In this article, I explain how to get to the historic center from Venice's main airport.
Here you'll find
- Information on how to get from Venice airport to the historic center
- The means of transport available for the transfer
- The coolest way to get around town
- Prices and practical information
- And much more!
If you are looking for information on how to to Venice from the airportyou'll love this article.
Follow the guide!
Aeroport Venise : article summary
- Venice airport: how to get to the city center from Marco Polo airport?
- Airport - Venice by boat bus, the most authentic solution
- Take the bus from Venice airport to the city center
- Cab boat trip
- Opt for a classic cab from Venice airport
- Venice by train from the airport
- What does a ticket for the Venice Bus Boat include?
- How do I get to the pier?
- Venice Airport: Rates, reservations, schedules, practical information
Venice airport: how to get to the city center from Marco Polo airport?
If you come visit Venice by air, there's a good chance that your plane will land at Venice Marco Polo airport. This is the largest in the area, the other being in Treviso.
Venice airport, named Marco Polo in honor of the famous Venetian explorer, is the city's 3e Italy's largest (behind those of Rome and Milan). It lies on the banks of the Venice lagoonBut it's on the Terra-Ferma (mainland) side of the city, so you'll need to take your own means of transport to reach Venice's superb historic center.
To do this, you will need several solutionswhich I present below.
Airport - Venice by boat bus, the most authentic solution
If you think of Venice, the image of the famous gondolas and the small canals that criss-cross the city's streets. Venice is a city of navigators and the best way to get around, it's on the water!
For immediate immersion and to save time - as traffic jams on the water are infrequent (!) - you can take the a Bus from Venice airport.
This on-water transfer enables you to your first trip to Venice and arrive right in the heart of the city. Depending on the season, you can choose between several stops, including Piazza San Marco, the Venice lidoand the island of Murano.
It takes about an hour, which doesn't make it the fastest way to transfer from Venice Airport, but it's certainly the fastest way. the most pleasant to start your stay. It's my number 1 choice!
Take the bus from Venice airport to the city center
From Venice airport, you'll find bus routes which will take you to the outskirts of the historic center. Two companies operate this route:
- ACTVthe state-owned company that operates buses between Venice-Marco Polo airport and Piazzale Romafor 8 euros. You can take lines 5, 15 and 45 to reach the center in around thirty minutes. Convenient, but moderately comfortable due to the absence of a luggage compartment and the large number of visitors who use this means of transport, you'll also need to count on regular stops before reaching the city.
- ATVOwhich offers Express shuttles to and from Venice Airport. Piazzale Romawhich run non-stop to the center, for 8 euros. Tickets can be purchased at ticket offices or on automatic machines in the airport, and departures are approximately every 30 minutes. If there aren't enough passengers, you may have to wait a little while for the bus to fill up.
Cab boat trip
If you're familiar with classic cabs, you should know that Venice's taxis are unique in that they travel...on water! We're talking about Cab Boat and it's obviously a very quick way of getting from one point of the city to another, and even from Venice airport.
By embarking on a motoscafoAs we call them here, you'll reach the city very quickly (20 minutes on average), and you can be dropped off right in front of your hotel, or almost, depending on its location.
The route is nice but this solution has a cost (up to 150 euros for 6 people) and like the usual cabs, you may have to negotiate prices before boarding to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Opt for a classic cab from Venice airport
You can travel from Venice airport to the historic center via a classic cab. The advantage of this solution is speed, with access to old Venice in around 15 minutes, and there are plenty of cabs waiting at Marco Polo.
On the other hand, it is sometimes unpleasant to have to negotiate in order to obtain a fair price or having to watch the meter all the way to your destination, to avoid scams. Best reserved for visitors in a hurry.
Venice by train from the airport
Technically, it's possible to travel from Venice Airport to the historic center by train, but it's a bit of a hassle from Marco Polo airport. In fact, you'll first have to get to (by bus, for example) Venice-Mestre railway stationThen climb aboard a train that will take you to the Venice-Santa Lucia station.
Inexpensive (around 4 euros), but not necessarily very pleasant when you've just flown.
What does a ticket for the Venice Bus Boat include?
In my opinion, the best way to get your Venetian adventure off to a good start is to borrow the bus boat from Venice airport. And when you book online, your ticket includes :
- A airport transfer-Venice one-way ticket + the possibility of adding a return ticket valid for 1 month at a reduced rate
- The choice of stop that suits you best, with 2 or 3 lines available depending on the season
- A one-hour walk which allows you to take the measure of Venice's architecture, with a glimpse of some of its most famous monuments
You'll get off at the most convenient stops along the way (around ten per line), so all you have to do is put your bags down and start exploring straight away.
If you've got a bit of time before you check into your accommodation, spend it on this fun ride!
How do I get to the pier?
The landing stage of the Bus boat at Venice Airport is located on the quay's nautical terminalwhich is open between 7 a.m. and 0.20 a.m.
Tickets must first be validated at the machines or at the Alilaguna ticket office, which handles transfers, before following the signs to the pier, located at one end of the airport.
It's easy and the way is clearly marked!
Venice Airport: Rates, reservations, schedules, practical information
If you choose to travel from Venice Airport to the historic center by boat and bus, here's what you need to know.
Rates and booking
- Adult one-way ticket (+ 6 years): 15 euros
- Return adult ticket (+ 6 years): 27 euros
- Free for children under 6
Reserve your seat online now, and receive immediate confirmation on your mobile devices. All you have to do is present it on arrival before boarding the boat for Venice!
Opening hours
Bus boats in operation every day between 6 a.m. and midnight approx.With regular departures, you'll never have to wait long.
However, please check these times during off-peak periods, when activity may be reduced.
Useful info
If you choose to save money by purchasing a round-trip ticket, you'll get 30 days to use it. If you come to tourism in Veniceyou should be right on schedule!
What to do in Venice in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?
Whatever the length of your stay, I invite you to download my special Venice guide.
It's free and in PDF format.
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