

A bus+ferry option is ideal for those who desire to take a bus to the port and then travel by high-speed ferry to Venice. Like the high-speed ferry option, though, be wary that weather conditions and the number of tickets sold can affect reservations.

The total travel time is approximately five hours. Buses depart from a Rovinj hotel and arrive at Venice Terminal San Basilio.

All amenities for the ferry ride are the same as for a high-speed ferry. 

What to know about the trip from Rovinj to Venice.

No matter which route you take, you will be welcomed by the impressive scenery of the Adriatic Sea and Croatian and Italian landscapes. 

Once onboard, there is only one requirement before arriving in Venice: relax.

When is the best time to visit Venice?

The weather in Venice is as good as it gets between June and September. 

Expect days to be between 75°F to 85°F (24°F to 30°C) with some slightly cool nights. Bring a jacket for those late-night strolls along the water.

If you plan to visit the beaches, July and August are the best months.

The summer is peak tourist season, but the late spring and early fall are less expensive with fewer tourists. It’s a good time of year to go if you don’t mind the weather being a bit cooler. You will need a jacket, but it’s nowhere near as cold or wet as the winter months.