Are you about to land at Marco Polo Airport and wondering how to get to the heart of Venice in the easiest way possible? You’ve come to the right place.
In this guide, you will find everything you need to get to the city center without stress and with the solution that best suits you.
Whether you want to spend little, travel comfortably, arrive quickly, or enjoy a first taste of the lagoon by boat, there is the right option for every need.
How far is Venice Airport from the city center?
Let’s start by answering a question: how far is Venice airport from the city center?
Venice Marco Polo Airport is located about 13 km from the city center, but be aware that reaching Venice is not like arriving in any other city.
Here, traditional roads and taxis stop at Piazzale Roma, the last point accessible by car. From there on, you travel by water. That’s why choosing the right means of transport can make the difference between a relaxed arrival and a race with your luggage across bridges and narrow streets.
Continue reading to discover every option — buses, vaporetto water buses, water taxis, private transfers — with updated costs, travel times, advantages, and disadvantages.
Overview with options for getting to Venice city center from the airport
Getting to Venice from Marco Polo Airport is not complicated, but it can be confusing if you don’t know what to expect.
The reason? Venice is a unique city, with no cars or roads like other cities: here you get around on foot or by water.
And before you can enjoy the magic of the canals, you’ll need to decide how to get to the city center.
The main ways to get from the airport to the center of Venice are as follows: private transfer, bus, shared water taxi, private water taxi, vaporetto (Alilaguna), taxi by road and train (via Mestre).
Each has its advantages: some are cheaper, others offer better views, while others are convenient if you have a lot of luggage or are tired after a long journey.
To help you choose, consider three key factors:
- Budget: costs range from €8 to over €130.
- Time: It will take you between 20 minutes and over an hour, depending on your chosen mode of transport and the location of your hotel.
- Experience: Do you want to save money, be practical, or get started right away with a boat trip?
In the next few chapters, I will guide you through each option, with step-by-step instructions, up-to-date prices, and personal advice on when it really makes sense to choose one solution over another.
Table comparison
| Means of transport | Price (one way) | Average time | Arrival point | When is it appropriate? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bus | from €10 | 20 min | Piazzale Roma | If you want to spend little and be quick |
| Transfer | from €13 | 20–25 min | Piazzale Roma or hotel (with boat option) | If you want to book everything in advance |
| Alilaguna (water bus) | from €18 | 70–80 min | Near San Marco or Rialto (depends on line) | If you want to enjoy the lagoon experience |
| Shared water taxi | from €39 | 25–30 min | In front of hotel (if accessible by water) | If you want comfort and low-stress travel |
| Private water taxi | from €180 (6 people) | 25 min | In front of hotel (if accessible by water) | If you want luxury and zero hassle |
| Taxi on wheels | €40 (fixed rate) | 20–25 min | Piazzale Roma | If you arrive late or in a group |
| Bus + Train | €11.45 | 30–40 min | Venezia S. Lucia | If you are staying near the station or Mestre |
How to get from Marco Polo Airport to Venice
By bus
The cheapest way to get to Venice
If you are looking for convenience at an affordable price, the bus is one of the most popular ways to travel between Venice city center and Marco Polo Airport. It is direct, fast, and without transfers, perfect if you want to avoid confusion or don’t have time to waste.
The service departs from Piazzale Roma, right on the edge of Venice’s pedestrian zone, and takes you to the airport terminal in about 40 minutes. ATVO buses are modern, equipped with free WiFi on board, and run every 20 minutes throughout most of the day.
Each ticket (starting from €10) includes one large piece of luggage per person (85x45x25 cm). The journey is generally regular, but may vary depending on traffic, so if you have a flight to catch, it is best to leave a little early.
The starting point is easy to find: just go to Piazzale Roma, ATVO sector 1, near the newsstand and in front of the tram platform. ATVO buses are white with a clearly visible black logo. You can show your ticket directly from your smartphone when you board.
It is the ideal choice if:
- Want to save money without sacrificing comfort?
- Do you have a hotel near Piazzale Roma or can you easily reach it?
- Traveling with little luggage
- You don’t mind sharing the vehicle with other passengers
A shuttle every 20 minutes, no changes, and one of the lowest fares: for many, it’s the perfect solution for starting or ending their trip to Venice without stress.
Venice Airport transfer
For those who don’t want to think about anything
If you want to get to the center of Venice without having to worry about anything, the Vaporetto Pass with AeroBus transfer included is the smartest option.
It’s perfect if you want to get to the city from the airport and then move freely between streets, islands, and neighborhoods without having to buy a ticket every time.
This special ticket includes transfer to and from Marco Polo Airport via the ACTV Line 5 AeroBus (departing from Piazzale Roma or directly outside the arrivals area), and offers unlimited access to ACTV vaporetti and buses throughout Venice, Lido, Murano, Burano, Mestre, and Marghera.
You can choose between different durations: from 75 minutes, 1 day, 2 days, 3 days or even 7 days, with prices starting from $13. If you select the Trenitalia option, use of regional R and RV trains within the municipality of Venice is also included.
Once you have purchased your ticket, simply convert your voucher by entering the PNR code (below the QR code) at one of the ACTV ticket machines located at the airport or in Piazzale Roma. If you encounter any problems, please contact the Venezia Unica sales points.
It is the right choice if:
- Want to avoid buying tickets every time you board a vehicle?
- Are you planning to visit more areas or islands?
- Want to get from the airport to the city center for less, without sacrificing convenience?
In short, with a single pass, you can go anywhere and start experiencing Venice like a local. Ideal for those who are staying for several days, love to get around freely, and want everything within easy reach.
Alilaguna water bus
The most scenic way to get to Venice city center from Marco Polo Airport
If you are looking for a convenient and scenic way to get to the center of Venice, without stress and without having to change vehicles, Alilaguna is the right choice. It is a public vaporetto service that connects Marco Polo Airport with the main points of the lagoon, including Piazza San Marco, Rialto, Murano, Giudecca, and the Lido.
The journey takes an average of 50 minutes, depending on the line and where you get off, but it is definitely one of the most evocative and authentic ways to start your Venetian adventure. On board, you can relax and enjoy the view as you glide across the water towards the city.
There are three Alilaguna lines (blue, orange, and red—the latter temporarily suspended), with regular departures every day. The service runs from 7:00 a.m. to around midnight and departs directly from the airport dock, just a few minutes’ walk from the arrivals hall.
Tickets cost from €18 and can be purchased online or on site. Once collected, they must be validated at the ticket machines or directly on board. Please note that the service does not take you directly to your hotel, but stops at the official stops along the canals.
It is the ideal choice if:
- Want to avoid traffic and start your journey calmly?
- Do you prefer a more authentic and less touristy experience?
- Accommodation near an Alilaguna stop
- Want to save money compared to a water taxi, but don’t want to miss out on the charm of a boat trip?
With Alilaguna, you can go directly from Marco Polo to San Marco, Rialto, Murano, Lido, or Giudecca without changing vehicles and with a view of the lagoon included. An excellent compromise between price, convenience, and atmosphere.
The most spectacular option for reaching the center of Venice from the airport
If you want to get to the heart of Venice without lugging your bags across bridges and narrow streets, and perhaps do so in style, the water taxi is the perfect choice. You can depart directly from Marco Polo Airport and glide through the canals to within walking distance (or right in front of) your hotel.
Unlike regular vaporetti, this is a shared service that takes you from point to point, with a maximum of 8 people on board. It’s perfect if you have bulky luggage or simply want to enjoy your arrival in the city in an exclusive and stress-free way.
The service operates every day from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (with a surcharge for night trips between 8:00 p.m. and 6:55 a.m.) and has an average duration of 30 minutes. The departure point is the Bucintoro Viaggi Desk 71 in the airport arrivals hall: just turn left after the baggage claim area to find it. From there, you will be given directions on how to board the boat. You may have to wait between 20 and 45 minutes for shared service.
Each passenger may bring 1 large bag and 1 carry-on bag. Extra bags may incur additional charges, but these will be communicated in advance.
Prices start at €39 per person for shared service, which is very competitive if you are traveling in a group. Of course, it is not the cheapest option, but in terms of convenience, it is unrivaled. And how about disembarking in the Grand Canal?
Choose it if:
- Would you like to arrive comfortably in front of your hotel (if it has a dock)?
- Do you have bulky or heavy luggage?
- Are you looking for an evocative, fast and direct experience?
In short, it is the most scenic way to start your Venetian adventure. Come aboard and welcome to the canals!
Private water taxi
The most exclusive way to reach Venice
If you want to start your stay in Venice with class, comfort and zero stress, the private water taxi is the option for you. No waiting, no queues, no crowds: you board directly at the airport and enjoy a panoramic and relaxing transfer to your hotel… just like a true Venetian.
The service connects Marco Polo Airport to any point accessible by canal in the center of Venice. Depending on the location of your hotel, you will be dropped off directly at the hotel’s landing stage or at the nearest accessible point. If your hotel is located on a particularly narrow canal, a small supplement may be required.
The boat is reserved exclusively for your group (up to 6 people), and prices start at $180 per trip. By dividing the cost among several passengers, it can become a competitive option compared to other means of transportation—with the great advantage of not having to walk with your luggage.
The meeting point is the Bucintoro Viaggi 71 desk, located in the arrivals hall of Marco Polo Airport, near the moving walkway that leads to the dock. The trip takes about 30 minutes, but the view will make you wish it lasted longer.
The price includes private water taxi transfer and standard luggage (1 suitcase + 1 carry-on bag per person). However, extra luggage fees or destinations in hard-to-reach canals are not included.
Select this option if:
- Would you like to go directly to the hotel without walking?
- Group or family trips
- Are you looking for comfort, privacy, and a touch of luxury?
- Want to enjoy the view of the lagoon right away?
It is the most elegant way to enter Venice and one of those little luxuries that transform a trip into a special memory. Climb aboard, relax, and let yourself be carried away where the water rules.
Taxi on wheels
A practical solution, but with some limitations
If you prefer to travel by land without having to worry about public transport timetables, a taxi is one of the easiest ways to reach Venice from Marco Polo Airport. Please note, however, that Venice is a car-free city, so taxis can only take you as far as Piazzale Roma, the road terminal at the entrance to the historic center.
The cost of the journey is fixed: €40 per trip, up to 4 passengers. There is no need to negotiate: it is a regulated fare, including luggage, valid 24 hours a day. Official taxis are located just outside the airport arrivals exit and are easily recognizable: they are white with the classic “TAXI” sign on the roof.
The journey takes about 20-25 minutes, depending on traffic, and drops you off directly at Piazzale Roma. From there, you will need to continue on foot, by vaporetto, or by water taxi, depending on the location of your accommodation. This is a convenient option if you are traveling light, if your hotel is nearby, or if you are arriving very late or very early, when other means of transport may not be available.
Compared to the bus, taxis avoid waiting times, offer greater comfort, and take you straight to your destination after you collect your luggage, without having to search around the terminal. It is not the cheapest option, but it can be convenient if you are traveling with two or three people, or if you simply want to relax after a long flight.
A word of advice: some taxi drivers may offer you a combined land and water taxi service. This is perfectly fine, but make sure that the operator is official and that the price is clear before you get in.
In the next chapter, we will look at an alternative option that is little known but very useful in some cases: train + bus via Mestre.
Train (via Mestre)
A good alternative for getting from Venice airport to the city center
It’s probably not the first option that comes to mind, but in some cases, arriving in Venice city center by train via Mestre can be a good alternative. It’s not the most direct connection, but if your accommodation is near the Venezia Santa Lucia station, or if you want to visit Mestre before entering the lagoon, it may be worth it.
Here’s how it works: once you land at Marco Polo Airport, you’ll need to take a bus (ACTV or ATVO) that will take you to Mestre station in about 20-25 minutes. From there, hop on a regional train and in just 10 minutes you’ll be at Venice Santa Lucia station, which is located in the historic center, directly overlooking the Grand Canal.
The total cost? About €11.45, considering €10 for the bus and €1.45 for the train. A competitive price, but with a small compromise in terms of convenience: you have to take two modes of transport, change once, and maybe even drag your luggage around.
Is this solution worthwhile? Yes, in some cases:
- If you are staying right near the Santa Lucia station and want to avoid the vaporetto.
- If you already have a stop in Mestre planned (for example, for work).
- If you arrive when other connections are delayed, perhaps due to bad weather or strikes.
- Or even if you just prefer trains to buses or boats.
That said, it’s not the most convenient option for most tourists, especially if you’re staying in San Marco, Rialto, or Dorsoduro. But it’s an extra option to keep in mind, especially if you have flexible schedules and don’t mind changing modes of transportation.
In the next chapter, I’ll tell you about combined private transfers, perfect for those who want a comfortable, worry-free experience with everything booked in advance.
How to get from the hotel to Marco Polo Airport
Even though it’s the last part of your trip, getting to Venice Airport from the historic center should be planned with the same care as your arrival. Venice isn’t a city where you can improvise at the last minute: bridges, vaporetti, timetables, luggage… everything requires a bit of planning.
The first tip is simple: check how long it takes you to get to Piazzale Roma or the pier closest to your hotel. From there, allow at least another 20-30 minutes to reach the airport (by land or water).
If you want to spend little and travel during the day, you can easily choose the bus from Piazzale Roma: they are inexpensive, depart frequently, and take you to the terminal entrance in about 20-35 minutes. But pay attention to the timetable: the first buses start around 4 a.m.
Would you prefer a more comfortable means of transport? A land taxi to the airport costs €40 flat rate and will take you to the departures entrance. If you took a water taxi on the way there, you can also book another one for the return journey: convenient, direct, spectacular… but the price remains the same: around €120-140.
A good alternative is to book a private transfer, especially if your flight leaves very early or if you want peace of mind. With combined car + boat services, you can arrive on time and relaxed, without stressful transfers with your luggage.
One last tip? Ask your hotel: many have agreements with transport services or can book a water taxi for you with pick-up directly at the pier. They often also know which is the fastest way based on the time and tide.
Airport transfer Venice: FAQ
It all depends on what kind of trip you have in mind.
If you want to spend little and don’t mind moving around with your luggage, the bus (ATVO or ACTV) is the best choice: convenient, direct, and super cheap. It takes you to Piazzale Roma in about 20-30 minutes, from where you can continue on foot or by vaporetto.
If, on the other hand, you are looking for something more comfortable and don’t want to drag your suitcase across bridges and narrow streets, then it is best to book a private water taxi or a transfer. This is the most convenient option, especially if your hotel has direct access via the canal.
For those who want to immerse themselves in the Venetian atmosphere from the moment they arrive, Alilaguna is an excellent compromise: less expensive than a water taxi but much more scenic than the bus.
Tickets can be purchased online, directly at the airport, either at the ticket offices (ACTV, ATVO, Alilaguna) or at the automatic ticket machines near the baggage claim area or at the exit.
Yes, almost always. Land connections (buses, taxis, trains) are not affected by bad weather. Water services, such as Alilaguna or water taxis, may be delayed or changed in the event of high water or thick fog, but they are rarely suspended. In any case, official websites and hotels provide real-time updates on any changes.
The vaporetto is Venice’s public transport system: it works like a bus on water, makes regular stops and is much cheaper, but can be crowded and slow.
The water taxi, on the other hand, is shared or private, direct and much more comfortable, but significantly more expensive. In summary: vaporetto to save money, water taxi for comfort.
Yes, especially during peak season or if you arrive late in the evening. By booking in advance, you get clear prices, no surprises upon arrival, and often assistance with your luggage. You also avoid having to haggle on the spot or search for last-minute availability. If you’re looking for convenience, booking in advance really makes a difference.
To be on the safe side, I recommend leaving at least two and a half hours before your flight, even if the journey takes less time. Travel times can easily be extended by vaporetto or if there are many people. If you use a private transfer or water taxi, you can save some time, but it is best not to risk it: Venice is beautiful, but it is not always quick to cross.
It depends on where your hotel is located. If it has a private pier or overlooks an accessible canal, a private water taxi can take you right to the entrance. In all other cases, you will be dropped off at the nearest public pier and will have to walk a short distance. Buses always stop at Piazzale Roma, from where you can continue by vaporetto or on foot.
Conclusioni
Now that you have discovered all the options for reaching the center of Venice from Marco Polo Airport, the choice is entirely yours. There is no single best option, but there is a right option for your type of trip.
If you want to save money, travel light, and don’t mind walking a little, the bus is for you.
If, on the other hand, you dream of a picture-perfect arrival and want to immerse yourself in the Venetian atmosphere right away, then the Alilaguna vaporetto or a private water taxi will give you an unforgettable experience. And if you are looking for total comfort and peace of mind, book a combined transfer in advance: you will arrive relaxed, even with your luggage in tow.
Venice is a unique city, even when it comes to transportation. Knowing in advance how to get around will allow you to start your visit on the right foot—or rather, on the right wave.
Have a good trip and… welcome to Venice!
