How to Get from Marco Polo Airport to Venice City Centre

Arriving at Marco Polo Airport (VCE) and getting to Venice’s city centre is easier than it might seem, but there are a variety of transportation options to choose from.

Whether you want to travel in style, save some money, or get there as quickly as possible, I’ve got you covered with all the details on how to reach Venice’s historical heart from the airport.

From luxurious water taxis to budget-friendly buses, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate your way to the city.

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I recommend taking this shared water taxi from the airport to Venice city centre

Marco Polo Airport to Venice Breakdown

Water Taxi: Best Way to Get from Marco Polo Airport to Venice

The most iconic and luxurious way to get from Marco Polo Airport to the heart of Venice is by water taxi. This is the ultimate way to experience Venice’s stunning waterways, offering you scenic views of the city as you approach the lagoon.

Private Water Taxi

A private water taxi is the most luxurious, convenient, and direct way to get to Venice from the airport. It’s a comfortable and private ride that takes you directly from the airport to your boutique Venice hotel’s dock or another desired location along the canals.

How It Works:

• Once you exit the airport terminal, you can head to the water taxi dock, which is conveniently located near the airport’s entrance.
• The taxi ride lasts about 20-30 minutes, depending on your destination in the city.
• You’ll be dropped off directly at your hotel (if it has its own water entrance) or at a nearby dock where you can easily access the city centre.

Cost: A private water taxi is quite expensive, typically ranging from €100 to €120 for a one-way trip, depending on your final destination in Venice. However, the convenience and luxury make it a great choice for those who are looking to treat themselves or are travelling with a group to split the cost.

Why Choose It?

• Fast and direct.
• The most scenic, unforgettable experience.
• Comfortable and private, especially ideal for families or couples with luggage.

Shared Water Taxi from Marco Polo Airport to Venice

If you want the experience of a water taxi without the high price tag of a private ride, consider a shared water taxi. These are ideal for solo travellers or smaller groups who want a slightly more affordable option while still enjoying the charm of a water-based journey.

How It Works:

• The shared water taxis pick up passengers at the airport and drop them off at various docks in Venice.
• While the taxi is still a private boat, it will stop to pick up and drop off other passengers along the way, which can extend the travel time.
• Shared water taxis usually take between 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the number of stops.

Cost: Expect to pay around €30-€35 per person for a shared ride, which is significantly cheaper than a private water taxi.

Why Choose It?

• Enjoy the water taxi experience at a more reasonable price.
• Convenient for solo travellers or smaller groups.
• Still faster and more comfortable than public transport options, perfect if you only have a one day Venice itinerary in mind.

Book your shared water taxi from the airport to city centre (this is the one I take!)

Public Water Bus (Alilaguna)

For those who want a more budget-friendly water transport option, the Alilaguna water bus service is a popular choice. These public boats operate regularly and are an affordable way to get to Venice from the airport.

How It Works:

• The Alilaguna boats run from Marco Polo Airport to various stops in Venice, including San Marco, Rialto, and Fondamente Nuove, which are some of the best neighbourhoods in Venice to stay.
• The water bus ride takes about 1 hour to 1.5 hours, depending on your destination and the time of day.
• Tickets can be purchased at the airport or online in advance.

Cost: A one-way ticket on the Alilaguna is around €15. This is a great option for those on a budget, especially if you’re not in a rush and are looking to spend two days in Venice or more.

Why Choose It?

• Very affordable compared to other options.
• Regular service and good connection to Venice’s major stops.
• Ideal for solo travellers or those looking to save money.

Bus: Most Economical Option

If you’re looking for the most economical way to get from the airport to the city centre, the bus is a solid option. While it won’t offer the scenic water views of a taxi or Vaporetto, it gets you to the city efficiently and at a fraction of the cost.

Private ATVO

The ATVO (Azienda Trasporti Veneto Orientale) bus service provides direct transport from Marco Polo Airport to Piazzale Roma, which is the main bus and car terminal in Venice.

How It Works:

• The bus departs regularly from the airport and heads directly to Piazzale Roma in about 20 minutes.
• From Piazzale Roma, you can easily access Venice’s public transport network or take a Vaporetto to your final destination.
• The bus is comfortable with ample space for luggage.

Cost: A one-way ticket on the ATVO bus costs around €8.

Why Choose It?

• The cheapest and fastest bus option.
• Convenient if you’re staying near Piazzale Roma.
• Direct and quick, ideal for travellers on a budget.

Grab your one way ATVO bus transfer

Public ACTV

The ACTV bus service is another option for getting from the airport to Piazzale Roma, with slightly more frequent service than the ATVO. The ACTV buses are a bit slower because they may make more stops on the way.

How It Works:

• The ACTV buses run from the airport to Piazzale Roma as well, and the journey takes about 25 minutes.
• Tickets can be purchased at the airport or online.

Cost: The ACTV bus ticket is also priced around €8, similar to the ATVO service.

Why Choose It?

• Cheapest public transport option to Venice city centre.
• Convenient for those staying near Piazzale Roma or using public transport.

Train from Marco Polo Airport to Venice

For those coming from the airport and looking to quickly make their way into Venice, taking the train from Mestre Station can be a convenient option.

How It Works:

• The airport has a bus shuttle that connects Marco Polo Airport to Mestre station, the nearest train station. From Mestre, you can hop on a direct train to Venezia Santa Lucia, which is located in the heart of Venice.
• The train ride itself is about 10-15 minutes to Venezia Santa Lucia.

Cost: The bus ride to Mestre costs around €6, and the train from Mestre to Santa Lucia is typically around €2-€3, making this a very affordable option.

Why Choose It?

• Very cost-effective and efficient.
• Ideal for travellers arriving at Mestre station or staying outside the city centre.
• Quick connection between the airport and Venice’s main train station.

Taxi Car

If you’re not in the mood for boats, or perhaps you have a lot of luggage or children in tow, taking a taxi car is an option to consider, though it does require some extra time once you arrive in Venice.

How It Works:

• You can take a regular taxi from Marco Polo Airport to Piazzale Roma, Venice’s main transportation hub where cars are allowed to enter the city. From there, you’ll have to continue your journey by foot, Vaporetto, or water taxi since Venice itself is car-free.
• The taxi ride takes about 15 minutes to Piazzale Roma.

Cost: Expect to pay around €40-€50 for the taxi ride.

Why Choose It?

• Comfortable and direct to Piazzale Roma.
• Ideal for those with a lot of luggage or in a group.
• Less scenic than the water options, but it’s practical for a quick transfer.

How to Get from Marco Polo Airport to Venice Wrap-Up

Getting from Marco Polo Airport to Venice city centre is easy once you know your options. If you want a splash of luxury, take a private water taxi or enjoy the scenic route with a shared water taxi.

For those on a budget, public water buses and buses are affordable and efficient. Trains and taxis offer alternative options depending on your arrival location and convenience needs.

Whatever mode of transport you choose, rest assured that Venice’s beautiful canals and historic charm will make the journey well worth it!