How to Get from Marco Polo Airport to Venice
It is arguably one of the most breathtakingly interesting cities in the world, full of endless labyrinthine canals, bridges, and narrow streets, all telling stories of art, commerce, and grandeur that go back centuries.
Its main airport, Venice Marco Polo Airport, located on the mainland about 13 kilometres from the city centre, is the entryway for millions of visitors touring the wonders of St Mark's Square, the Grande Canale, and the timeless beauty of this floating city.
Yet, unlike most destinations, reaching the city itself is part of the adventure. Venice does not have any roads or cars inside its historic centre. You will need to decide upon buses, water buses, taxis, or private transfers across the Venetian Lagoon to reach your destination.
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Understanding the Journey from Marco Polo Airport to Venice
The journey from Marco Polo Airport to the heart of Venice is a short but distinctive transition from land to water. The eight miles (13 km) car ride symbolizes an entry into another world, one where boats have replaced cars and canals have taken the place of streets.
All land means of transport have a destination at Piazzale Roma, the only transport hub in the city reachable by road.
From there, water transport takes over in distributing travellers throughout Venice's six Sestieri, which include San Marco Venice, Dorsoduro Venezia, Cannaregio Venice, Santa Croce Venice, San Polo Venice, and Venice Castello.
Accessibility and points of connection become crucial for travelers with large suitcases or late arrivals. Most of Venice's bridges have stairs, and the distances between piers and accommodation vary greatly.
Hence, the choice of transport means will depend not just on budget but also on luggage, time of arrival, and area of stay, whether near Rialto Market and the Pescheria, St Mark's Basilica, or the quiet charm of Giudecca.
Option 1: The Water Bus (Alilaguna)
Alilaguna Water Bus is an excellent choice for those who want a scenic and authentic arrival. The service connects Marco Polo Airport directly to Venice by several routes across the lagoon, allowing views of San Giorgio Maggiore, Basilica di Santa Maria Della Salute, and the Bridge of Sighs.
Routes and Duration
There are three main lines:
Blu Line - Blue Line: From/To airport to San Marco, with stops at Murano, Fondamente Nove, Zattere.
Orange Line (Arancio): From the airport to Piazzale Roma, it makes stops including Rialto Bridge, Ca’ Rezzonico, and Guglie.
Red Line (Rossa): Running seasonally, this line serves Giudecca and Lido di Venezia.
The trip generally takes 60 to 75 minutes, depending on the route and the number of stops en route.
Advantages: The Alilaguna service provides for an immersive introduction to the city's lagoon for travellers. Passengers enjoy views of The Venetian Lagoon, Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, and the city skyline long before reaching St Mark’s Square. It's ideal for those staying near San Marco and Castello Itinerary areas or waterfront hotels such as those on Zattere.
Disadvantages: The water bus is slower compared with road transport, and the manoeuvring of heavy luggage on and off piers can be tricky. Late-night arrivals must also confirm final departure times, as not all routes operate past midnight.
Tickets and Booking: Generally, one-way fares range between €15 and €18. Online tickets are available via official sources as well as from kiosks inside the airport arrival hall. Travellers are advised to validate tickets before boarding. Online booking is recommended during high season or during Venice Carnival, when there will be a large volume of passengers.
Option 2: Bus to Piazzale Roma
For speed and economy, the bus remains the most convenient way of reaching the historic centre. It is also the best choice for travellers continuing onto vaporetto lines or onward destinations like Venice Mestre.
Services and Duration
Two major bus operators serve this route:
ATVO Express Bus: This is a non-stop service that travels directly from the airport to Piazzale Roma and vice versa every 20 minutes. The journey takes approximately 20–25 minutes.
ACTV Line 5: A public bus that has several local stops before arriving in Venice, which takes about 30–35 minutes.
Advantages: This bus provides unbeatable value and frequency: it lets visitors get to the gateway of Venice without the prices of a private transfer. Once at Piazzale Roma, the travelers can have a stroll or take a vaporetto down the Grand Canal towards major landmarks such as St Mark's Campanile, Doge's Palace, and Scuola Grande di San Rocco.
Disadvantages: While convenient, the bus doesn't deliver the romantic lagoon entry associated with water transport. Travellers must transfer to a vaporetto or walk in order to reach areas beyond Santa Croce Venice or San Polo Venice.
Tickets: Tickets cost around € 8 – € 10 per person. They can be bought from the ATVO counters, ticket machines in the arrivals area, or online. Travellers must validate tickets before boarding.
Option 3: Private Water Taxi
The most luxurious and truly effortless way to reach central Venice is by private Water Taxi. The service does door-to-door delivery directly onto the hotel docks, sometimes under iconic bridges and around the façades of the Palazzo Grassi, Ca' d'Oro, and Ca' Rezzonico.
Service and Pricing
Water-Taxis leave from the airport's dock, reached by a short covered walkway from the arrivals terminal. Prices start at about € 120 – € 150 per boat for up to six passengers, depending on destination and time of day. There may be surcharges for night services or at high tide.
Advantages
Arrive directly at the hotel or canal entrance.
Comfortable seating and secure space for luggage.
Panoramic journey across the Venetian Lagoon and into the Grand Canal.
Disadvantages
Significantly more expensive than other options.
Prices subject to change depending on tides or booking agents.
Bookings
Taxis can be booked in advance online or arranged upon arrival at the airport's official taxi desk. Most upscale hotels will also organize a water taxi for their guests. Sharing a boat with other travelers helps minimize the expense.
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Option 4: Road Taxi to Piazzale Roma
Traditional land taxi A traditional land taxi is available from the airport’s forecourt and provides a fast, comfortable ride to Piazzale Roma, the edge of the pedestrian zone.
Journey and Pricing: The trip takes approximately 20 minutes and costs around € 40 – € 50 depending on the traffic; metered taxis take up to four passengers.
When to Select This Option: This option is most convenient for late-night arrivals, as well as for travellers with considerable amounts of luggage who would like to avoid changes of transportation.
From Piazzale Roma, passengers can transfer onto water buses or take the Venice Transport, Useful Numbers routes into the city.
Option 5: Combination Routes
Some visitors prefer a hybrid route balancing cost, time, and comfort. The most common option is the bus or road taxi to Piazzale Roma and then the vaporetto up the Grand Canal to the closest stop to their accommodation.
For instance, this might be a very good option for people staying near Santa Maria del Rosario Church, San Moisè, or Santa Maria dei Miracoli. This route offers a decent blend of speed and scenic experience without the hefty price of a private taxi.
Visitor and Ticket Information
Visitor Information
Opening Hours: Public transport from the airport runs virtually nonstop. ATVO Express and ACTV Line 5 buses run from early in the morning to well after midnight. Alilaguna routes run between roughly 6:00 a.m. and midnight, though the exact hours depend on the line.
Best Time to Travel: Mid-day or early afternoon travelling ensures that there will be the most services running and less crowding. During peak festival periods, for example, Venice Carnival, Regata Storica, or The Venice Biennale, it is best for travellers to pre-book any tickets or private transfers.
Dress Code and Entry Rules: There are no dress codes for transport, though comfortable footwear is recommended due to the uneven paths. Passengers should always carry tickets with them and validate them if necessary. Those who arrive during winter should bring warm and waterproof clothing with them, especially during the Acqua Alta in Venice, which is its high-water season.
Ticket Information
Typical ticket prices
On the bus: one-way fare around € 8 in each direction for the ordinary airport bus. Some sources quote a slightly higher fare for express routes, e.g., €10 one-way.
Boat service (Alilaguna) airport to the historic centre: about € 15–18 one way, return fare higher.
Private water-taxi: much more expensive (basic cost about € 120+, historic centre) and should be booked in advance.
Online booking: Many travelers note that boat or water taxi tickets can be reserved online in advance, which may help them secure seats and ensure a smoother arrival. As for bus tickets, you can buy one from ticket machines or kiosks near airport arrivals or the bus terminal, or at the bus stop.
One user reported: "You can book the ticket online … On the next screen … select Aeroporto Marco Polo …". It is also advisable to check for last-boat times if arriving late.
Guided tours: While this article focuses on transport from the airport into Venice, some guided tour companies do offer arrival-transfer services integrated with brief orientation tours of the city.
For instance, a private water taxi booked through a hotel or tour operator may include commentary or direct delivery to the canal-front entrance of accommodation. Users on the forum mention the value of booking such services for the “first trip” experience.
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Practical Tips for a Smooth Transfer
Luggage: Use trolleys in the arrivals hall and be mindful of bridge steps once in Venice. Know Your Stop: Many hotels identify the closest vaporetto stop; examples include San Zaccaria Church, Santa Maria Formosa, or Fondamente Nove.
Cash and Cards: There are ATMs at the airport as well as near Banks, ATM, and Money Changers across Venice.
Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi is provided in the airport and some Sim Cards & WIFI in Venice hotspots around the city.
Safety: Always secure bags during boarding and avoid standing near open edges on boats.
Accessibility: Travellers with mobility issues should take the bus to Piazzale Roma, and make a request for assistance to board.
Final Comparison Summary
| Option | Duration | Cost | Pros | Cons | Ideal For |
| Bus to Piazzale Roma | 25min | Low | Fast | Transfer to vaporetto | Budget travellers |
| Water Bus | 60-75min | Moderate | Scenic route | Slower | First visitors |
| Private Water Taxi | 25-40min | High | Direct to hotel | Expensive | Luxury travellers |
| Road Taxi | 20min | Moderate | Comfortable | Ends at Piazzale Roma | Late arrivals |
| Combination router | 40-60min | Variable | Balanced cost | Multiple transfers | Families |
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Conclusion
The way to Venice from Marco Polo Airport is as poetic as it is practical, much like the city itself. Sliding down the Grand Canal, or crossing over the Bridge of Sighs, or simply stepping out at Piazzale Roma, every traveler will feel the shift from a very modern mainland into a timeless lagoon.
Those who prefer economy and speed can't be beaten by the bus. For adventurers and romantics, the water bus may be more to their taste, whereas for those who want comfort and exclusivity, the services of a private water taxi are available. Whatever one chooses, being prepared tends to make entry into this very different city smooth.
Booking tickets in advance, planned schedules, and proper dressing against certain weather conditions, especially during variations of Venice Weather and Seasons, all add up to ensure a smooth arrival.
From Venice Mestre to the floating marvel of St Mark's Basilica, every route begins with the same destination in mind: immersion into a living masterpiece. Understanding how to get from Marco Polo Airport to Venice means mastering the first step in discovering The Best of Venice itself.