Arriving or departing from Venice airport is a unique experience in itself, but doing so aboard a Venice airport water cab turns the transfer into a special moment.
The Venice airport water cab is not just a means of transportation: it is a ticket to the heart of the lagoon, combining comfort, speed and the breathtaking view of the canals.
Unlike traditional land connections, the Venice airport water cab takes you directly to the front of your hotel (if facing a canal) or to the nearest pier, avoiding stress and long walks with your luggage.
There are two main types: the private water cab, ideal for those seeking exclusivity and personalized schedules, and the shared Venice airport water cab, perfect for those who want to save money without sacrificing the beauty of the journey.
Whether you choose to depart from Marco Polo airport or reach it from downtown, the Venice airport water cab is the most scenic way to experience the beginning or end of your stay, turning a simple transfer into an experience to remember.

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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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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- 1 Types of water cab in Venice: private or shared?
- 2 Venice airport water cab service hours
- 3 Venice airport water cab prices and rates
- 4 Differences and pros and cons of private or shared water cab
- 5 How the transfer works
- 6 Main embarkation and disembarkation points
- 7 Luggage and services included
- 8 How to book your water cab online
- 9 Pros and cons of water cab in Venice
- 10 FAQ – Frequently asked questions about water cab airport Venice
Those who choose a Venice airport water cab have two options: private or shared service. Both quickly connectMarco Polo airport to the historic center, but differ in comfort, cost, and mode of use.
Shared water cab
This is a great alternative for those looking for a cheaper but still impressive service. It shares the boat with other passengers heading to the same area as you, with intermediate stops along the way. The shared Venice airport water cab has scheduled departures and slightly longer wait times, but still provides a quick and scenic ride to the center.
Private water cab
This is the most exclusive and convenient solution. It allows you to have the entire boat at your disposal, with customizable schedules and immediate departure. Ideal for families, groups or those who want a private experience, this service arrives directly at your hotel’s dock (if accessible by canal) or the nearest pier. Venice airport water cab rates for private are higher, but offer maximum flexibility and privacy.
Both private and shared Venice airport water cab are a typical Venetian experience, perfect for enjoying the view without worrying about traffic or the weight of luggage.
Venice airport water cab service hours
Venice airport water cab operates virtually all day long, with hours varying slightly depending on whether the service is private or shared.
- Shared water cab: available from 07:00 to 20:55, with extended service in some time slots (until 23:45) and application of a surcharge for night service between 20:00 and 06:55.
- Private water cab: covers a wider range, with availability from 04:00 to midnight. Again, there is a surcharge for departures during nighttime hours.
For very early morning or evening flights, the Venice airport water cab remains one of the few quick and direct options, avoiding the longer times of public transportation. In high season or during special events, it is recommended to book in advance so as to secure the desired time slot.
In any case, the Venice airport water cab allows you to plan your trip without the stress of rigid bus or vaporetto schedules, allowing you to leave or arrive in the city on time.
Venice airport water cab prices and rates
Venice airport water cab fares vary depending on the type of service chosen, number of passengers, time of day, and any supplements for luggage or special routes.
Shared water cab
- Prices from €39 per person for connection between Marco Polo airport and downtown Venice (or vice versa).
- Includes transport of 1 piece of luggage and 1 carry-on item per passenger.
- Surcharges for extra luggage and for overnight travel(20:00-06:55).
Private water cab
- Rates from €180 for groups of up to 6 people per daytime leg.
- Some direct services from the airport to the historic center can go up to 280 €, again for up to 6 passengers.
- Surcharge for 7th person or for access to hotels located in very narrow channels.
- Possibility of carrying more luggage, but with possible additional charges.
The Venice airport water cab is certainly more expensive than other transfer solutions, but it offers speed, comfort and the ability to arrive directly at the hotel pier. For those traveling in groups, the cost per person can be competitive with private land solutions.
| Feature | Shared water cab | Private water cab |
|---|---|---|
| Price | From 39 € per person | From 180 € one way (up to 6 people) |
| Number of passengers | Up to 8 people | Up to 6 people (7th possible with extra charge) |
| Schedules | 07:00 – 20:55 (extended until 23:45 with supplement) | 04:00 – 00:00 (surcharge in night time slot) |
| Departure point | Bucintoro Travel Desk 71 at airport / pier closest to hotel | Bucintoro Travel Desk 71 at airport/hotel pier (if accessible) |
| Waiting time | 20-45 minutes after arrival at desk | Immediate departure |
| Travel time | Approximately 30 minutes (plus any intermediate stops) | 30-45 minutes, direct route |
| Luggage included | 1 bag + 1 carry-on per passenger | More luggage included, any surcharges |
| Final destination | Pontoon closest to hotel | Hotel pier (if accessible) |
| Experience | Panoramic and convivial | Exclusive and personalized |
How the transfer works

From the airport to downtown Venice
Choosing a Venice airport water cab means leaving directly from the Arrivals Terminal and reaching the heart of the city without any change of transportation.
Meeting point at the airport
- After baggage claim, follow the signs to Bucintoro Travel Desk 71, located on the second floor, on the right, near the moving walkway leading to the dock.
- Here you will show your booking confirmation and receive precise instructions for boarding.
Waiting times
- With the shared water cab, the wait can vary from 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the arrival of other passengers.
- With the private water cab, departure is immediate.
Duration and route
- The crossing to the center of Venice takes about 30 minutes for private service and 30-45 minutes for shared (due to intermediate stops).
- If the hotel is on a narrow canal that is not accessible, the cab will drop you off at the nearest pier.
On-board services and amenities
The water cab offers comfortable seating, space for luggage, and a spectacular view of the lagoon and canals. It is the most scenic and direct way to start your stay.
From downtown Venice to the airport
Booking a Venice airport water cab for the return trip is the easiest way to leave without stress and arrive on time for your flight.
Departure point
- For private water cab, pickup is directly at the hotel pier (if accessible) or at an agreed upon pier nearby.
- For shared water cab, the departure time and point are communicated within 24 hours of flight departure and can be at the hotel pier or an easily accessible meeting point.
Pick-up time
- It is recommended to book the pick-up with a margin of at least 2-3 hours before the flight to consider any unforeseen events and airport check-in time.
- The Marco Polo airport water cab takes on average 30-45 minutes depending on the departure location and the type of service chosen.
Baggage and surcharges
- For shared service, 1 bag + 1 carry-on per passenger is included, while private allows more flexibility (with possible extra charges).
- Surcharges may apply for overnight departures or for locations difficult to reach by canal.
Airport arrival
The cab will drop you off directly at theVenice Marco Polo Airport dock, which is connected to the main building by covered walkways, making the route convenient even with heavy suitcases.
Main embarkation and disembarkation points
One of the advantages of the Venice airport water cab is the ability to depart and arrive at strategic points in the city, avoiding long transfers on foot or by public transport.
From Marco Polo Airport to Venice
- Venice Marco Polo Airport Dock: official departure and arrival point, connected to the terminal via covered walkway.
- Bucintoro Viaggi Desk 71 (inside the airport): check-in point for both types of service.
To the airport from Venice
The Venice airport water cab can depart from several piers in the city, including:
- Hotel pier (if facing a navigable canal).
- Piazzale Roma: main hub for land arrivals and connections to tronchetto.
- Tronchetto: useful for those arriving by car or tourist bus.
- Santa Lucia Railway Station: ideal for those arriving by train.
- Cruise Terminal: for passengers departing or arriving from a cruise.
Areas not directly accessible
In some cases, especially for hotels located on very narrow canals, the airport Venice water cab will drop you off at the nearest pier, with a short walk to your final destination.
Luggage and services included
Venice airport water cab offers a practical and well-organized service, but it is important to know what is included in the price and what additional costs there might be.
In the case of the shared water cab, the fare usually includes one suitcase and one carry-on per passenger, while any extra packages may incur a surcharge.
The private water cab, on the other hand, provides more flexibility: it often allows more luggage to be carried on board, up to the limit indicated at the time of booking, although additional charges may apply for a large number of parcels or particularly bulky luggage.
Both formulas include direct transportation to or fromMarco Polo Airport, assistance at embarkation and disembarkation, and, of course, the pleasure of a scenic journey between the lagoon and the main canals.
Some services offer, upon request, extras such as luggage carrier between the airport dock and the terminal or access to hotels located in very narrow canals via smaller boats.
Knowing these conditions in advance will help you make the best possible arrangements for your Venice airport water cab, avoiding surprises upon departure.
How to book your water cab online

Marco Polo Airport: Shared water cab to downtown Venice
Travel from Marco Polo Airport to Venice with this shared water cab service
Secure payment
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket

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
Booking a Venice airport water cab is simple and allows you to secure your seat at the desired time slot, avoiding unnecessary waiting.
Simply select the date, indicate the number of passengers and specify any extra luggage or special services.
In a few minutes you will receive confirmation by e-mail, with full instructions for the meeting point and departure time.
For the shared water cab, the exact time and pick-up location are communicated within 24 hours of flight departure, while in the case of the private water cab you can directly determine the time slot and boarding at the hotel pier (if accessible).
During booking you can also add extra services, such as luggage rack or access to areas that are difficult to reach by canal.
Online booking ofVenice airport water cab is especially recommended during high season or in conjunction with events, when demand increases. This way you avoid the risk of not finding availability and can start or end your trip to the lagoon with peace of mind.
Pros and cons of water cab in Venice
The Venice airport water cab is undoubtedly the most scenic and convenient way to travel between the terminal and the historic center. The main advantage is the ability to travel directly from the hotel pier (if accessible) toMarco Polo Airport, avoiding transporting luggage over long distances or between crowded public transportation.
In addition, the views during navigation are unique and are a true taste of Venice, making the transfer an integral part of the travel experience.
Adding to these positive aspects is speed: a Venice airport water cab takes an average of half an hour to arrive at the destination, with customizable times in the private service. Flexibility is another strong point, especially for those with special flight schedules or specific needs.
On the other hand, the cost is higher than other transfer options, particularly for single travelers or couples who choose private service. Weather conditions can also affect the comfort of the crossing, and on shared routes there may be longer wait times or intermediate stops.
In summary, the Venice airport water cab is ideal for those who want to prioritize comfort, speed, and style, while agreeing to spend a little more for a typically Venetian experience.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Direct transfer from airport to hotel pier (if accessible) | Higher fares compared to other means of transportation |
| Unique views of the lagoon and canals of Venice | Additional costs for extra luggage or nighttime hours |
| Quick trip, averaging 30-45 minutes | On shared routes there may be waiting or intermediate stops |
| Flexible service, with customizable schedules in private | Weather conditions may affect the comfort of the crossing |
| Typical and scenic experience, ideal for starting or ending the trip | Not all hotels are directly accessible via canal |
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about water cab airport Venice
The journey takes an average of 30 minutes by private service and 30-45 minutes by shared service, depending on intermediate stops and weather conditions.
The meeting point is at Bucintoro Travel Desk 71, located on the second floor of the arrivals terminal at Marco Polo Airport, near the moving walkway leading to the dock.
Yes, if the hotel has a dock on a waterway. Otherwise, you will be dropped off at the nearest pier and can continue on foot.
Shared service includes one suitcase and one carry-on per passenger; private service is more flexible, but there may be surcharges for extra or very bulky packages.
Yes, both shared and private water cabs can operate during night hours, but with a fare surcharge.
In the event of delays, the provider will attempt to reschedule the departure consistent with boat availability. Early notification of any changes is recommended.
Yes, online booking of the Venice airport water cab is strongly recommended to ensure availability, especially in high season or during events.