Leaving from St. Mark’s Square to reachVenice Marco Polo Airport (VCE ) always requires a combination of means. There is no single direct connection by land because the historic center of Venice is entirely pedestrian and crossed only by canals.
The standard route involves an initial move by water or on foot to Piazzale Roma (the only point accessible to vehicles) or a direct boat connection to the airport. From there, you can continue by road or by lagoon depending on the solution you choose.
In total, the distance between San Marco and the airport is about 13.5 km by land and 26 km by water. Travel times vary widely: from 20 minutes by private cab by land to over an hour by public ferry with multiple stops.
The main options include:
- Buses and shuttles (via Piazzale Roma)
- Water connections such as Alilaguna
- Private water cabs
- Combined NCC + water cab transfers
- Traditional cabs and NCC by land
Depending on your budget, available time, and desired comfort, you can choose the most suitable solution. In the next sections we will look in detail at all the alternatives, with travel times, prices and departure points.
If you don’t want to risk waiting, visit our tickets page and book now by choosing one of all available options for the San Marco – Marco Polo Airport transfer.
How to get to St. Mark’s Square from Marco Polo Airport
Buses and shuttles
Bus connection from Venice San Marco to Marco Polo Airport
The cheapest
Marco Polo Airport: Shuttle Bus to Venice Center
The cheapest and fastest transfer from Marco Polo Airport to Venice.
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If you are looking for the fastest and cheapest connection between St. Mark’s Square andVenice Marco Polo Airport, the bus is the most practical choice.
There are no buses that leave directly from St. Mark’s, so you will first have to get to Piazzale Roma by ACTV vaporetto or water cab.
How to get to Piazzale Roma from St. Mark’s Square
The most practical way to get from St. Mark’s Square to Piazzale Roma is to use the ACTV vaporetto. Lines 1 and 2 leave from the San Marco – Vallaresso or San Marco – Giardinetti piers and take about half an hour to get to your destination, crossing the Grand Canal. Once in Piazzale Roma, you can choose between the two main land options to reachVenice Marco Polo Airport.
The first is ACTV line 5, a city bus that connects Piazzale Roma to the airport terminal in about 30-35 minutes. It costs about €10 per person and makes several intermediate stops. It is the cheapest option, but can be less rapid during rush hours.
The second is theATVO Express Bus, the direct shuttle that covers the same route in just 20 minutes. It is priced similarly to the Line 5, but offers more comfort: comfortable seats, ample space for luggage, and free Wi-Fi. It makes no intermediate stops, so it is an ideal choice if you want to minimize travel time.
If you arrive at Piazzale Roma shortly before departure, banking on theATVO Express will ensure a fast and smooth transfer. You can also buy your ticket in advance on our tickets page and avoid queues at ticket offices.
Alilaguna
Water connection from St. Mark’s to Venice airport
Most atmospheric
Marco Polo Airport: Alilaguna boat to/from the center of Venice
Choose the most typical and suggestive way to reach Venice
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If you prefer to reachMarco Polo Airport directly via the lagoon, avoiding any change of transportation, the Alilaguna service is the perfect choice. It is the only public boat connection that runs directly from the San Marco area to the airport dock, just a few minutes’ walk from the departure terminal.
The reference stop is San Marco – Giardinetti, located a very short distance from the square. The Blue and Orange lines depart from here, but it is always a good idea to check in advance which one is active in the time slot you are interested in. The trip takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes on average, although times may vary depending on intermediate stops. The route is scenic and may include stops at Lido, Arsenale, Murano or Fondamente Nove, depending on which line you choose.
The ticket costs about €15 per person, with a €1 surcharge if you buy it on board. Carriage of one suitcase and one carry-on per passenger is included, while any extra packages incur a small surcharge. In addition to the advantage of not having to change vehicles, you will have the pleasure of navigating through some of the most beautiful views of the lagoon, arriving directly at the airport gangway.
If your flight leaves very early or lands late in the evening, I recommend that you always check the updated schedule on Alilaguna’s official website. To avoid waiting or the risk of not finding a seat, you can buy your ticket in advance from our ticket page.
Private water cab
Water connection from St. Mark’s Square to Marco Polo
Marco Polo Airport: Private water cab to/from the center of Venice
Travel in true Venetian style with a private water cab
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If you’re looking for speed, convenience and zero change of vehicle, the private water cab is the most exclusive solution for getting from St. Mark’s Square toVenice Marco Polo Airport. With this service you leave directly from the dock closest to your hotel and arrive at the airport dock, just a short walk from the departure terminal.
The procedure is simple: once booked, the boat will be waiting for you at the agreed upon dock. Many hotels in Venice have private access on the water, so you could board directly from your property. The trip takes about 30 minutes, with a quick sail across the lagoon and no stops in between.
The cost starts at €280 for up to 5 people during daytime hours, with an additional €15 for the sixth person or for overnight departures. Luggage is included, but for very bulky packages there may be extra charges.
Choosing a private water cab means enjoying maximum flexibility on departure time, total comfort, privacy, and the convenience of traveling without having to move suitcases from one vehicle to another. It is especially good for those with a lot of luggage or traveling in groups.
If you want to minimize transfer time or if your flight leaves very early, book your water cab in advance from our tickets page to secure the boat at the perfect time for you.
NCC + water cab
Combined car + water cab transfer
Marco Polo Airport: Shared water cab to downtown Venice
Travel from Marco Polo Airport to Venice with this shared water cab service
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The combined transfer is a strategic solution if you want speed and comfort, but do not necessarily want to use a water cab for the entire journey. In this case, the route is divided into two parts: a private water cab for the lagoon leg and aprivate car with driver (NCC) for the land connection.
If you leave from St. Mark’s Square, the journey starts from the pier closest to your hotel with a private water cab bound for Piazzale Roma. Here the NCC driver is waiting for you, ready to take you toVenice Marco Polo Airport in about 20 minutes. The operation is identical but reversed if you are arriving from the airport and need to get to San Marco.
The total duration is about 40-50 minutes, varying depending on road traffic and conditions in the lagoon. Prices start at €188 for up to 5 people during daytime hours, with an additional €15 for the sixth person or for overnight departures. Luggage is included and assistance is provided with both loading and unloading.
This formula is often faster than a direct water cab, especially if your accommodation is near Piazzale Roma. It also offers the comfort of a private car for the road stretch and the peace of mind of having an organized service from start to finish. It is ideal for groups or families who want a worry-free transfer.
If you want to keep the expense down compared to a direct water cab, but don’t want to give up the convenience of a premium service, book your combined transfer from our tickets page and secure the best available schedule.
NCC Service
Road connection from Piazzale Roma to Venice airport
If you want comfort and flexibility without resorting to a water cab, the NCC (Noleggio con Conducente) service is a perfect alternative. This is a private car or minivan transfer that connects Piazzale Roma toMarco Polo Airport in about 20 minutes, offering a more relaxed and personalized experience than public transportation.
The way it works is simple: if you book in advance, your driver will be waiting for you at Piazzale Roma (or, if you take the reverse route, at the airport) at the agreed-upon time, ready to help you with your luggage. It is a door-to-door service by road, with the only limitation that cars in Venice can only go as far as Piazzale Roma.
Travel time varies between 20 and 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Fares start at €75 for 1-2 people and €89 for 3-7 people, with an extra charge of about €20 for night rides (9:30 pm to 6:30 am). Luggage is included, with no extra charge for standard packages.
Choosing NCC means flexible schedules, the security of a guaranteed reservation, and a spacious and comfortable vehicle, perfect for families, small groups, or travelers with many suitcases.
If your hotel is located near Piazzale Roma or is easily accessible by vaporetto, NCC is one of the most practical choices. You can block the best time by booking directly from our tickets page.
Traditional cab + vaporetto
Overland connection + vaporetto
Most suggestive
Marco Polo Airport: Alilaguna vaporetto To/from the center of Venice
Choose the most typical and suggestive way to reach Venice
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The land cab is a simple and immediate solution if you are outside the historic center or near Piazzale Roma. From St. Mark’s Square, however, it is not possible to board a car directly: Venice is entirely pedestrian, and cabs can only travel as far as the mainland access points.
If you leave from San Marco, the journey begins with an ACTV vaporetto from the San Marco – Vallaresso or San Marco – Giardinetti stops to Piazzale Roma, an approximately 30-minute trip along the Grand Canal. Once there, you can board a street cab that will take you toVenice Marco Polo Airport in another 15 to 20 minutes.
The total transfer time is then around 50 minutes, including the change of vehicle. The price for the cab ride from Piazzale Roma is about €30-35 per ride, while the ACTV vaporetto ticket costs €9.50 per person. Luggage is included in the cab fare, but in the vaporetto there may be surcharges for very bulky packages.
This option is convenient if you are already near Piazzale Roma or if you are traveling with little luggage and do not need to book in advance. However, during rush hours you may have to wait a few minutes to find a free cab.
If you want to avoid waiting and have a guaranteed time, consider a pre-bookable NCC from our tickets page.
Useful tips for organizing your San Marco to airport transfer
Organizing your transfer from St. Mark’s Square to Venice Marco Polo Airport in advance can save you time, stress and money. Venice is a unique city, and travel always requires a combination of means: a small unforeseen event can greatly lengthen travel time.
Book in advance
Whether you choose bus, Alilaguna, water cab or NCC, booking online ensures you a guaranteed seat and confirmed schedule. Especially for water cabs and private transfers, availability during peak hours sells out quickly.
Calculate the times well
Always consider:
- Check-in time for your flight
- Any changes of transportation (vaporetto + bus or cab)
- Weather conditions (high wind or high water may slow navigation)
Choose according to budget and comfort
- Budget options: vaporetto + ACTV or ATVO bus
- Intermediate options: Alilaguna, overland NCC
- Premium options: direct water cab or combined NCC + water cab
Attention to luggage
Some services charge extra fees for extra or bulky luggage. Check before you leave to avoid unexpected costs.
To avoid surprises and secure the most suitable transfer, visit our tickets page now and compare all available solutions from San Marco to Venice Airport.
Comparison table
To help you choose the best option for your trip from St. Mark’s Square toVenice Marco Polo Airport, here is a summary of the main options with average times, approximate prices and comfort level.
| Link | Average duration | Approximate price* | Comfort | Notes |
| Bus line 5 (vaporetto + direct bus) | 50-60 min | €19.50 (9.50 vaporetto + 10 bus) | ★★☆☆☆ | Cheap but with stops in between |
| ATVO Express (vaporetto + direct bus) | 45-50 min | €19.50 (9.50 vaporetto + 10 bus) | ★★★☆☆ | Quick and direct by road |
| Alilaguna (direct waterway) | 70-80 min | €15 | ★★★☆☆ | No change of vehicle, scenic |
| Private water cab | 30 min | from €280 (max 5 pax) | ★★★★★ | Direct and fast, maximum privacy |
| Combined NCC + water cab transfer | 40-50 min | from €188 (max 5 pax) | ★★★★★ | Faster if close to Piazzale Roma |
| NCC overland (vaporetto + NCC) | 50-60 min | from €84 (9.50 vaporetto + from €75 NCC) | ★★★★☆ | Convenient, ideal for groups |
| Traditional cab (vaporetto + cab) | 50-60 min | €39.50 (9.50 vaporetto + €30 cab) | ★★★☆☆ | Available 24/7, but no reservation guaranteed |
*Approximate prices
If you are short on time, the private water cab is unbeatable. If, on the other hand, you want to save money, theATVO Express combines speed and low cost. Check out all the current fares and book on our tickets page.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the San Marco – Venice Airport connection
The time varies depending on the means chosen: 30 minutes by private water cab, about 45-50 minutes by vaporetto + ATVO Express, and 70-80 minutes by Alilaguna.
The fastest is the private water cab, which takes you directly to the airport dock in about 30 minutes, with no change of vehicle.
No. You must first reach Piazzale Roma by vaporetto or water cab, and from there take an ACTV line 5 bus or ATVO Express to the airport.
Yes, the Alilaguna leaves from the San Marco – Giardinetti pier and takes you directly to the airport, with possible intermediate stops along the lagoon.
Prices start at €280 for up to 5 people during the day, with supplements for the sixth person or for overnight departures.
The ATVO Express is faster (20 min from Piazzale Roma) and without intermediate stops, while ACTV line 5 is cheaper but slower, with stops along the way.
Yes, and it is recommended to avoid waits, especially during peak season or if you have a flight in the early morning hours.
