Landing at Marco Polo Airport and wondering how to get into the heart of Venice? Don’t worry — you’re not alone. Since Venice is a car-free city with canals instead of roads, arriving here is a bit different. But with the right information, you can start your journey with ease and confidence.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the main transportation options, their costs, travel time, and helpful local tips — so you can choose the best one for your trip.
Water Bus (Alilaguna) – For a Scenic First Impression
If you want to start enjoying Venice from the moment you land, the Alilaguna water bus is a great choice. It’s a public boat service that connects the airport to different parts of the city via the lagoon.
- ⏱ Time: 60–90 minutes
- 💶 Cost: Around €15
- 📍 Main stops: San Marco, Rialto, Fondamenta Nove
- ✅ Ideal for: Travelers who enjoy a scenic ride
However, this option is slower than others and may not be comfortable if you have heavy luggage.
Taking a Water Taxi (The Scenic & Luxurious Option)
Want a quicker and more private ride? You can book a private water taxi, which picks you up from the airport dock and drops you close to your hotel.
- 💶 Price: €100–€140 (per boat, up to 6 people)
- ⏱ Time: 25–35 minutes
- ⭐ Best for: Families, groups, or those with limited time
But, always confirm the price before boarding, and try to pre-book online to avoid long waits.
Bus + People Mover – Best for Budget Travelers
For those looking for the most cost-effective option, taking a bus to Piazzale Roma is the best choice. Piazzale Roma is the last point in Venice where cars and buses are allowed, and from there, you’ll be able to walk or take a vaporetto (waterbus) to your destination.
There are two main bus services from Marco Polo Airport:
- The ACTV bus (line 5) is a public bus that runs regularly between the airport and Piazzale Roma.
- The ATVO bus is an express coach that is a bit faster and more comfortable, with luggage storage underneath the bus.
Both buses cost around €8 per person, and the trip takes about 20-30 minutes. Once you arrive at Piazzale Roma, you can choose to either walk to your hotel if it’s nearby or take a vaporetto to your desired stop in Venice. Vaporetti are the public water buses that navigate the canals, and they are a fun way to get around the city while seeing the sights.
This option is great for those on a budget, but keep in mind that if your hotel is far from Piazzale Roma, you’ll need to use additional public transport or be prepared for a bit of walking. Anyway, you can use the same ticket for the water bus too, so there’s no need to worry about buying another one.
Local Tips
Buy tickets in advance online — it saves time and helps avoid confusion.
Check your hotel’s location beforehand to know which option fits best.
Apps like Google Maps and AVM Venezia help you navigate in real time.
Keep tickets handy — random ticket checks are common.
Airport to Venice Transportation
Yes! You can book water buses, taxis, and shuttle buses online through official websites.
Water buses and shuttle buses operate late, but check the schedule. Private taxis are available 24/7 with prior booking.
Most services accept cards, but carrying small cash can be useful — especially for local kiosks.
