How to Get from Venice Airport to Venice City: 6 Different Ways

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Venice is one of the most beautiful and unique cities in the world, and getting from the Venice airport to Venice city can be a memorable experience in itself.

Venice’s Marco Polo Airport (VCE), named after the famous Venetian explorer, serves as the main gateway for travelers arriving by air. The airport is located about 13 kilometers (8 miles) from Venice, making it relatively easy to access the historic city.

As one of Italy’s busiest airports, with millions of travelers passing through each year, it offers a variety of transportation options to suit different budgets and preferences.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through six different ways to get from the Venice airport to Venice city, helping you choose the best option based on your needs.

Need a hotel near the airport for either your first or last night in Venice? 🏨 Click here to check out my recommendations for the very best places to stay near Marco Polo Airport! ✈️

Where is Marco Polo Airport?

Marco Polo Airport is located on the mainland in the Tessera area, just north of Venice. It’s conveniently situated near the city, making it a short trip to reach Venice’s iconic canals.

The airport is easily accessible and offers connections to several major European cities, making it a popular hub for both international and domestic flights.

Whether you’re staying near the famous St. Mark’s Square or in one of Venice’s quieter neighborhoods, getting from the airport to the city center is straightforward.

a boat on the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy

Overview of Transit Options from Venice Airport to Venice City

Since Venice is a car-free city, all road transportation (buses, land taxi, car service, etc.) goes to Piazzale Roma and no farther. To get deeper into the city, you’ll need to transfer to a vaporetto (water bus) at Piazzale Roma. Keep that in mind when you’re looking at the trip durations listed below.

Transit Type	Price	Trip Duration	Hours of Operation
Alilaguna Boat	€15	45–90 min (depending on stop)	Varies by line (Blue, Orange, and Red)
ACTV Bus (Line 5)	€10	20–25 min (to Piazzale Roma)	4:08 AM – 12:40 AM
ATVO Shuttle	€10	20 min (to Piazzale Roma)	5:20 AM – 12:20 AM
Water Taxi	€100–150	30-45 min	24/7
Land Taxi	€40–50	15 min (to Piazzale Roma)	24/7
Private Car/Van	€50–120	15–20 min (to Piazzale Roma)	Varies by company

6 Ways to Get from Venice Airport to Venice City

There are six main ways to travel from Venice Marco Polo Airport to Venice city. Each option offers different benefits, depending on where you’re staying and your budget. Let’s take a look at each in more detail.

1. Alilaguna Boat

For a truly Venetian experience, the Alilaguna boat is one of the best ways to travel from the Venice airport to Venice city. Alilaguna is a public water transport service that operates several lines connecting the airport to various points throughout Venice.

Where to buy tickets: You can purchase tickets online (you get a voucher that has to be exchanged for tickets at a ticket office) or at the airport at the Alilaguna ticket office (in the arrivals area) or at the ticket windows that are out at the docks.
Cost: A single ticket costs around €15 per person.
Duration: Depending on your destination, the trip can take between 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.
Frequency: Alilaguna boats leave the airport about 2 times per hour (depending on which line).
Where to go: The Alilaguna boats depart from a dock just a short walk from the terminal. Follow the signs for “Water Transport” to get there.
Drop-off points: Alilaguna lines have multiple stops, including Fondamente Nove, San Marco, and Murano.
Best for: Travelers staying near major attractions like St. Mark’s Square or those who want to arrive in style by boat.
Which Line to Take: Click here to see the routes and figure out which line (Blue, Orange, or Red) you should take to get where you want to go,

^{Tessera – Mercedes-Benz O530G Citaro G bus #404 on line No. 5 at the Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE/LIPZ). Photo by Andrzej Otrębski, 11 December 2019, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Image cropped from its original version.}

2. City Bus – ACTV, Line 5

Another affordable option to get from Venice airport to Venice city is the ACTV city bus, specifically Line 5. This public bus is part of Venice’s public transportation system and can be a convenient choice if you’re staying near Piazzale Roma.

The ACTV bus makes stops between the airport and Piazzale Roma, however. If you’d prefer a direct route with no stops, consider taking the ATVO bus instead (see below).

Where to buy tickets: Tickets are available at the airport, at ACTV machines, or online. If you’re purchasing a vaporetto pass, it can also include bus rides.
Cost: A single ticket costs about €10 per person.
Duration: The bus ride takes around 20-25 minutes.
Frequency: The ACTV Line 5 bus leaves the airport 2–3 times per hour, depending on the time of day.
Where to go: The bus stop is located just outside the terminal. Look for signs indicating ACTV buses.
Drop-off point: The bus will drop you off at Piazzale Roma, the main transport hub in Venice.
Best for: Travelers staying near Piazzale Roma, or those looking for an affordable option with connections to the vaporetto system.

*Piazzale Roma, where all ground transportation into Venice ends*

3. Airport Bus – ATVO Express Shuttle

The ATVO Express Shuttle is another bus option, but it’s a direct, nonstop service between Venice Marco Polo Airport and Venice city, making it slightly faster than the ACTV Line 5.

Where to buy tickets: Tickets are available online or at ATVO ticket machines inside the airport.
Cost: A single ticket costs around €10 per person.
Duration: The journey takes approximately 20 minutes.
Where to go: The ATVO bus stop is located outside the terminal, clearly marked for easy access.
Frequency: The ATVO Express Shuttle bus leaves the airport about 1–2 times per hour, depending on the time of day.
Drop-off point: Like the ACTV bus, the ATVO shuttle also drops passengers off at Piazzale Roma.
Best for: Those who want a quick, direct transfer without multiple stops, and travelers staying near Piazzale Roma.

4. Water Taxi

If you’re looking for a more private and direct option, a water taxi is the most luxurious way to travel from Venice airport to Venice city. While it’s pricier than other options, it’s perfect for those who value convenience and comfort.

Where to buy tickets: You can pre-book water taxis online or head to the ticket counter at the airport.
Cost: Expect to pay between €100 and €150 per ride, depending on your destination.
Duration: The trip usually takes 30 to 45 minutes, depending on where you’re staying.
Where to go: Water taxis depart from the same dock as the Alilaguna boats.
Drop-off points: Water taxis can drop you off directly at your hotel’s private dock, or the nearest canal.
Best for: Travelers looking for a private, convenient, and scenic arrival in Venice.

5. Land Taxi

For those who prefer staying on dry land, a traditional land taxi is an option, although it only takes you as far as Piazzale Roma, where Venice’s car-free zone begins.

Where to buy tickets: Taxis are available right outside the terminal, or you can book in advance.
Cost: A land taxi ride costs between €40 and €50.
Duration: The trip takes around 15 minutes to either Piazzale Roma or the cruise port.
Where to go: The taxi ranks are located just outside the arrivals terminal.
Drop-off point: Taxis drop passengers off at Piazzale Roma or the cruise port, if that’s where you’re headed.
Best for: Travelers staying near Piazzale Roma or looking for a fast and straightforward transfer to Venice.

6. Private Car/Van Service

For larger groups or those who want a stress-free transfer, private car or van services can be pre-booked and offer service from Marco Polo Airport to Piazzale Roma or the cruise port.

Where to buy tickets: Book online; I recommend the company Treviso Car Service.
Cost: Prices range from €50 to €120, depending on the size of the vehicle and the destination.
Duration: The drive to Piazzale Roma or the cruise port takes about 15-20 minutes.
Where to go: Your driver will meet you in the arrivals area of the airport.
Drop-off points: Private car services drop passengers off at Piazzale Roma or Tronchetto (near where the Venice cruise port is).
Best for: Groups, families, or travelers with lots of luggage who want a comfortable and easy transfer.

Best Transit Options from Venice Airport to Venice City Based on Where You’re Staying

Staying near St. Mark’s Square: The Alilaguna boat is a scenic and convenient option.
Staying near Piazzale Roma: The ACTV or ATVO buses are the most direct and affordable ways to get from the Venice airport to Venice city.
Staying in a quieter area: Water taxis can drop you closer to off-the-beaten-path hotels, and private car services are also useful if you’re staying on the mainland or heading to the cruise port.

How to Get Back to Marco Polo Airport from Venice

When planning your return trip from Venice to the airport, timing is key. The Alilaguna boat can be slow and may fill up during busy hours, so make sure to give yourself at least 2 hours to get to the airport if you’re using this option.

You might want to consider spending your last night in Venice at a hotel close to the airport to make your departure morning less hectic. You can check out my recommendations for accommodations near the airport by clicking here.

For early morning flights, the ATVO express bus or a private car service can be a good choice to ensure you don’t miss your flight, as long as you can easily get to Piazzale Roma—vaporetti don’t start running until around 5:00 AM, so you won’t easily be able to get to Piazzale Roma unless it’s within walking distance.

Water taxis are also a convenient, though expensive, option for travelers who want a direct route without any hassle.

FAQs

Venice Airport General Information

How big is the Venice airport? Marco Polo Airport is medium-sized but busy, handling over 11 million passengers annually.
What is the airport code for Marco Polo Airport? The code is VCE.
What city is Marco Polo Airport in? It’s in Tessera, on the mainland near Venice.
What is the address of the Venice airport? Viale Galileo Galilei, 30/1, 30173 Tessera, Venice, Italy.
How many terminals does Marco Polo Airport have? There is one main terminal.

Airport Operations & Airlines

How busy is the Venice airport? Venice airport is one of Italy’s busiest, especially in summer.
What time does the Venice airport open? The terminal is open 24/7.
How early do I need to arrive at the Venice airport before my flight? It’s recommended to arrive 2-3 hours before international flights.
What airlines fly into Marco Polo Airport? Airlines like Alitalia, easyJet, Ryanair, and Lufthansa serve VCE.

Transportation to/from the Airport

How long does it take to get from the airport to the city? The duration depends on the mode of transport, ranging from 15 minutes (taxi) to over an hour (boat).
How far is Venice airport from the cruise port? It’s about 14 kilometers, or a 20-minute taxi/car service ride.
How do I get to Venice airport early in the morning? See the information above (“How to Get Back to Marco Polo Airport from Venice”) about what to take into consideration when planning your transit to Marco Polo Airport from Venice city.
How do I get to San Marco/St. Mark’s Square from the Venice airport? The Alilaguna boat (Red line) is the most direct route.

Services & Amenities at Venice Airport

What food options are available at the Venice airport? There are several cafes and restaurants available. Click here to see the Food & Beverage page on the Marco Polo Airport official website.
What shops are there in the Venice airport? There are many retail stores and duty-free shops in the airport. Click here to see the Retail page on the Marco Polo Airport official website.
What is there to do near Marco Polo Airport? Here are some nearby (and relatively nearby) options:

📍 Tessera

Tessera, a small town with its main center just 1 km from Marco Polo Airport, serves as a quiet and convenient spot for visitors seeking accommodation or local dining away from the more crowded areas of Venice. Despite its proximity to the airport, Tessera retains a local, residential feel.

One of the best ways to experience Tessera is by enjoying its local trattorias (restaurants) and cafés, where you can savor traditional Venetian dishes. Additionally, Tessera offers some lovely walking and cycling paths, perfect for those looking to enjoy the Veneto countryside before (or after) diving into the bustle of Venice.

📍 San Giuliano Park

Situated just a few kilometers from the airport, this expansive park is one of the largest green spaces in the Venice area. It features walking and biking trails, playgrounds, and areas for picnics. The park offers stunning views of the Venetian skyline and the surrounding lagoon.

📍 Museo Archeologico di Altino

In Quarto d’Altino, which is about 10 km (about 15 minutes by car) from Venice’s Marco Polo Airport, you can find the Museo Archeologico di Altino. The museum offers a fascinating look into the Roman history of the Veneto region, making it a great stop for those interested in ancient archaeology while visiting the area near the airport. The easiest way to reach the museum is by taxi or rental car, though the ACTV bus (Line 19) can also get you close to the museum in about 30 minutes.

📍 Treviso

About 30 minutes by bus or taxi from the airport, the charming town of Treviso is known for its beautiful canals, medieval architecture, and historic city center. Key attractions include:

Piazza dei Signori: The main square, surrounded by elegant buildings and cafes, is a great place to relax and enjoy the local atmosphere.
Cathedral of Treviso: This beautiful cathedral is a stunning example of religious architecture, housing remarkable frescoes that depict biblical scenes, creating a serene and spiritual atmosphere. The most significant artwork is Titian’s painting of the “Annunciation,” located in the Malchiostro Chapel. The cathedral also has an impressive crypt, dating back to the Romanesque period, which adds to the historical depth of the building.

📍 Murano Island

While not directly next to the airport, Murano is easily accessible by water taxi or Alilaguna boat. Famous for its glass-making heritage, visitors can explore glass factories, museums, and shops showcasing exquisite glass art. Key sites include:

Museo del Vetro (Glass Museum): This museum showcases the history of glass-making in Murano, featuring fascinating exhibits and beautiful glass artworks.
Basilica di Santa Maria e San Donato: This historic church is known for its stunning mosaics and a beautiful interior, providing a glimpse into the island’s history.

Accommodations Near Venice Airport

Where to stay near the Venice airport? Check out this blog post to see my picks for the seven best places to stay near Marco Polo Airport.

Wrap-up — How to Get from Venice Airport to Venice City

With so many transportation options available, getting from Venice airport to Venice city can be both convenient and memorable.

Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly bus ride, a scenic boat trip, or the luxury of a private water taxi, each choice has its own advantages depending on your location and travel style.

By planning ahead and selecting the best option for your needs to get from Venice airport to Venice city, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free journey, setting the tone for an incredible stay in Venice. Happy travels!