How to Get from Marco Polo Airport to Venice: All the Options
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Venice is a city like no other, with its winding canals, historic buildings, and unique way of life. But before you can start exploring, you need to know how to get from Marco Polo Airport to Venice.
This might seem daunting at first, especially if it’s your first visit. But fear not! There are several transport options available, each with its own advantages.
Whether you’re looking for the cheapest, the fastest, or the most comfortable way to travel, I’ve got all the information you need right here.
I’ll also give you tips on ticket prices, travel times, and what to expect on your journey. So sit back, relax, and let’s start planning your trip from Marco Polo Airport to the enchanting city of Venice.
How to Get from Marco Polo Airport to Venice: Overview of Transport Options
Before we dive into the various transport options, it’s important to note that Venice is served by two airports: Marco Polo Airport (VCE) and Treviso Airport (TSF). Marco Polo Airport is the main international airport for Venice, while Treviso Airport, located about 31 miles away, is often used by low-cost airlines.
If you’re reading this, you’re likely flying into Marco Polo Airport, the primary gateway to Venice. But if you find yourself at Treviso Airport, don’t worry! I have a separate article that covers all the details on how to get from Treviso Airport to Venice in case you are actually arriving there.
Now, let’s get back to Marco Polo Airport. Whether you’re on a budget, in a hurry, or looking for the most scenic route, there’s a transport option to suit your needs. These options include buses, taxis, water buses (also known as vaporettos), and water taxis. Each offers a unique experience and can make your journey to Venice an adventure in itself.
| Mode of Transport | Journey Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bus (Either ACTV or ATVO) | Between 20 and 45 minutes | €8 (single trip) / €15 (round trip) |
| Alilaguna Water Bus | Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes | €15 (single trip) / €27 (round trip) |
| Water Taxi | Speedy, depends on final stop | €120 to €130 (for up to 4 passengers) |
| Land Taxi | 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic, ends at Piazzale Roma | €40 (for up to 4 passengers) |
| Private Transfer | Quick | Depends on the hotel |
After landing at Marco Polo Airport and collecting your luggage, you might be wondering how to get to the docks to catch the Alilaguna Water Bus or a water taxi. Don’t worry, it’s quite straightforward.
Once you exit the baggage claim area, follow the signs for “Water Transport” or “Trasporti via Acqua”. These signs will guide you through the airport terminal and outside to a covered walkway.
This walkway, which is well-signposted and easy to follow, will lead you to the docks. The walk takes about 7 to 10 minutes, and the path is flat and smooth with a moving walkway making it easy to navigate even with luggage.
At the end of the walkway, you’ll find an escalator, stairs, and an elevator to take you down to the docks. The Alilaguna Water Bus and water taxis depart from the same area. There are ticket booths and a ticket machine for each operator here where you can purchase tickets if you haven’t already done so.
Remember, the Alilaguna Water Bus and water taxis are popular options, so there might be a queue, especially during peak travel times. It’s a good idea to allow plenty of time to buy your ticket and board your chosen transport.
Alternatively, if you are looking to arrive in Venice by car, driving to Marco Polo and parking your car there is a good option. There are plenty of garages that are close to the docks.
The Cheapest Way to Get to Venice from Marco Polo: Bus Service
If you’re looking to save some euros on your journey from Marco Polo Airport to Venice, then hopping on a bus might be your best bet. There are two bus companies that operate between the Marco Polo airport and Venice: ATVO and ACTV.
- ATVO Bus: The ATVO express bus service is a non-stop ride that takes you from Marco Polo Airport to Piazzale Roma, the main bus terminal in Venice, in about 20 to 25 minutes. ATVO shuttle buses depart every 30 minutes from early morning until midnight. ATVO buses cost €8 for a one-way ticket or €15 for a return ticket. You can buy tickets at the airport, either from the ticket vending machines in the baggage claim area, the ticket office in the arrivals hall, or at the ATVO bus stop outside the terminal. Remember to validate your ticket at the yellow machines before boarding the bus.
- ACTV Bus: ACTV is the public bus service in Venice. Bus number 5 runs from Marco Polo Airport to Venice Piazzale Roma. Buses leave every 15 minutes from early morning until late at night. The journey takes slightly longer than the ATVO bus, about 25 to 30 minutes, as it’s not a direct service. Tickets are the same price as the ATVO bus, €8 for a one-way trip or €15 for a return ticket. You can buy tickets in the arrivals area of the airport.
Once you reach Piazzale Roma, you’ll likely need to take a vaporetto (water bus) to reach your accommodation in Venice’s historical center.
The Easiest Option: Alilaguna Water Bus
If you’re looking for a more direct route to Venice from Marco Polo Airport, the Alilaguna Water Bus might be the perfect choice for you. While it’s a bit slower than the bus, taking around an hour to reach San Marco, it offers the convenience of not having to transfer at Piazzale Roma, depending on your final destination.
The Alilaguna Water Bus operates three separate lines: Linea Blu (Blue Line), Linea Arancia (Orange Line), and Linea Rossa (Red Line). Please note that the Red Line only operates from April to September. All lines depart from a well-signposted dock about a ten-minute walk from the airport arrivals terminal area.
Tickets for the Alilaguna Water Bus cost €15 for a one-way trip or €27 for a return journey. This price includes one suitcase and one small bag, with additional baggage costing €3 per item. You can purchase tickets from the public transportation desk in the arrivals area, from the manned ticket booths by the dock, or from the adjacent ticket machines.
The Alilaguna Water Bus Blue Line to San Marco operates from 5:20 a.m. to 12:20 a.m., with boats leaving approximately every hour. The Orange Line to Rialto operates from 8:35 a.m. to 11:35 p.m. The Red Line to Fondamante Nove, San Marco Giardinetti and the Lido starts at 8:35 and runs until 5:35 p.m. During high season, the queues can get quite long, so it’s a good idea to consider an alternative if you’re in a hurry.
With the Alilaguna Water Bus, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic journey as you make your way to the heart of Venice.
The Most Expensive Option: Water Taxi
For those who prefer a more luxurious and private journey from Marco Polo Airport to Venice, a water taxi is the way to go. While this option is more expensive, it offers a unique and memorable experience.
- Private Water Taxis: Imagine stepping into a private speed boat at the airport and being whisked directly to your hotel. Sounds fabulous, right? However, this luxury comes with a price tag of around €150, which can increase if you’re travelling late at night or have lots of luggage. You can book a private taxi at the taxi desk in the airport arrivals area. The pick-up point is at the same dock as the Alilaguna dock.
- Shared Water Taxi: If you’re traveling in a group or don’t mind sharing the ride with other passengers, a shared water taxi can be a more affordable option. The cost is around €35 per person depending on how many people you are sharing the ride with. Tickets can be arranged at the taxi desk in arrivals or at the pier. You can also book in advance online for a guaranteed place.
One of the main advantages of taking a water taxi is that the driver can drop you off at the pier closest to your final destination, or at the hotel directly if they have private water taxi access. This can be particularly beneficial if you have a lot of luggage or have mobility issues.
The Easiest Option: Taxi
Taxis offer a quick and convenient way to get from Venice Marco Polo airport to Piazzale Roma, the main bus terminal in Venice. The journey takes about 20 minutes and costs around €40. As always, it’s a good idea to confirm the price with the driver before you get in the taxi.
You can also use the taxi service to bring you to Mestre (€35) and the cruise ship terminal (€45).
The taxi ranks are located outside the arrivals terminal at Marco Polo Venice Airport, but you can also call a taxi if needed. (See the Radio Taxi website here) From Piazzale Roma, you’ll likely need to take a vaporetto to reach your accommodation in Venice’s historical centre.
While taking a taxi service might not be the cheapest or the most scenic option to reach Venice, it’s a reliable choice for late-night arrivals. With a taxi, you can rest assured that no matter what time you land at Marco Polo Airport, you’ll be able to reach your destination in Venice.
If your hotel is within walking distance from Piazzale Roma, then taking the land taxi is not a bad option at all if you prefer to not use public transportation.
The Ultra-Luxurious Option: Hotel Transfer Private Taxi
For those who value convenience and luxury above all else, some high-end hotels in Venice offer their own private water taxi service. This is the ultimate way to travel from Marco Polo Airport to Venice, offering a seamless and stress-free experience.
One such hotel is the renowned Hotel Cipriani. Guests of the hotel can arrange to be picked up directly from a private dock at the airport. From there, they are whisked away on a luxurious private motorboat, bypassing the crowds and queues entirely.
This journey not only offers unparalleled comfort and privacy, but it also provides stunning views of the Venetian Lagoon. As you glide across the water, you can sit back, relax, and watch as the iconic skyline of Venice comes into view.
Of course, this level of service comes with a hefty price tag. But for those who can afford it, it’s an unforgettable way to begin your Venetian adventure.
The Option That Makes No Sense: Train
You might be wondering about taking a train from Marco Polo Airport to Venice. After all, Italy has an extensive and efficient rail network. However, in this case, a train is not a practical option.
Here’s why: Marco Polo Airport doesn’t have its own train station. The nearest station is in Mestre, which is about 8 miles away. To get there, you’d need to take a bus or a taxi, which adds an extra step to your journey. Once you reach Mestre, you’d then have to catch a train to Santa Lucia station in Venice.
This means you’d be taking a bus or taxi, then a train, and possibly a vaporetto to reach your final destination. This not only takes longer but also involves more hassle than the other options we’ve discussed.
So, while it’s technically possible to take a train from Marco Polo Airport to Venice, it’s not a sensible choice. Stick with the bus, water bus, or taxi for a smoother and more straightforward journey.
That is, unless you are staying on the mainland in Mestre. In this case, it is sensible to take the bus or land taxi to Mestre and then go from the Mestre train station into Venice Santa Lucia station for the day before heading back to your hotel or hostel for the night.
How to Pay to Get from Venice Airport to Venice Proper
Knowing how to pay for your transport can save you time and stress when you arrive at Marco Polo Airport. Here’s a rundown of how to pay for each of the transport options we’ve discussed:
- Bus (ACTV or ATVO): Tickets for both the ACTV and ATVO buses can be purchased at the airport. There are ticket machines in the baggage claim area and a ticket office in the arrivals hall. You can also buy tickets at the bus stop outside the terminal. These machines and offices accept cash and credit cards.
- Alilaguna Water Bus: Tickets for the Alilaguna Water Bus can be purchased at the public transportation desk in the arrivals area, from the manned ticket booths by the dock, or from the adjacent ticket machines. These points of sale accept both cash and credit cards. You can also buy tickets online in advance.
- Water Taxi: For a private water taxi, you can book and pay at the taxi desk in the airport arrivals area. They accept cash and credit cards. For a shared water taxi, you can book and pay online in advance, or at the pier.
- Land Taxi: Land taxis operate on a meter, so you pay the driver at the end of your journey. Most taxis accept cash and credit cards, but it’s a good idea to confirm the payment method with the driver before you start your journey.
- Private Transfer: If you’re booking a private transfer, such as the service offered by Hotel Cipriani, you’ll typically pay in advance when you make your booking. The hotel will provide details on how to pay, which usually involves a credit card.
FAQ on How to Get from Marco Polo Airport to Venice
Are there Ubers in Venice?
No, Uber does not operate in Venice. The city’s narrow canals and pedestrian-only streets make traditional car services impractical. Instead, you can use water taxis or public boats called vaporetti to get around.
What is the cheapest way to get around Venice?
The most affordable way to get around Venice is by using the vaporetto, or water bus system. A single ticket costs €9.50 and is valid for 75 minutes. If you’re planning to use the vaporetto frequently, consider purchasing a travel card for unlimited travel within a certain time period. Of course, walking is the cheapest possible way to get around the city.
How to get to Marco Polo airport from Venice early in the morning?
If you need to reach Marco Polo Airport from Venice early in the morning, you have a few options. The ATVO and ACTV buses operate from early morning until late at night, and the Alilaguna Water Bus starts service at 6 a.m. For the most reliable service, consider booking a private water taxi or land taxi.
You can do this in advance if you need to leave before dawn to get to Venice airport from Venice island.
Another option is to stay at one of the many hotels near the Marco Polo airport the night before the flight so you don’t have to leave in the middle of the night.
Which airport is best for Venice city Centre?
Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) is the closest and most convenient airport for reaching Venice city centre. It’s located just 8 miles from the city and offers a range of transport options, including Alilaguna boats, land buses, and water taxis. Treviso Airport (TSF) is another option, but it’s further away and primarily serves low-cost airlines.
How to Get from Marco Polo Airport to Venice: Wrapping it Up
Navigating your way from Marco Polo Airport to the heart of Venice can seem like a daunting task, especially if it’s your first visit. But with a little bit of planning and the right information, it can be a breeze.
Remember, your journey from the airport is just the beginning of your Venetian adventure. Once you arrive in Venice, you’ll be rewarded with stunning architecture, rich history, delicious food, and a unique way of life that can’t be found anywhere else in the world.
So, pack your bags, book your tickets, and get ready for an unforgettable trip to Venice. I hope this guide on how to get from Marco Polo Airport to Venice has been helpful so you can pick the best option for your needs and travel style. Safe travels!
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Thank you so much for all of this information!!! I no longer feel lost on how to get from my flight to the docks and on to Venice 🙂