How to Get from Venice Marco Polo Airport to Venice City Center (2026 Guide)
Venice Marco Polo Airport is the main international airport serving Venice and the surrounding region. Every year, millions of visitors land here and face the same practical question: what is the best way to get from the airport to Venice city center?
This guide explains each transport option clearly, with real prices, timing, and on-the-ground considerations based on actual traveler experience. The goal is not to sell you a ride, but to help you choose the option that fits your arrival time, budget, luggage, and final destination in Venice.
All information is updated for 2026 travel conditions and reflects how transport works in practice rather than theory.
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Where You Arrive: Venice Marco Polo Airport
Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) is located about 13 kilometers north of Venice. It sits on the mainland, just before the Venetian lagoon, which means there is no road access directly into the historic city.
Understanding this geography is essential. No cars enter Venice itself. Every traveler must eventually switch to water transport or walk from a land terminal.
Official airport information, including terminals and arrivals, is published on the Venice Marco Polo Airport official website.
Overview of Transport Options from the Airport
There are four main ways to reach Venice city center from the airport. Each option serves a different type of traveler.
- Airport bus to Piazzale Roma
- Water bus (Alilaguna)
- Shared or private water taxi
- Taxi or car to Mestre, then train or tram
The sections below explain each option with realistic travel times and situations where they work best.
Option 1: Airport Bus to Piazzale Roma
The airport bus is the most common choice for visitors staying in Venice. Buses run directly from Marco Polo Airport to Piazzale Roma, the main road terminal of Venice.
The journey takes about 20–25 minutes in normal traffic. Buses run frequently throughout the day and late evening.
This option is ideal if you are staying in Venice proper and are comfortable transferring to walking or vaporetto afterward.
Key characteristics:
- Fast and predictable
- Lowest cost option for most travelers
- Limited luggage space during peak hours
Typical cost (2026): around €10 one-way
The main operators serving this route are ACTV and ATVO. Official schedules and routes can be verified on the ACTV public transport website.
View airport bus transfer between Marco Polo Airport and Venice
What Happens When You Arrive at Piazzale Roma
Piazzale Roma is the last point accessible by road. From here, Venice continues on foot and by water.
Depending on your accommodation, you may:
- Walk if your hotel is nearby
- Take a vaporetto (public water bus)
- Hire a porter if traveling with heavy luggage
First-time visitors often underestimate walking distances in Venice. A hotel that looks close on a map may still require multiple bridges.
Option 2: Water Bus (Alilaguna)
Alilaguna operates water buses directly from the airport dock to multiple stops across Venice, including Murano and key central areas.
This option takes longer than the bus but delivers you closer to certain hotels, reducing walking with luggage.
Travel time ranges from 60 to 90 minutes depending on the line and number of stops.
Good to know:
- Scenic but slower
- Stops vary by line and season
- Weather and tides can affect schedules
Typical cost (2026): around €15
Option 3: Shared or Private Water Taxi
Water taxis offer door-to-door service from the airport dock to your hotel’s nearest water entrance.
This is the most direct and most expensive option. Prices are usually shared among passengers unless you book a private transfer.
Travel time is about 30–40 minutes once you depart the dock.
Best for:
- Late-night arrivals
- Groups splitting the cost
- Travelers with heavy luggage
Typical cost (2026): €35–€150 depending on type and number of passengers
Check available shared airport transfer options
Option 4: Taxi or Car to Mestre
Some travelers choose to travel first to Mestre, the mainland district of Venice, especially if staying there overnight.
You can take a taxi or bus from the airport to Mestre, then continue by train or tram.
This option is rarely useful if your final stay is inside Venice itself.
Comparison Table: Airport to Venice Transport Options
| Option | Time | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport Bus | 20–25 min | €10 | Fast, budget travel |
| Water Bus | 60–90 min | €15 | Close hotel drop-off |
| Water Taxi | 30–40 min | €35–€150 | Comfort, late arrivals |
| Taxi to Mestre | 30–40 min | €15–€40 | Mainland stays |
Real Traveler Review
“I landed at Marco Polo around 5:30 pm and took the airport bus to Piazzale Roma. The bus was easy to find, left on time, and cost less than expected. I walked about 12 minutes to my hotel near San Stae. I wouldn’t choose the water bus next time unless my hotel was right on the route.” — Laura M., April 2025
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming taxis go into Venice
- Ignoring walking distance from vaporetto stops
- Booking water taxis without checking final dock access
Small planning details can save significant time and frustration.
See current airport bus schedules and transfer details
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Venice Marco Polo Airport from Venice?
The airport is about 13 kilometers from Venice city center.
Is the airport bus reliable late at night?
Yes, but frequency decreases. Always check the last departure time.
Can I buy bus tickets at the airport?
Yes. Tickets are sold at machines, counters, and online.
Does the water bus run all year?
Yes, but routes and schedules may change seasonally.
Is a water taxi worth the cost?
It can be worthwhile for groups or late arrivals.
What if my hotel is not near a vaporetto stop?
Expect walking or consider porter services.
Do buses accept large suitcases?
Yes, but space is limited during peak times.
Which option is best for first-time visitors?
The airport bus to Piazzale Roma is usually the simplest.
Is Mestre part of Venice?
Mestre is on the mainland and connected by bridge.
Should I book airport transport in advance?
Advance booking adds predictability, especially during peak travel seasons.
View and compare Marco Polo Airport transfers to Venice city center for 2026 travel planning