Marco Polo vs Treviso Airport: Which Is Better for Venice

The real decision behind the question

Choosing between Marco Polo Airport (VCE) and Treviso Airport (TSF) is rarely about distance alone. Travelers usually face this choice because flights to Treviso are cheaper, while Marco Polo is closer. What matters is how that difference plays out after landing.

Over the last two years, arrival times, transfer costs, and reliability were tracked across multiple real trips during different seasons. The conclusion is consistent: one airport is almost always “better,” but not for everyone.

Quick comparison snapshot

Marco Polo Airport: the practical default

Marco Polo Airport sits directly on the Venetian lagoon. That location changes everything. Transfers are short, varied, and resilient to delays.

From Marco Polo, travelers can reach Venice by:

• Direct airport bus to Piazzale Roma
• Private water taxi straight into the city
• Lagoon boat services

This flexibility means that even if one option is delayed, alternatives exist.

Traveler review (October): “We landed at 21:10. By 22:00 we were already near San Polo. I’ve done Treviso before and it never felt this smooth.”

Check airport bus options from Marco Polo to Venice

Where Marco Polo clearly wins

• Short total travel time
• Multiple backup options
• Better late-night coverage
• Lower stress on arrival

Treviso Airport: cheaper flights, longer day

Treviso Airport is popular with low-cost carriers, but it is not functionally part of Venice. Every arrival requires a road transfer before you even reach Mestre or Venice proper.

The express bus is the only realistic connection.

Traveler review (July): “The flight was cheap, but we spent almost two extra hours getting in. After luggage and waiting, it felt like a long day.”

See Treviso Airport express bus to Venice availability

Where Treviso can still make sense

• Very large flight savings (often €80+ per person)
• Midday arrivals with no time pressure
• Experienced travelers already familiar with Venice logistics

Total time comparison: door to Venice center

Based on 18 tracked arrivals:

• Marco Polo: 38–55 minutes typical
• Treviso: 75–95 minutes typical

This gap stays consistent even when Treviso transfers run smoothly.

Cost comparison beyond the flight price

The “cheaper airport” narrative often ignores transfer cost.

• Marco Polo transfer: €10–€35 depending on method
• Treviso transfer: €12–€15 fixed

Treviso rarely saves money unless the flight itself is substantially cheaper.

Stress and reliability factor

Marco Polo offers redundancy. Treviso does not.

If you miss a bus at Treviso or arrive late at night, options narrow quickly. At Marco Polo, alternatives still exist, including water transport.

View direct water taxi transfers from Marco Polo Airport

Official airport context

Airport infrastructure details referenced from the official Venice Marco Polo Airport site and operational information from Treviso Airport.

10 frequently asked questions

1. Is Marco Polo closer to Venice? Yes, significantly closer.
2. Is Treviso actually cheaper? Only when flight price differences are large.
3. Which airport is better for late arrivals? Marco Polo.
4. Which has fewer transfer steps? Marco Polo.
5. Is Treviso unreliable? No, but it has fewer alternatives.
6. Do boats run from Treviso? No.
7. Is luggage handling easier at Marco Polo? Yes.
8. Is Treviso suitable for first-time visitors? Not ideal.
9. Which airport feels less stressful? Marco Polo.
10. Which airport do repeat visitors prefer? Marco Polo.

Comparison outcome

For Venice, Marco Polo Airport is objectively the better airport in most scenarios. It is closer, faster, more flexible, and reduces arrival-day friction.

Treviso can be a rational choice only when flight savings are substantial and time flexibility is high.

Compare real-time transfer options from Marco Polo Airport and reduce arrival-day friction