Are you looking for tips on how to get from Marco Polo Airport to Venice? You are in the right place!
One of my biggest Italy travel tips is to plan how to get from the airport to your accommodation before landing, and unfortunately, this part is often overlooked – but nowhere more than Venice this is so important, because the city is located in a lagoon and a bit difficult to navigate if you have luggage and don’t know exactly where to go.
If you know exactly what you’re doing when you land in Venice, you’ll feel a lot more comfortable there (and save yourself some time).
If you’re traveling to Venice by plane, you should first figure out how to get from Marco Polo Airport to Venice. I’ve traveled to Venice many times by plane, including last month, and have taken different transportation options from Venice Airport to Venice city, so I can share all my tips.
In this article I will detail all the best ways to travel from Marco Polo Airport to Venice by water or land, and share as some important factors to consider when planning your transportation.
If it’s your first time in Venice, I recommend reading my post The Best Tips For Visiting Venice as it will save you a hassle or two.
You should also read my post What To See And Do In Venice Italy, which shares information and tips to visit all the unmissable attractions in the city, and my essential guide on How Long To Stay In Venice to help you decide how many days to spend there.
Where Is Marco Polo Airport?
Venice’s main airport, Marco Polo, sits on the mainland, about 13 kilometers (8 miles – though some sites claim it’s just 8 km/5 miles) from Venice’s historic center. Located near a small village called Tessera, this international airport connects Venice to major cities across Europe, North America, and Asia.
It’s pretty impressive as Italy’s airports go. We’re talking about the fourth busiest airport in the country. The name comes from Venice’s famous explorer, Marco Polo (you might have heard of him; he’s the man who traveled through Asia on the Silk Route way back in the 13th century).
Since Marco Polo Airport is on the mainland and Venice is in a lagoon and surrounded by water, you’ll need to cross by bridge or boat to reach the city. But don’t worry; there are plenty of options to get you there, and I will walk you through each.
How To Get From Marco Polo Airport To Venice (All Options)
When it comes to getting from Marco Polo Airport to Venice, you’ve got two main choices: water or land transport. Each option has its own perks, and the best choice depends on your budget, time, and where you’re staying in Venice.
Water transport from Marco Polo Airport
Venice is a city on water, so naturally, the most scenic way to get from Venice Airport to Venice city center (and get stunning views of Venice along the way) involves boats. You have three main water transport options: luxury private rides, shared rides and budget-friendly public boats.
Private water taxi from Marco Polo Airport to Venice
If comfort and speed are your priorities (and budget isn’t a concern), consider getting a private water taxi from Marco Polo Airport to Venice. These beautiful wooden boats provide an unforgettable first glimpse of the city as you glide across the lagoon.
While it’s a splurge, a private water taxi saves you significant time. Plus, if your hotel has its own private dock (many luxury hotels do), you’ll arrive right at your accommodation’s doorstep. Even if your hotel doesn’t have a dock, the driver will take you to the closest water entrance possible, which minimizes the time you have to carry your luggage along the busy alleys.
Here are some practical details:
- Cost: €180-200 per boat (not per person, so it’s cheaper if you are traveling with others).
- Duration: 20-25 minutes to most Venice locations.
- Luggage: Usually includes up to 6 pieces of standard luggage.
To find a water taxi after landing, follow the “Water Transport” signs from the baggage claim. Don’t worry you can’t miss them, they are all over the terminal even once you get out of baggage claim.
You’ll walk about 12 to 15 minutes along a covered walkway to reach the water taxi dock. You can say “taxi d’acqua” (tah-see dah-kwah) in Italian, though English is widely understood in Venice.
Where to book your water taxi ahead of time
You can book your water taxi through:
- Welcome Pickups website (most reliable option).
- An official online operator that organizes transportation, like this Marco Polo Airport Taxi Transfer (easiest option).
- Your hotel (they often have preferred providers).
- The official taxi desk at the airport.
During peak season (especially the summer months between June and September, and Carnival), booking in advance is essential. The taxi companies accept cash and credit cards but booking in advance means you will also pay online, so you don’t have to juggle cash or your credit card once you land.
Shared water taxi
A shared water taxi might be your perfect middle ground if you want a mix of comfort, convenience, and affordability. You’ll get the same beautiful boat experience as a private taxi, with a few fellow travelers along for the ride.
The trade-off is that the journey usually takes longer since the boat makes multiple stops to drop off other passengers. Your travel time will depend on the number of other travelers, their destinations, and whether you’re first or last on the drop-off route. But even with stops, it’s typically faster than the public water bus.
These shared services usually have some limitations on luggage (often one large piece per person), and you’ll pay extra for additional bags. While more economical than private taxis when you are traveling to Venice alone (since you split the cost with others), it’s still one of the pricier transport options from the airport.
To arrange a shared water taxi:
- Book online in advance through platforms like GetYourGuide.
- Visit the water taxi desk at the airport.
- Ask your hotel to arrange it (many have preferred providers even for shared rides).
Just like with private taxis, follow the “Water Transport” signs from the baggage claim to reach the dock. Booking ahead is strongly recommended during busy periods (especially summer and Carnival).
If you decide to go this route, I recommend this Shared Water Taxi Transfer to Marco Polo Airport. It’s a reliable option with lots of reviews and is easy to book.
Alilaguna – AKA the Marco Polo Airport to Venice water bus
The Alilaguna water bus is Venice’s official public water transportation from Venice Marco Polo Airport, offering the most budget-friendly way to arrive by water. While it’s not as fast or luxurious as a water taxi, it’s a practical choice that gives you that magical first glimpse of Venice from the lagoon. You can even see hidden gems like San Michele island on the way.
I used the Alilaguna to travel from Venice Airport to Venice last time I visited and it was easy and efficient – I was staying in Riva degli Schiavoni so had the option to get off at San Zaccaria.
The service operates three routes – Blue, Orange, and Red lines – each serving different parts of Venice and the surrounding islands. This means you can often find a stop relatively close to your accommodation, though you’ll want to check the route map to choose the right line.
A few things to know about the Alilaguna:
- You’ll find ticket machines at baggage claim, a ticket office in the arrivals hall, and there’s a ticket office right by the dock.
- Each passenger can bring one piece of luggage, with additional fees for extra bags.
- The journey takes significantly longer than water taxis (60-90 minutes, depending on your stop) since the boat makes multiple stops.
- Service runs throughout the day, but schedules vary by season.
- Tickets cost 15 one way and €27 round trip.
- Roundtrip tickets are valid for 30 days from the moment of validation.
To find the Alilaguna dock, follow the same “Water Transport” signs from the terminal along the covered walkway. Just validate your ticket at the platform before boarding (look for the small validation machines). You can also check the timetable through the official website.
One tip I have in case you tend to get seasick like I do is to take some ginger tablets about 30 minutes before getting on board, as although the water is generally calm in the lagoon, the ride can be quite rocky.
Land transport from Venice Airport to Venice
While arriving by boat might seem more romantic, land transport options are often more practical – they’re generally faster and more budget-friendly than water routes. You have two main choices for reaching Piazzale Roma, Venice’s main entrance point where the road ends and the water city begins.
Keep in mind that once you get to Piazzale Roma, you’ll still have to find your way to your accommodation, and depending on where you are staying you’ll need to hop on a water taxi or a vaporetto (a public water bus).
Marco Polo Airport to Venice bus to Piazzale Roma
The bus is your cheapest option to travel from Venice Airport to Venice by land. Two companies run this route:
- ATVO: Express bus service with space for luggage underneath.
- ACTV Line 5: Local public bus that makes a few stops along the way.
Both services depart from right outside the arrivals terminal and take around 20-25 minutes to reach Piazzale Roma, traffic depending. The ATVO Express is slightly faster and has more luggage space, while the ACTV public bus costs a bit less.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Buses run frequently throughout the day.
- Tickets are available from machines in the arrivals area, at ticket counters, or online. You can also get ATVO bus tickets on the bus.
- Remember to validate your ticket when boarding.
- Luggage is included in your fare.
Even during peak tourist season, you shouldn’t have trouble finding space on a bus. They run regularly and have plenty of capacity. Just keep in mind that during unusually busy periods (like festival times), you might want to pre-book your ticket to avoid queuing at the airport.
If you want the most straightforward place to book a shared bus, I recommend this Venice: Bus Transfer between Marco Polo Airport and City – it’s the ATVO express bus. You can book it online well in advance and it’s a reliable operation with thousands of positive reviews.
Taxi service to Piazzale Roma
A regular land taxi is the quickest route to Venice when traffic is good, taking about 15-20 minutes. While more expensive than the bus, it’s still considerably cheaper than water taxis. Cooperativa Artigiana Radio Taxi runs the official taxi service, and you’ll find their rank right outside the terminal.
Remember that, like buses, taxis can only take you as far as Piazzale Roma. From there, you’ll need to either:
- Walk to your hotel (if it’s nearby).
- Take a vaporetto (public water bus).
- Arrange a water taxi for the final leg.
If you’re traveling with a lot of luggage or arriving late at night, a taxi might be worth the extra cost for the convenience and reliability. Just make sure to plan your onward journey from Piazzale Roma, especially if you’re arriving during off-hours when some services might be reduced.
What’s The Best Way To Get From Marco Polo Airport To Venice?
After exploring all these options, you might be wondering which one is best for your situation. Let’s break down the key factors that will help you decide.
What’s your budget?
Your budget will likely be the biggest factor in choosing your transport method.
Private water taxis sit at the luxury end of the scale, offering that glamorous Venice entrance for those willing to splurge. Shared water and land taxis fall in the middle range, while the Alilaguna water bus provides a more economical way to arrive by water, and it’s still quite convenient (depending on where you are staying in the city).
The public bus remains the most budget-friendly option, though remember that costs can increase if you need additional transport from Piazzale Roma.
What’s your preference for convenience?
Convenience in Venice often depends heavily on where you’re staying. Private water taxis offer the most seamless experience, especially if your hotel in Venice has its dock, while shared water taxis provide similar comfort with the trade-off of multiple stops.
Land transport to Piazzale Roma might be more convenient if you stay nearby, though you’ll need to plan your route from there to your final destination and it can be quite a walk, which is really tricky when you have luggage.
Are you traveling solo or traveling with a group?
Your group size can dramatically change the economics of each option. Solo travelers often find the best value in shared services or public transport – I met my friend in Venice, so I had to make my way to the hotel alone and the most convenient transportation for me was the Alilaguna.
For couples, the choice usually comes down to personal preference and budget. However, if you’re traveling with family or a larger group, a private water taxi becomes more cost-effective when splitting the fare.
Remember to also factor in luggage space, particularly if traveling with children or carrying many bags.
Conclusions On How To Get From Marco Polo Airport To Venice
Getting from Marco Polo Airport to Venice city center is straightforward once you understand your options. The quickest and most luxurious choice is the private water taxi, taking you directly to your hotel’s doorstep if it has a dock.
The Alilaguna water bus provides the best value if you want to arrive by water, and it has a stop even in Piazza San Marco, right by Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica. It’s what I used last time I visited Venice in December. The public bus to Piazzale Roma remains the most budget-friendly choice.
Your choice largely depends on three main factors: your budget, your hotel’s location, and your group size. Once you’ve mastered the Italian transport system, you’ll find it simple to navigate not just Venice but the entire region.
Just remember to book ahead during peak seasons, and don’t forget to factor in any onward travel needed from your arrival point to your final destination. This knowledge will come in handy whether you’re planning to explore the city’s canals or take a day trip from Venice to discover more of the surrounding area.
Further Readings
These posts will help you plan your trip to the city:
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Claudia Tavani
Claudia Tavani was born and raised in Sardinia, and after moving between the United States and the United Kingdom, she's now back living in her hometown, Cagliari. She's a travel blogger and certified travel designer who loves planning trips and publishing guides, travel tips, and packing lists so that you don't have to. Owner of Strictly Italy, cat mom to Minnie. Loves pizza, hiking, archeology, cities, beaches, swimming, and running. Hates peppers.