Are you planning to visit Venice and wondering how far the Airport is from the city center? And how to reach it easily?
In this article, let’s find out together which are the best connections to reach Venice center from Marco Polo Airport.
I will tell you about the “Express” buses (the cheapest means of transportation), water cabs (the most typical and scenic means of transportation), Alilaguna vaporetto, rubber cabs or cars with drivers.
By the end of this post you will know exactly which is the right means for you to reach the city center from Venice Airport.
Are you ready? Let’s get started!
- 1 How far is Venice Airport from the center?
- 2 All connections from Venice airport to the center
- 2.1 Direct bus Venice airport – Piazzale Roma
- 2.2 Combined Venice Airport Transfer + Vaporetto Pass
- 2.3 Alilaguna steamer from Marco Polo airport
- 2.4 Shared water cab from Venice airport
- 2.5 Private water cab from Venice airport
- 2.6 Cab by truck Venice airport – Piazzale Roma
- 2.7 Getting to Venice by train via Mestre
- 3 Practical tips for returning to the airport
- 4 Frequently asked questions
- 5 Conclusions
How far is Venice Airport from the center?
Venice Marco Polo Airport is located about 13 km from the heart of the city, in Tessera, on the mainland. Although the distance is relatively short, getting to Venice is not like getting to any other city.
Here there are no roads leading directly into the center: cars and buses stop at Piazzale Roma, the last point accessible to road vehicles.
From the moment you set foot in Piazzale Roma, the unique experience that makes Venice world famous begins.
From there on, you move only by water or on foot.
This means that the choice of transportation from the airport is critical for a stress-free arrival, especially if you have heavy suitcases or little time.
The airport is well connected with buses, rubber cabs, Alilaguna waterbuses, private or shared water cabs, as well as combined options with private transfers.
Each of these solutions has different times, costs, and amenities: knowing the differences helps you organize your trip as efficiently as possible.
If you already want to get a clear idea of the costs and times of each connection, take a look at the comparative table of connections from Venice airport to the center that you will find in the next section.
All connections from Venice airport to the center
There are 7 main transfer options from Venice airport to downtown, and each one meets different needs: savings, speed, convenience or scenic experience.
You can choose between connections by land (bus, road cab, train via Mestre) or water (Alilaguna vaporetto, private or shared water cab), not forgetting combined transfers that combine car and boat.
To help you decide at a glance, here is the updated comparison table with prices, times and benefits.
| Means of transportation | Price one way | Average time | Arrival point | When convenient |
| Bus (ACTV or ATVO) | from 10 € | 20-30 min | Piazzale Roma | If you want to spend little and be quick |
| Combined Transfer + Vaporetto Pass | from 13 € | 20-25 min | Piazzale Roma or hotel (if accessible by water) | If you want everything booked and move around the city unlimitedly |
| Vaporetto Alilaguna | from 18 € | 50-80 min | San Marco, Rialto, Murano, Lido | If you want a scenic arrival without changing vehicles |
| Shared water cab | from 39 € | 25-30 min | In front of the hotel (if with dock) | If you are looking for comfort at a reduced price compared to a private cab |
| Private water cab | from 180 € (up to 6 pers.) | 25-30 min | In front of the hotel (if with dock) | If you want absolute luxury and comfort |
| Road cab | 40 € | 20-25 min | Piazzale Roma | If you arrive late or travel in several people |
| Bus + Train via Mestre | from 11.45 € | 30-40 min | Venice Santa Lucia Station | If you are staying near the station or want to visit Mestre |
In the next sections we will analyze these solutions one by one, so you can choose the airport-center connection that best suits your needs.
Do you already want to book your Venice airport transfer? Visit our Venice airport transfer tickets page to find available deals and secure your spot.
Direct bus Venice airport – Piazzale Roma
The cheapest
Marco Polo Airport: Shuttle Bus to Venice Center
The cheapest and fastest transfer from Marco Polo Airport to Venice.
Secure payment
Immediate confirmation
Mobile ticket
If you are looking for the cheapest and most direct way to get from Venice Airport to the center, the bus is the perfect choice. It’s fast, convenient and leaves right in front of the arrivals terminal.
Two main services depart from Marco Polo:
- ATVO Express Bus: direct connection without intermediate stops to Piazzale Roma in about 20 minutes.
- ACTV line 5: city bus, with some stops along the way, travel time about 30 minutes.
Ticket cost starts at €10 per person (free for children under 4) and includes one large bag. You can buy the ticket online, at ticket counters at the airport, or at vending machines near the exit.
ATVO buses are modern, air-conditioned, with free WiFi and luggage space, while ACTV offers a simple but still reliable service. Frequency is high: one ride every 20 minutes for most of the day.
When you arrive at Piazzale Roma, you will already be at the gates of the historic center. From here you can continue on foot, by vaporetto or water cab, depending on where your hotel is located.
If you are short on time or have a flight to catch, choose ATVO to avoid intermediate stops while for maximum savings, if you don’t mind a slightly longer trip, ACTV is the perfect option.
Combined Venice Airport Transfer + Vaporetto Pass
Vaporetto Pass: Venice Public Transportation Ticket
The easiest way to get around Venice by public transportation, including vaporettos and buses
Secure payment
Instant confirmation
Mobile Ticket
If you want to reach the center of Venice from the airport and keep moving freely between calli and islands without having to buy a ticket every time, the Vaporetto Pass with transfer included is one of the most comfortable and convenient options.
With just one ticket you can board theAeroBus ACTV line 5, which departs directly from the airport and arrives at Piazzale Roma, and have unlimited use of all ACTV waterbuses and buses connecting Venice, Lido, Murano, Burano, Mestre and Marghera.
You can choose the duration of the pass according to your needs: 75 minutes, 1 day, 2 days, 3 days or 7 days.
Prices start at 13 euros, and if you select the option with Trenitalia, regional R and RV trains within the City of Venice are also included.
After purchasing the pass, you will receive a voucher with a PNR code that you will need to convert into a ticket at ACTV ticket machines located at the airport or Piazzale Roma, or at Venezia Unica outlets.
Once activated, you’ll be able to board any ACTV vaporetto or bus with no ride limits, making the most of the time you have.
This type of transfer is ideal if you plan to visit multiple areas of the city or the islands in the lagoon. It allows you to get to the center with ease and immediately start exploring Venice worry-free, saving time and money.
Alilaguna steamer from Marco Polo airport
Most atmospheric
Marco Polo Airport: Alilaguna Steamboat From/to the center of Venice
Choose the most typical and suggestive way to reach Venice
Secure payment
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
The Alilaguna vaporetto is one of the most scenic and scenic ways to get from theVenice airport to the historic center.
It is a waterborne public transport service that departs directly from the airport dock, a few minutes’ walk from the arrivals hall, and connects the terminal with some of the city’s most iconic areas.
The main lines are the blue and orange, while the red line operates only at certain times. Connections are regular daily from early morning until about midnight.
The trip takes between 50 and 70 minutes on average, depending on which line you choose and which stop you get off at. Along the way you can admire the lagoon and see Venice slowly approaching, with strategic stops such as St. Mark’s Square, Rialto, Murano, Giudecca and Lido.
Tickets start at 18 euros and can be purchased online, at the airport or directly on board. Once you have your ticket, remember to validate it at the appropriate machines or when boarding.
Although it does not take you directly in front of your hotel, the service is particularly convenient if you are staying near one of the Alilaguna stops and wish to avoid changes of vehicle.
Choosing Alilaguna means starting your Venetian journey immersed in its unique atmosphere, avoiding road traffic and enjoying an authentic experience from the very first moment.
It is a perfect compromise between price, practicality, and charm, especially if you want to turn the move into a small scenic cruise.
Marco Polo Airport: Water cab to the center of Venice
Travel from Marco Polo Airport to Venice with this shared water cab service
Secure payment
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
The shared water cab is one of the most scenic solutions for getting fromMarco Polo airport directly into the heart of Venice, without having to drag your bags across bridges and calli.
Unlike a vaporetto, this service almost always takes you right to the entrance of your hotel, if the property has a pier or is located along an accessible canal.
Boarding takes place at the airport dock, a few minutes’ walk from the terminal.
After leaving the arrivals hall, follow the signs to the departure point indicated on your ticket.
The boats can accommodate up to eight passengers, so the trip is shared but still comfortable.
On average, the duration is about 25-30 minutes, varying depending on the location of your destination and traffic in the lagoon.
The price starts at 39 euros per person, a competitive cost when you consider the comfort offered and the fact that you won’t have to deal with additional vehicle changes.
It is particularly suitable for those traveling with bulky luggage or who want to experience an arrival with a strong visual impact, cruising along the canals until they skim the Grand Canal.
Because it is a shared service, there may be a 20-45 minute wait at the airport, especially during busy hours.
However, the experience of arriving in Venice directly from the water more than makes up for this minor inconvenience.
Private water cab from Venice airport
Marco Polo Airport: Private water cab to/from the center of Venice
Travel in true Venetian style with a private water cab
Secure payment
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket
If you want to start your stay in Venice with absolute comfort, privacy and zero stress, the private water cab is undoubtedly the most exclusive option to get fromMarco Polo Airport to the historic center.
Itis a tailor-made service, with no waiting and no intermediate stops, that takes you directly to the entrance of your hotel, if the property has a private pier, or to the nearest point accessible by water.
Boarding takes place at the airport dock, which is an easy few minutes’ walk from the arrivals hall.
On board it’s just you, your fellow passengers, and your luggage in an elegant and private setting. The ride takes an average of 25-30 minutes, but the views of the lagoon will make you wish the trip was longer.
The price starts at about 180 euros per ride for up to six passengers.
By splitting the expense among several people, this solution can become competitive with other options, with the great advantage of avoiding any change of vehicle and being able to unload suitcases directly at the hotel.
Choosing a private water cab means treating yourself to a postcard-perfect arrival, navigating the canals and admiring unforgettable views within the first few minutes in Venice.
It is ideal for those traveling with families, groups, or simply wanting to treat themselves to a luxury that turns the transfer into an experience to remember.
Cab by truck Venice airport – Piazzale Roma
The rubber cab is a simple and direct solution for getting fromMarco Polo Airport to Piazzale Roma, the last point in Venice accessible to road vehicles.
It is especially convenient if you are traveling with a lot of luggage, if you arrive at times when public transportation is less frequent, or if you want a connection without waiting.
Official cabs are located just outside the arrivals exit and are easily recognized by the white body and “TAXI” sign on the roof. The fare is fixed at 40 euros per ride, valid for up to four passengers and including standard luggage. The service is available 24 hours a day and the average journey time is about 20-25 minutes, varying according to traffic.
Once you arrive at Piazzale Roma, you can continue to your hotel on foot, by vaporetto or water cab. Some taxi drivers may offer a combined rubber cab + water cab service, which takes you directly to your accommodation via water. In this case, it is essential to make sure that these are official operators and that the price is agreed in advance.
Compared to the bus, the cab offers more comfort, faster times, and the convenience of leaving immediately after baggage claim, without having to wait for your next departure.
It is a choice that can prove convenient if you are traveling with two or three people and want to get to your destination without changing vehicles.
Getting to Venice by train via Mestre
The train connection via Mestre is not the most direct route to get fromMarco Polo Airport to the center of Venice, but in some situations it can prove to be a strategic choice. It is an attractive option especially if you are staying near the Venice Santa Lucia station, if you have to stop in Mestre, or if you are traveling in connection with other trains.
The route begins with an ACTV or ATVO bus ride from the airport to Mestre train station, which is about 20 to 25 minutes away. From there you can board a regional train and arrive in Venice Santa Lucia in just 10 minutes. The total cost starts at about 11.45 euros, considering 10 euros for the bus and 1.45 euros for the train.
This solution requires a change of vehicle and may be less practical if you are traveling with heavy luggage or if you are staying in central areas such as San Marco, Rialto, or Dorsoduro, where you will then have to travel on foot or by vaporetto anyway.
However, it can be useful when other connections are slowed, such as during bad weather or strikes, or if you prefer to travel mostly by rail.
Once you arrive at Venice Santa Lucia, you will already be in the heart of the historic center, overlooking the Grand Canal, ready to continue on foot or by public transportation on the water.
Practical tips for returning to the airport
Planning the return trip from thehotel to Marco Polo is as important as planning the arrival.
In Venice, you can’t improvise at the last minute: the city has bridges, calli, and canals that require slower travel than a destination by road, and times can easily lengthen.
First, calculate how long you need to get to Piazzale Roma or the pier closest to your accommodation.
From there, consider at least another 20-30 minutes to reach the airport, either by land or water.
If you leave by bus from Piazzale Roma, the trip is cheap, takes about half an hour, and is available most of the day.
The first buses leave around 4 a.m., while the last buses leave shortly after 1 a.m.
If you are looking for more convenience, the rubber cab is available 24 hours a day at a fixed rate of 40 euros and takes you directly in front of the departures entrance. Alternatively, you can book a private water cab for a scenic and direct experience, although the cost is between 120 and 140 euros.
For those who want to leave without stress, especially if your flight is very early in the morning or late in the evening, private combined car + boat transfers are the safest option. They allow you to leave directly from your hotel and arrive on time at the terminal without transshipment or waiting.
A final helpful tip is to ask your hotel reception for support: many properties have arrangements with transportation services and can book a water cab or transfer for you at the exact time you need, even suggesting the quickest means based on the tide and the location of your accommodation.
Frequently asked questions
It depends on your needs. If you want to spend little and have no problem moving with luggage, the direct bus (ATVO or ACTV) to Piazzale Roma is quick and cheap. If, on the other hand, you prefer convenience and zero stress, a private water cab or a combined transfer is an ideal choice, especially if your hotel has a pier. For a scenic and scenic arrival, the Alilaguna is the perfect compromise.
You can buy tickets online, at physical ticket offices at the airport (ACTV, ATVO, Alilaguna), or at vending machines near baggage claim and at the terminal exit. Many services also allow direct purchase on board, but booking in advance assures you a clear seat and price.
Almost always yes. Land-based services, such as buses, cabs, and trains, are not affected. Waterborne services, such as Alilaguna or water cab, may have delays in high water or heavy fog, but are rarely suspended. Hotels and official websites update any changes in real time.
The vaporetto is Venice’s public transportation: it makes regular stops, is cheaper but can be crowded and slower. The water cab is private or shared, direct, much more convenient, and without intermediate stops, but has a higher cost.
Yes, especially in high season or if you arrive late in the evening. This way you have clear prices, guaranteed space, and often assistance with luggage. You also avoid having to haggle on the spot or risk not finding availability.
To be on the safe side, leave at least two and a half hours before takeoff, even though the journey may seem short. Times are easily extended, especially by water or during rush hour. With a private transfer or water cab you can reduce the time, but it is always best to leave a margin of safety.
Only if your hotel has a pier or is located along an accessible canal. In that case, the water cab can take you all the way to the front door. In all other cases, you will be dropped off at the nearest pier and will have to continue on foot. Buses always arrive at Piazzale Roma, from which you continue on foot or by vaporetto.
Conclusions
Now that you know all the solutions for moving from Marco Polo Airport to the heart of Venice, all that remains is to choose the one that best suits your needs. Each means has its advantages: practicality, price, comfort or atmosphere.
The bus is the cheapest andmost directoption if you travel light and want to get to Piazzale Roma quickly.
If, on the other hand, you want a unique experience, the water cab or the Alilaguna line will give you the thrill of entering the city directly from the water. For those who want no worries, private or combined transfers ensure stress-free arrivals, ideal with luggage or family.
Venice is not just another city: here even the journey to the center is part of the adventure.
Preparing in advance allows you to experience the arrival with serenity and enjoy the magical atmosphere of the lagoon right away.
Have a good trip and…let yourself be transported to Venice!
