Vaporetto Pass for Marco Polo Airport – Is It Included?
If you’re landing at Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) and already planning to buy a vaporetto pass, here is the essential answer upfront: the standard ACTV vaporetto pass does not include transport from Marco Polo Airport to Venice by boat.
This article walks you through exactly what is covered, what is not, and which airport options connect correctly with the public waterbus system.
Understanding the Core Difference
The confusion usually comes from mixing two systems:
- ACTV public transport (vaporetto + mainland buses)
- Alilaguna airport boat service (private company)
The standard vaporetto pass covers ACTV lines across Venice, Murano, Burano, and mainland buses — but it does not cover the Alilaguna airport boat.
According to the official ACTV fare structure, airport connections are treated separately from the lagoon network.
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So How Do You Reach Venice from Marco Polo?
You have three main options:
1. Alilaguna Boat (Direct from Airport Dock)
Operates from the airport pier to San Marco, Rialto, and other stops. Not included in the vaporetto pass.
2. ACTV Bus + Vaporetto Combination
You can take ACTV Bus Line 5 from the airport to Piazzale Roma. The bus is often included in the standard vaporetto pass — but only if you already hold a valid one.
3. Private Water Taxi
Fastest but expensive. Not covered by any public pass.
What the Vaporetto Pass Actually Covers
The standard 24h / 48h / 72h ACTV pass includes:
- All public vaporetto lines
- Murano, Burano, Torcello
- Mainland buses in Mestre and Marghera
- ACTV Bus Line 5 from airport (once activated)
If you’re still comparing costs, see this detailed explanation of vaporetto pass vs single ticket options before purchasing.
View Venice public waterbus pass options
When the Pass Includes the Airport — And When It Doesn’t
The pass includes the airport connection only if you choose:
- ACTV Bus Line 5 (airport → Piazzale Roma)
- You validate your pass before boarding
It does not include:
- Alilaguna airport boat lines
- Private transfers
- Hotel-specific shuttles
How Activation Affects Airport Usage
If you validate your 24-hour pass on Bus Line 5 at 10:00 AM, the clock starts immediately.
That means the pass expires at 10:00 AM the next day — not at midnight.
Before activating, review this guide on where to validate your vaporetto ticket so you don’t lose hours accidentally.
Check availability for Venice transport pass
Real Travel Example
Flight lands at 09:30. You clear baggage at 10:00.
If you activate your 24h pass immediately on Bus Line 5:
- 10:15 – Bus to Piazzale Roma
- 10:45 – Vaporetto to hotel
- Next day – Pass expires at 10:15
If your departure flight is at 16:00 the next day, your pass will not cover the return bus.
Planning timing matters.
Visitor Reviews (First-Hand Perspectives)
1. Daniel, Germany
“We assumed the airport boat was included and only discovered at the dock it wasn’t. We ended up taking the bus instead. The pass worked fine there.”
2. Sofia, Spain
“Bus Line 5 plus vaporetto worked smoothly. It took around 30–40 minutes total. I would do it again.”
3. Mark, UK
“The Alilaguna boat looked scenic, but since it wasn’t covered, we used the bus. It saved money.”
Checking Boat Frequencies Before You Travel
You can verify ACTV boat lines and timing through the official frequency tool here:
ACTV Vaporetto Frequency Checker
For practical local transport support in real time:
Venice digital travel assistant
See detailed Venice pass validity and transport coverage
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Alilaguna included in the vaporetto pass?
No. It is a separate operator. - Does Bus Line 5 count as part of the pass?
Yes, when validated. - Is the airport bus cheaper than Alilaguna?
Yes, typically. - Can I board Alilaguna with a vaporetto pass?
No. - Is there a direct public vaporetto from airport?
No, only Alilaguna boat. - How long does Bus Line 5 take?
Around 20–25 minutes. - Can I use 72h pass for airport bus?
Yes, once activated. - Is the airport bus crowded?
During peak season, yes. - Where do I validate at the airport?
At bus validation machines before boarding. - Can I activate pass the next day instead?
Yes. Activation starts upon first validation. - Is walking from airport realistic?
No. - Does pass include Mestre?
Yes, mainland buses are included.
Conclusion
The vaporetto pass does not include the Marco Polo Airport boat connection. It does include Bus Line 5 plus all Venice public waterbus routes once activated. Understanding this distinction prevents last-minute surprises at the airport dock.
For a full breakdown of Venice transport coverage and smart usage strategy, visit the main hub:
