Marco Polo International Airport (VCE) is the main airport serving Venice and the primary gateway for most tourists. It is the fifth busiest airport in Italy in terms of passenger traffic.
The airport is located in Tessera, on the mainland, just 13 kilometers by land and 8 kilometers by sea from Venice. The facilities are comprehensive and well-organized, offering all necessary services and excellent land and sea transportation connections.
Although Venice is an island, it is connected to the mainland by road, allowing access from the airport by car or bus.
However, it is important to note that cars are prohibited within the city itself. They can only reach Piazzale Roma, located next to Santa Lucia train station in the Santa Croce district. From there, you must use water transport to reach other parts of Venice.
You can also reach Santa Lucia train station by train from Mestre railway station, but this method is not recommended as it involves transfers, while other options are more direct.
By water, you can access different points in Venice directly from the airport, with travel times ranging from approximately 20 minutes to one hour, depending on the chosen method.
Many travellers arrive at Treviso Airport. If you are one of them, check this post for information on how to get from Treviso Airport to Venice.
How to Get from Marco Polo Airport to Venice City Center
1. By Bus
Taking a bus from Venice Marco Polo Airport to the city center is the cheapest option. It’s also convenient, though it lacks the charm of water transport.
Regular buses go directly to Piazzale Roma in about 20 to 25 minutes, making them ideal if your accommodation is nearby. If your destination is further away, you’ll need to walk (which can be inconvenient with heavy luggage) or take a Vaporetto (water bus) to other areas like San Marco, Rialto, or Dorsoduro.
ATVO Buses
Buses operated by the private company ATVO offer a fast and comfortable way to reach the heart of Venice.
To access the airport bus stop, exit through door D. Right in front, you’ll find the stop for buses to Piazzale Roma.
These modern buses are equipped with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and luggage space. ATVO’s Airport Shuttle, line 35 Express, reaches Piazzale Roma in approximately 20 to 25 minutes without any intermediate stops.
Buses run daily from the airport between 06:00 am and 01:10 am, and from Piazzale Roma to the airport between 04:20 am and 00:40 am
, with departures every 20 to 30 minutes, depending on peak hours and flight schedules.
You can check schedules on their official website: ATVO Official Website
For those staying in Mestre, ATVO offers a direct line to the town’s train station. Buses run from the airport between 06:10 am and 01:10 am, and from Mestre station to the airport between 04:20 am and 00:40 am.
Ticket Prices:
- $10 for a one-way trip
- $18 for a return trip (includes luggage)
Tickets can be purchased:
- Online via ATVO’s website
- At ticket offices and vending machines in the airport’s arrival area (near exit D)
- At various locations in Piazzale Roma and Mestre
Tickets are open-ended, not tied to a specific time, but must be validated before boarding using the machines at the stops.
Once at Piazzale Roma, you can:
- Walk to nearby neighborhoods like Santa Croce or Santa Lucia train station
- Take a Vaporetto to more distant destinations like San Marco or Rialto
At the airport and in Mestre, you can also purchase multi-day passes for Vaporetto use.
ACTV Buses
ACTV is the primary public transportation company in Venice, operating Vaporettos, city buses, and other services within the city and its metropolitan area.
For budget-friendly travel, ACTV buses are a good option, though they differ slightly from the ATVO express service. The main difference is that ACTV buses make intermediate stops, resulting in a longer journey.
However, they integrate well with Venice’s public transport system and offer combined fare options, ideal for those planning to use Vaporettos frequently.
The main ACTV bus line is the 5 AeroBus, departing from the same bus area near exit D as the ATVO buses. This service takes about 25 to 30 minutes to reach Piazzale Roma, with up to nine intermediate stops along the way.
Ticket Prices:
- $10 for a single bus ticket
- $18 for a return trip
- $18 for a combined ticket (bus + Vaporetto within 90 minutes from Piazzale Roma)
The AeroBus operates:
- From the airport between 04:08 am and 01:10 am
- From Piazzale Roma to the airport between 04:40 am and 01:05 am
During busy periods, buses run as frequently as every 15 minutes.
ACTV also operates lines 15 and 45 to Mestre’s center or train station, with fares identical to the AeroBus.
For full schedules and details, visit: ACTV Urban Lines
Tickets can be purchased at:
- Airport vending machines
- Venezia Unica ticket offices
- Via the official AVM Venezia app
- Online on the ACTV website
Vaporetto to Continue the Journey
In Venice, the streets are canals, meaning public transport operates by boat. Land access ends at Piazzale Roma, so any further travel requires the use of Vaporettos.
Operated by ACTV, Vaporettos function as water buses, the most popular way to get around Venice or visit nearby islands like Murano or Burano.
There are up to 25 different Vaporetto lines, each with unique schedules and stops. The most scenic route is from Piazzale Roma to Lido, traveling along the stunning Grand Canal.
Operating Hours:
- Daily departures approximately every 10 minutes, between 04:30 am and 00:30 am
Fares:
- $9.50 for a single ticket (unlimited travel for 75 minutes)
- Transportation passes for unlimited use: $25 for 1 day, $35 for 2 days, $45 for 3 days, $65 for 7 days
These passes include land transport on the mainland (excluding special lines).
Tickets can be purchased at Yellow pier booths, vending machines, ACTV ticket offices and online via the ACTV website.
Important: Remember to validate your ticket before boarding to avoid fines.
2. Water Bus (Alilaguna)
A scenic way to travel from the airport to the city center is with the Alilaguna water buses. This service follows fixed routes and offers both transportation and a unique tourist experience, with beautiful views of the Venetian Lagoon.
Alilaguna connects the airport directly with places such as San Marco, Rialto, Fondamenta Nuove and popular islands like Murano, Burano, Lido, and Torcello
While slower than land transport (30 minutes to nearly 2 hours) and slightly more expensive, Alilaguna is ideal for those staying near its stops or wishing to combine transportation with sightseeing.
Ticket Prices: $18 one-way and $32 return.
Purchasing Options:
- Online (recommended to avoid queues)
- Alilaguna ticket offices
- Vending machines in the arrivals hall
- Authorized resellers
The airport pier is about a 10-minute walk from arrivals, clearly signposted with blue signs.
Alilaguna Lines:
- Blue Line: Most popular, connects the airport with Murano (30 min), Lido (1 hour), San Marco (1.5 hours). Departures every 30 minutes from 05:20 am to 00:20 am.
- Orange Line: Travels along the Grand Canal to Santa Maria del Giglio, ideal for those near Rialto. Approximate time to San Marco: 1 hour 15 minutes, with departures from 08:35 am to 11:05 pm.
- Red Line: High season only (April to October), goes to Giudecca, hourly departures from 08:50 am to 05:15 pm.
For full schedules: Alilaguna Official Website
3. Traditional Taxi Service
For comfort and speed, taxis are an excellent option from the airport to Venice.
Land taxis can take you to Piazzale Roma, the only vehicle-accessible point in Venice. From there, continue on foot or by Vaporetto.
Recommended for:
- Late-night arrivals
- Travelers with bulky luggage
- Groups (cost-effective if fare is shared)
The main taxi company: Cooperativa Artigiana Radiotaxi
Fares:
- $40 to Piazzale Roma
- $35 to Mestre
- $45 to the cruise terminal
Extras:
- $1.20 per bag over 50 cm
- $3.20 for nighttime service (22:00–06:00) or public holidays
Taxis accept card payments (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) and PayPal. Always confirm the fare before your trip.
4. Water Taxi from the Airport
For a luxurious, romantic, and direct arrival, opt for a private water taxi.
These elegant boats can take you directly to many hotel doorsteps, navigating the canals with spectacular views.
Prices:
- Private taxi for 1–4 people: $100–$160 (approx. 30 minutes)
- Larger groups: Up to 10 passengers, surcharge of $10–$20 per extra person
Shared water taxi: Approx. $35 per person, with strategic stops like San Marco
You can book in advance through various companies specialised in these transfers, such as Consorzio Motoscafi Venezia, Consorzio Venezia Taxi, Venezia Turismo Società Consortile s.r.l., Consorzio Venezia Water Taxi or ATI Venice Two.
More info: Venice Airport Private Boat Services
Important: Provide your flight number and the exact address of your accommodation when booking.
Look for blue Water Transport signs at the airport to reach the pier, a 10-minute walk from arrivals.
5. Private Transfers from the Airport to the City Center
For the most comfortable and personalized travel experience, private transfers are an excellent option. They are ideal for groups of travelers, people with bulky luggage, those who prefer to avoid waiting times and multiple transfers.
You have two main options for private transfers:
- Car with a driver to Piazzale Roma, the last point accessible by land vehicles in Venice.
- Combined car and water taxi transfer directly to your hotel, ideal for avoiding long walks with luggage.
The complete car and water taxi transfer option is often the most convenient, as it takes you as close as possible to your final destination in Venice without the hassle of carrying luggage through narrow streets and bridges.
Prices may vary depending on the company and specific conditions.
6. Car Rental at the Airport
Visiting Venice by car is not recommended, as the city consists of small islands connected by canals and bridges, and is entirely pedestrian-friendly.
If you do not plan to leave the city, a car is not necessary.
Car rental is only practical if you want to explore nearby areas. In this case, you would need to park the car in nearby locations, such as Mestre or the parking lots near Piazzale Roma, which can be quite expensive.
You would then rely on public transport, such as buses, to travel within the city.
If you choose to rent a car from Venice Airport (Marco Polo) to the city center, several leading international car rental companies operate there, including Avis, Europcar, Hertz, and Sixt. Additionally, local companies like Sicily by Car, Italy Car Rent, Noleggiare, and Locauto are also available.
Rental offices are on the third floor of the P1 multilevel car park, accessible via a covered walkway from the arrivals area.
7. Car Sharing
Car sharing is a convenient alternative to traditional car rental services. Venice Airport participates in the Venice Car Sharing program, which offers a dedicated car pick-up and drop-off point with five reserved parking spaces located right in front of the departures terminal.
This service allows you to drive and park in Venice’s restricted traffic zones, use reserved lanes, park for free in paid blue-line spaces and ground floor car parks managed by KINTO.
For more information and reservations, visit: https://www.kinto-mobility.eu/it/it/kinto-share/en/venezia.