If you want to see Croatia and Italy in one trip, a day trip from Pula to Venice might be a good option!
A day trip from Pula to Venice is a great way to experience both Croatia and Italy in one go. Venice isn’t too far from Istria, making it a super popular spot to visit. With its beautiful canals, rich history, and must-see attractions, it’s a bucket-list destination that’s easy to reach from Pula. Whether you prefer driving, using a bus, or the scenic journey by ferry, there’s a perfect option for everyone.
I’ve done several day and weekend trips from Croatia to Venice, so keep reading to find out the best way to go from Pula to Venice, and what to do once you’re there!
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TRANSPORTATION FROM PULA TO VENICE
There are three main ways of traveling from Pula to Venice for a day trip: by car, bus, or ferry. Each offers different experiences, travel times, and prices — so choose what best fits your travel style. Here are your best options:
| Transport Method | Travel Time | Price Range | Pros | Cons |
| Car | 3 hours | €50-€100 | Flexibility, Scenic Stops | Parking in Venice, Possible Border Delays |
| Bus | 4-5 hours | €25-€50 | Budget-friendly, No Driving Stress | Longer Travel Time, Fixed Schedule |
| Ferry | 3.5-4.5 hours | €80-€400 | Scenic Adriatic Views, Direct Arrival to Venice | Expensive, Seasonal only |
Travelling from Pula to Venice by car
Driving from Pula to Venice is the easiest and most flexible way to travel. Not only is it the fastest option, but you can also make stops in Ljubljana or Trieste along the way. If you drive straight to Venice, it takes about three hours, so if you leave in the morning, you’ll have the whole day to explore and make the most of your trip!
While driving is the fastest and most flexible option, there are a few downsides. Venice is mostly car-free, so you’ll need to park at either the Tronchetto or Piazzale Roma garages and walk into the city. Parking costs around €25-€35 per day, but from Tronchetto, you can reach Venice in under 10 minutes, and from Piazzale Roma, it’s just a quick 2-minute walk.
You can also drive to Mestre, a small town near Venice, where daily parking is more affordable, starting at around €15. From there, just hop on a quick train to Venice—it costs only €1.50 and takes less than 10 minutes!
We usually drive to Venice because it’s quick, comfortable, and easy. If we’re just visiting for a few hours, we park at Tronchetto and walk into the city. But for a weekend trip, we stay in Mestre and leave the car there. It’s always fun taking the train into Venice!
Travelling from Pula to Venice by bus
If you’re looking for a cheaper way to get from Pula to Venice, taking the bus is a great option. It’s not a direct route, so the trip takes a bit longer, usually around 5 to 6 hours. However, the tickets on FlixBus are usually just €25-€30 one way, so it’s cheaper than other options.
While a 6-hour bus ride isn’t the most comfortable, you won’t have to worry about extra costs like gas, tolls, or parking. So if you’re traveling on a budget, this is definitely the best way to go!
Travelling from Pula to Venice by ferry
Taking the ferry is the most scenic way to travel from Pula to Venice, but it’s also the most expensive. During the summer, ferries run daily, making it easy to plan a day trip. However, I’d highly recommend staying the night and returning the next day to make the most of your visit.
If you can’t find ferry tickets from Pula, don’t worry, there are also ferries from Rovinj and Porec, both of which are just a short drive away!
Ferry operator Kompas runs regular services from May to September, with travel times ranging from 3.5 to 4.5 hours. As for prices, tickets start at around €85 and can go up to €400, depending on the season and ticket type. It’s definitely not the cheapest option, but if you’re looking for a unique and scenic experience, it’s well worth it!
PULA TO VENICE TRAVEL TIPS
Make sure to bring your passport and travel documents. While Croatia is in the Schengen Zone and there are no official border controls between Croatia, Slovenia, and Italy, there can still be random checkpoints where you might need to show your documents.
Book ferry and bus tickets in advance, especially during summer. This is a very popular route, so be sure to book your tickets in advance!
Start your day early to make the most of your time in Venice. Grab the earliest bus or ferry, or just start your drive early so you arrive as soon as possible. There’s plenty to see in Venice, don’t let your time go to waste!
Wear comfortable shoes, Venice is best explored on foot. While it is fun getting on a Vaporetto or in a gondola, the charm of Venice is in its streets, and you need to explore them on foot.
If you’re driving, consider parking in Mestre and taking a train into the city. Mestre is much cheaper, and reaching Venice by train is a lovely experience.
If there aren’t any tickets available from Pula, check the ferries from Rovinj or Porec since they both have ferry connections with Venice.
PULA TO VENICE FERRY DAY TRIP ITINERARY
Morning
Arrive at the Pula ferry port about an hour before departure to grab the best seats and enjoy the beautiful scenery during the 3.5-hour ride. I highly recommend taking the earliest ferry available—7 a.m. if you’re traveling with Kompas. This way, you’ll arrive in Venice around 10:30, giving you plenty of time to explore!
When you arrive at the San Basilio port, take a walk along the seafront promenade all the way to the Basilica Santa Maria della Salute. After admiring the stunning church, head over to Ponte dell’Accademia, one of Venice’s most iconic bridges. Once you cross the bridge, explore the city on foot and take in its many famous landmarks.
Make sure to visit some of the must-see attractions like Piazza San Marco, Saint Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, the Bridge of Sighs, and Ponte di Rialto. If you’re looking for a more detailed plan, here’s an itinerary to help you make the most of your time in Venice!
Afternoon
Use the afternoon for a late lunch and explore some of the amazing trattorias in Venice, but be careful not to fall into the tourist traps—there are plenty of them! If you’re in the mood for something quick and tasty, grab a pizza at Farini. It’s our go-to spot when we visit, especially because we prefer spending most of our time walking around Venice.
In the late afternoon, around 4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., the ferries typically head back to Pula, so make sure to arrive at the port on time!
FAQ
Can you do a day trip to Venice from Pula?
Yes, you can easily do a day trip from Pula to Venice by car or ferry. If you choose to go by bus, though, I’d recommend spending at least one night in Venice since the bus ride is much longer than the other two options. This way, you’ll have more time to enjoy the city!
Is it worth going to Venice for a day?
Yes! Even though you’ll only have a few hours in Venice on a day trip, it’s enough time to see the main landmarks. After checking them out, you can spend the rest of your time wandering through the charming streets of Venice!
How long is the Pula to Venice Ferry ride?
The ferry ride takes about 3.5 hours to arrive from Pula to Venice. Make sure you arrive on time, around 1 hour before departure.
How much does ferry ticket from Pula to Venice cost?
The price of ferry ticket ranges from 80 Euros up to 400 euros, depending on what kind of ferry and seat you want. It’s definitely not a cheap option, but it’s a unique and memorable one.
