Venice Airport Steamship: Schedule Prices, Book the Alilaguna

Arriving in Venice by vaporetto directly from the airport is an experience you cannot have in any other city.

The Alilaguna service connects the Marco Polo to the heart of the lagoon, letting you travel right away between water, canals and unique views.

Unlike buses and cabs, with Alilaguna you don’t just “reach” Venice: you enter it directly from the sea, enjoying your first taste of the city during the crossing.

It’s a perfect choice if your hotel is near a stop along the way or if you want to start your visit without passing through Piazzale Roma.

The service is designed for both tourists and business travelers and offers multiple lines with strategic stops: from St. Mark’s Square to Lido, via Murano and Zattere.

You will thus be able to arrive almost on your doorstep or directly in front of your destination.

Alilaguna lines available from the airport

Three main Alilaguna vaporetto lines depart from Marco Polo airport, allowing you to reach not only the center of Venice, but also some of the most famous islands in the lagoon. Each line has an identifying color and a precise route, so it is easy to get your bearings from the first glance at the map.

• Blue Line (B) – This is the most used by travelers. It connects the airport to Murano, Fondamente Nove, Lido di Venezia and San Marco, also passing through Zattere and Giudecca. Ideal if you are staying in the historic center or more touristy areas.
• Orange Line (A) – Perfect if you are staying along the Grand Canal. It stops at Guglie, Rialto, Sant’Angelo and San Marco, giving you a unique scenic route from the moment you arrive.
• Red Line (R) – Active only in high season, it connects the airport to Murano, Lido and San Marco with fewer intermediate stops, making it slightly faster.

Each line has its own strategic stops, so the choice depends greatly on the location of your hotel or apartment.

If you don’t want to drag your luggage for long distances on foot, it’s best to check the map first and choose the vaporetto that takes you as close as possible.

Steamboat Blue Line

(Airport ↔ downtown Venice and Lido)

The Blue Line is one of the most used by those who land at Marco Polo and want to quickly reach San Marco, Venice Lido, or the main stops along the city’s southern shore. It departs directly from the airport dock and sails to the center with a route that touches both islands and central areas of the lagoon.

The full route takes an average of about 75 minutes, but it takes you without a change of pace to strategic destinations such as Fondamenta Nove, San Zaccaria, and the Lido. Along the way it also stops in Murano, making it ideal if you want to combine the transfer with a quick visit to the island famous for glass blowing.

This line is perfect if your lodging is near the south shore or in areas like San Marco and Castello, or if you need to get to Lido for an event or beach vacation.

You can buy your ticket at the airport, online, or at the main stops. Transportation of one large and one carry-on bag is included, while extra luggage requires a small fee.

Alilaguna Orange Line Steamer

(Airport ↔ Grand Canal)

The Orange Line is the ideal choice if you want to reach Venice by crossing the Grand Canal, one of the most spectacular waterways in the world. It departs from the Marco Polo Airport dock and, after a stretch through the lagoon, enters directly into the heart of the city, passing historic palaces, bridges and iconic views.

The full journey takes about 70 minutes on average, with strategic stops such as Guglie, San Stae, Rialto, Sant’Angelo and San Marco. It’s perfect if your hotel is near a stop along the Grand Canal or if you want to start your visit with a scenic crossing that will make you fall in love with the city even before you get to your destination.

This line is especially popular with those who are looking for an atmospheric experience and are in no hurry to arrive in the shortest possible time. On board you will find room for one large and one hand luggage, with possible supplements for additional suitcases.

You can buy your ticket online, at the airport or directly on board (if available), and it always pays to check in advance for the stop closest to your facility.

Alilaguna Red Line Steamer

(Airport ↔ San Marco via Murano and Lido)

The Red Line is a seasonal service, operating roughly from April to the end of October, designed to connect the airport with San Marco via iconic stops such as Murano and the Venice Lido. It is a popular choice during the warmer months, when tourist traffic to these destinations is at its peak.

The route takes about 75 minutes on average, but it offers a pleasant and scenic ride, perfect if you want to take advantage of the transfer to visit Murano or get to the Lido for events such as the Venice Film Festival. Major stops include Murano Museo, Lido S.M.E., and San Marco.

This line is ideal if you travel in spring or summer and want to combine the transfer with a mini-excursion. As with the other lines, the ticket includes one large and one hand luggage, with a possible extra luggage fee.

You can buy your ticket in advance online, at the airport, or at Alilaguna ticket offices. We recommend that you always check for updated operating dates and schedules, as the Red Line does not operate year-round.

Travel time and frequency of trips

Alilaguna vaporetto travel time depends on the line you choose and the number of stops in between. On average, the journey from the airport to the center of Venice varies between 60 and 75 minutes.

The Blue Line is the longest because it touches several stops along the lagoon; the Orange Line takes a similar amount of time but offers a scenic passage along the Grand Canal; and the Red Line, when active, is slightly faster due to a reduced number of stops.

Rides leave the airport about every 30 minutes throughout the day, from early morning until late evening. This allows you to always have a convenient connection, whether you arrive on a morning flight or late in the evening.

It is important to remember that, unlike buses, the vaporetto follows sailing schedules and may vary slightly in case of rough seas or adverse weather conditions.

For this reason, if you have tight connections, it is always a good idea to consult updated schedules before departure.

Ticket prices and types

A ticket for the Alilaguna vaporetto from the airport to the center of Venice costs €15 one way and €27 round trip.

The price includes carriage of one large and one carry-on bag per passenger. Any extra luggage is subject to a small surcharge.

In addition to single tickets, time-based tourist passes (24h, 48h, 72h or 7 days) are available that combine the use of Alilaguna with ACTV city waterbuses.

This option is worthwhile if you plan to move around the lagoon often and visit multiple islands.

Children up to 6 years old travel free, while children 6 to 14 years old get a reduced fare. There are also discounts for large groups and special offers at certain times of the year.

You can buy tickets online, at the airport, at ticket offices in the city, or directly on board (in which case for a small surcharge).

Buying in advance online ensures that you skip any queues and board the train without any worries.

Where to buy Alilaguna tickets and how to validate them

You have several options to buy Alilaguna ticket, so you can choose the one most convenient for you.

You can buy it online-that way you already arrive with your ticket in hand and board without going through the ticket office.

Alternatively, you can buy it at the airport, at the dedicated ticket offices located in the arrivals area, or at the vending machines distributed near the dock.

You will also find Alilaguna outlets and authorized retailers in the city, often near the main vaporetto stops.

If you prefer, you can buy your ticket directly on board, but in this case you may have to pay a small surcharge and in some situations there may be limitations on payment methods.

Remember that the ticket must always be validated before boarding.

You’ll find validation machines near the boarding gate: just bring your ticket (paper or QR code) close to the reader, wait for the confirmation signal, and you’re ready to go.

Without validation, the ticket is not valid and you risk a fine.

How to get to the dock from the airport

Once you’ve landed at Marco Polo, getting to the Alilaguna dock is easy: just follow the signs inside marked “Waterway / Water Transport.”

From the arrivals area, walk along a covered, elevated pedestrian corridor that is about a 7-minute walk. The route is linear and well-marked-you can’t go wrong.

Along the walkway you can also enjoy a panoramic view of the lagoon and canals surrounding the airport.

At the end of the walkway you will arrive at the dock, where you will find the Alilaguna boarding docks.

Here you will also be able to buy your ticket, validate it and, if necessary, ask the service staff for information.

If you are traveling with bulky luggage, remember that there are elevators and treadmills along the route to make it easier to move around. This way you can get to the boarding gate effortlessly, even with heavy suitcases or strollers.

Why choose Alilaguna: advantages and disadvantages

The Alilaguna vaporetto is not just a means of transportation: it is a way to start your Venetian experience right from the ride.

The main advantage is that you arrive directly in the heart of the city or on the islands, without having to change means at Piazzale Roma or the station.

If your hotel is close to a stop, you will get off practically “in front of home.”

Another highlight is the scenic experience: during the trip you navigate the lagoon, see unique views, pass by Murano or cross the Grand Canal (Orange Line).

It is an ideal choice if you want to turn a displacement into a first excursion. In addition, the service is convenient for those with bulky luggage, thanks to dedicated spaces on board.

However, there are also some disadvantages. The travel time is longer than by bus: it ranges from 60 to 75 minutes, and in bad weather or rough seas there can be delays.

Also, the ticket costs more than a road connection, especially if you are traveling in a group or family.

Useful travel tips

If you choose to arrive in the city with Alilaguna, there are some tricks that can make the journey even easier and more enjoyable.

First of all, buy your ticket online-you‘ll avoid lines and be able to board right away.

Remember to check the map of stops before you leave, so you’ll know exactly where to get off and how far you’ll have to walk to your destination.

As for luggage, travel light if you can: although there is dedicated space on board, seats can fill up quickly during rush hours.

Keep a small backpack with your valuables and documents, and store your larger suitcase in the spaces provided.

If your flight lands late in the evening, check the times of the last run: in case of tight connections, it is always best to have a plan B, such as a water cab or bus.

Also, on days with strong winds or rough seas, travel times can be longer.

Finally, if you want to experience the ride as a preview of your visit, choose a window seat or an open-air seat (if available): you can take spectacular photos and enjoy the view of the lagoon from the first minute.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)