Where to park in Venice
While Venice is a car-free city, you can still visit by car if you're willing to park outside the historic centre. This guide will unravel the mysteries of arriving in Venice with your own vehicle. Finding parking isn't the easiest feat, but it's certainly manageable. Most options are paid, but some are more affordable than others. We'll provide a comprehensive overview of all your parking possibilities to ensure a smooth and enjoyable Venetian adventure.
Book your parking at Venice
Available Parking Options in Historical Venice
Venice is a walking-friendly city, there are no roads for cars to traverse within the historic city. As a result, parking options are limited and often require careful planning.
There are a few parking garages in Venice. Some of these parking garages are near Piazzale Roma and one gigantic parking garage is in Tronchetto.
Tronchetto Parking: Located at the city's entrance, Tronchetto is a large parking garage offering both short-term and long-term options. It boasts a shuttle service to whisk you to the city center, a water bus stop for direct access, and lower parking fees compared to Piazzale Roma. Additionally, it caters to larger vehicles like campers and buses. To enter, simply follow the signs and drive under the tunnel. This parking lot even connects directly to the ferry dock, offering further convenience. You can also easily catch a shuttle to Piazzale Roma from here.
- Piazzale Roma Parking Garages: Situated on the edge of the historic center, Piazzale Roma offers another convenient parking option. Visitors can easily access the city by foot or vaporetto (water bus) from here. Garage San Marco is the largest and most centrally located option within Piazzale Roma, open 24/7 with around 900 spaces. It provides amenities like video surveillance, tyre inflation, and even car battery charging. While not the cheapest option, its location offers the easiest access to most hotels in historic Venice. For a more budget-friendly option within Piazzale Roma, consider Autorimessa Comunale Venezia AVM.
What are the alternative options?
Venice consists of two main areas: the historic island centre and the mainland district of Mestre. The Liberty Bridge is the sole road connection between them.
For a budget-conscious visit to Venice by car, consider booking accommodation in Mestre, ideally near the train station or a bus stop. Mestre also offers some free street parking options. Here's a breakdown of some popular parking options in Mestre:
Terminal Parking: Conveniently located next to the A4 motorway, allowing easy access without entering downtown Mestre.
Saba Stazione di Venezia Mestre: This secure car park is close to Mestre's train station. You can book a parking space for periods ranging from 23 hours to multiple days. Bookings can be cancelled up to the day before arrival (by 11:59 pm). Book your parking at Saba Stazione di Venezia Mestre.
Venice Utility Park "Open Air": This free parking area near the highway offers a shuttle service to Venice.
Mestre - Stazione Parking (Parcheggio Gregory): Park directly in front of Mestre's train station and access Venice by bus or car (limited access due to car-free zones). Bus number 15 can take you to the station if needed.
Delfino Autorimessa Car Park: Situated a 10-minute walk from the train station at the end of Corso del Popolo, this option is ideal if you plan to reach Venice by train.
Garage Europa: This multi-story car park in central Mestre offers a convenient and affordable option. Open from 8 am to 10 pm, it provides easy access to Venice via ACTV bus lines 4 and 4L (stop located in front of the garage).
Punta Sabbioni Parking (Least Recommended): Punta Sabbioni, located at the southern tip of the Cavallino-Treporti coast, offers the cheapest parking in Venice. However, its distance makes it the least popular choice. Reaching Venice from here requires a 30-minute ferry ride.
Parking in Other Cities: As a final option, consider parking your car in a city further away, such as Padua. From there, you can take a train directly to Venice's Santa Lucia Train Station.
Planning Your Parking in Venice
To ensure a smooth and stress-free visit, consider these tips for parking in Venice:
- Book in advance: Research parking options and book a spot online beforehand, especially during peak season.
- Arrive early: Parking fills up quickly, so aim to arrive early in the day to secure a space.
- Embrace public transportation: Once parked, utilize Venice's extensive network of water taxis and vaporetti (water buses) to navigate the city.
- Be prepared to walk: Parking locations might be a distance from major attractions. Utilize our Venice Map to find your way.
- Follow parking regulations: Pay close attention to signs and regulations to avoid fines or having your car towed.
Alternative Transportation Options
Consider these alternatives if you'd prefer to skip the parking hassle:
- Trains and buses: Public transportation offers a convenient and affordable way to reach Venice.
- Water taxis: For a more scenic arrival, consider taking a water taxi directly to your destination.
- Walking tours and gondola rides: Immerse yourself in Venice's charm by exploring on foot or taking a traditional gondola ride.
Parking in Venice is no less than a challenge. However careful planning can ensure an enjoyable and smooth experience for visitors.