Venice is a dream destination for people all over the world. It has beautiful canals, amazing architecture, winding streets, and a rich culture. From St. Mark's Basilica to the Rialto Bridge, there are countless things to do in Venice, but first, you need to get from the airport to the city center.
But there's a problem: Venice is in the middle of a lagoon, while you'll be landing on the mainland. So how do you get from the airport to Venice itself?
In this article, we'll go over your transportation options, including buses, water buses, taxis, and cars, and help you decide which one is best for you.
Venice has two airports: Treviso (TSF) and Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE). We'll focus on getting to Venice from Marco Polo Airport in this article, because most airlines arrive there.
How to get to Venice from the airport
The first three options on our list are land-based. It's important to know that f buses and cars can only take you as far as Piazzale Roma ("P.le Roma"). From there, you'll need to walk or take the Vaporetto to your final destination ... depending on where your accommodation is located.
Option 1: Bus
When it comes to taking the bus, you have two choices: the ATVO buses, which are from a private company, and the ACTV buses, which are public transportation buses.
The ATVO express buses run from Marco Polo Airport every half hour and take you straight to Piazzale Roma.
A bonus of the ATVO buses is that they have luggage storage underneath the bus, so you don't have to lug your bags up the stairs and onto the bus.
- Cost: €10 one-way or €15 return (round-trip).
- Time: 20 minutes
- Availability: You can buy tickets from the driver when you board, from the ticket office, or from ticket machines in baggage claim and near the ATVO bus stop. If you want to play it safe, buy your ticket online ahead of time.
ACTV Aerobus
The ACTV Aerobus is a safe and convenient way to get from the airport to the city center, and it's a public bus on a local route. Bus #5 runs between Marco Polo and Piazzale Roma, so if you're staying at a hotel along the main road from the airport to Venice, this is a great option for you.
Keep in mind that the ACTV buses have luggage racks in the seating area, so you'll have to carry your bags onto the bus.
- Cost: €1.50
- Time: 20-25 minutes, depending on traffic, number of stops, and time of day
- Availability: From around 4 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Option 2: Taxi
If you're looking for speed and don't mind spending a bit more, a taxi is the way to go. You won't make any stops along the way, and you'll get to Venice quickly.
- Cost: €40-€50, but prices may be higher depending on traffic, amount of luggage, or if you're traveling early in the morning or late at night. Make sure to confirm the price with the driver and that the meter is reset before you start the journey.
- Time: 15-25 minutes, depending on the traffic
- Availability: Taxis are available 24/7. You can grab one when you arrive at the airport.
Option 3: Airport transfer service
If you don't want to mess with finding a taxi or a bus, there are several airport transfer services that will pick you up at Marco Polo Airport and take you straight to Piazzale Roma.
Your driver will greet you in the arrivals hall with a sign with your name, help with your luggage, and then drive you to Venice.
- Cost: €32 and up
- Time: 15-25 minutes, depending on the traffic
- Availability: Any time of day, but must be booked online ahead of time
Option 4: Alilaguna Water Bus
The following options are water-based.
Alilaguna is the Italian company that operates the water buses between Marco Polo and Venice, and it's a scenic alternative if you aren't in a rush to get to your hotel. The trip takes about an hour and fifteen minutes, so it's a bit longer than the land bus.
When it comes to getting from the airport to Venice by boat, you have two choices: the Alilaguna water bus or a water taxi. The bright yellow Alilaguna water buses are easy to spot, and with a fleet of 34 boats, they can accommodate a lot of travelers and their luggage!
There are three routes to choose from, and the Red, Blue, and Orange lines each have different stops. If your accommodations are near a stop, the water bus might be a great option. It will save the walk from Piazzale Roma, where the land buses drop you off.
You can buy tickets in the arrivals area of the airport, and the boats are about a ten-minute walk away. If you have a lot of luggage, give yourself extra time to get to the dock. The water buses leave every hour, so they're not as frequent as the land bus, but they're still a reasonable option for a reasonable price. Plus, the scenery is better!
- Cost: €15 one-way or €27 round trip, which includes one big luggage and one hand luggage. Extra luggage costs €3 each. If you buy your tickets online ahead of time, the fare drops to €14 one-way and €25 return.
- Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
- Availability: Boats leave every hour
Option 5: Venice Airport Water Taxi
There are two types of water taxis: private and shared. If you're traveling solo, a private water taxi can be pricey. But it's worth every penny if you can afford it.
The biggest perk of taking a water taxi is that it'll take you as close as possible to your destination. This can be especially beneficial if you have a lot of luggage or if your hotel is far from Piazzale Roma.
Private Water Taxi
Water taxis are the most expensive way to get around, but they make arriving or departing from Venice a breeze. The standard service includes a meet and greet, so someone will be there to greet you at the arrivals hall and help you find your way to the water taxi. And the porterage service is included, so you don't have to worry about lugging your luggage around.
- Cost: A typical water taxi can run €200 and up, depending on your destination, time of day, and amount of luggage. For example, a private water taxi for up to 6 guests with 8 pieces of luggage costs €220.
- Time: 35-45 minutes
- Availability: Water taxis are available 24/7 at Marco Polo Airport, but they can get pretty busy during peak times, so it's best to book in advance.
ⓘ TIP: If you're traveling with others, the per-person cost may work out to be less expensive than some other options. Also, if you haven't pre-booked, be sure to negotiate the price before getting on board to avoid any extra charges.
If you're traveling solo and don't want to pay for a private water taxi, consider a shared water taxi. These taxis usually have a set rate starting at around €35. Just keep in mind that the pick-up spot is at the same pier as the water bus, so don't mix them up!
- Cost: €35 and up, depending on the time of day and amount of luggage
- Time: 50-100 minutes, depending on the route
- Availability: You can ask about water taxis at the taxi desk in the airport arrivals area or book one ahead of time.
Option 6: Vaporetto
ACTV also operates the vaporetti, or water buses, of Venice. There are 19 scheduled lines that operate in Venice, so it's easy to get around the city and visit Murano, Burano, and other nearby islands.
Although vaporetti don't run all the way to Marco Polo Airport from Venice, you can get a combined ticket that covers transportation to and from the airport and unlimited use of the water buses while you're in Venice.
- Cost: €9.50 for a single ticket. If you're staying in Venice for a few days, a multi-day pass for unlimited rides might be a better option.
- Time: Single tickets are good for 75 minutes each.
- Availability: Vaporetti runs regularly throughout the day and night.
What is the best way to go from VCE to Venice?
Ultimately, your final decision boils down to what's most important to you. Do you want to save money, save time, or just have a hassle-free experience? Here are some suggestions tailored to your specific needs.
Cheapest way to get to Venice from the airport
If you're looking for the best bang for your buck, taking a shuttle bus from the airport to Venice city center is the way to go. The fares are affordable and the trip is quick, making it a great choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Fastest way to get to Venice from the airport
Take a taxi if you're in a hurry and want to get to Venice city center as quickly as possible. It'll take you about 25 minutes, give or take depending on traffic.
Easiest way to get to Venice from the airport
If you're looking for a stress-free and convenient option, opt for a private water taxi. It will take you directly from the airport to your Venice hotel, with no stops in between.
Frequently asked questions about getting from Marco Polo Airport to Venice
Additional tips for a smooth journey
- Double-check ticket prices before taking a taxi, as they vary greatly depending on traffic conditions and how much luggage you have.
- If you're in a group, consider taking a water taxi for added convenience and comfort.
- Try to plan your journey ahead so that you know what bus or train timetables are like before making your trip. This will save you both time and money.
- Check for special offers or discounts before booking your tickets, as these can save you money.
- If traveling late at night, make sure to book a taxi in advance so that you don't have to wait too long after arriving at the airport.
- Finally, remember to enjoy your journey. Venice is a stunning destination with plenty of incredible sights and attractions, so make sure to take in the views along the way.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! You now know all about the different options for traveling from Marco Polo Airport to Venice city center. Whether you're looking for the most affordable option, the quickest route, or the most comfortable journey, you've got all the information you need to make the right choice for you. Just remember to book ahead and validate your tickets before boarding, and you'll be all set for an amazing trip to Venice.
All of these options apply for the reverse route in getting from Venice back to the airport, as well. Just be sure to leave plenty of time for the transfer. Ciao for now. Have a great visit to Venice!
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