How to Use the Alilaguna Airport Boat Service
Arriving in Venice is unlike any other city in the world. From the time travelers arrive at Marco Polo Airport, they step into a landscape defined by water.
The most scenic and practical link between the mainland and the floating city is the Alilaguna Airport Boat Service-a system of color-coded water-bus routes that glide across the Venetian Lagoon, connecting the airport directly to St Mark's Square, Rialto Bridge, and other iconic points along the Grand Canal.
This guide explains in detail how to use the service, where each route goes, how much it costs, and which line best suits different parts of The Best of Venice. It is written for travellers who value efficiency and authenticity — turning a simple airport transfer into an introduction to the city’s history, rhythm, and charm.
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What the Alilaguna Service Is?
The Alilaguna network consists of a private water-bus company that was created to link Marco Polo Airport with the islands of Venice, Murano, and Lido di Venezia. Unlike the ACTV public vaporetto system, Alilaguna operates on fixed routes starting at the airport dock and ending at major stops across the lagoon.
Each boat is a small version of the city's traditional Water Bus, offering covered seating and space for luggage. Its real advantage, however, is the direct access to the airport — customers don't have to use a road taxi or bus connection to Piazzale Roma before boarding.
Instead, customers embark on a 60- to 75-minute cruise that introduces them to landmarks that include San Giorgio Maggiore, Basilica di Santa Maria Della Salute, and the glistening domes of St Mark's Basilica.
This Alilaguna journey has been the first unveiling of Venice Uncovered for many: the same waters that inspired explorers, merchants, and the great composer Antonio Vivaldi.
Routes and Lines
The Alilaguna Airport Boat Service operates three main lines, all differentiated by color.
Line Blue (Linea Blu)
The Blue Line is the most comprehensive, connecting Marco Polo Airport with Murano, Fondamente Nove, Zattere, and San Marco, continuing toward Giudecca and Lido S.M.E. Typical travel time from the airport to St Mark’s Square is around 75 minutes.
This line is convenient for travellers staying in waterfront hotels in San Marco Venice or Dorsoduro Venezia and for those going to Lido di Venezia during the Venice International Film Festival or the Venice Marathon.
Line Orange (Linea Arancio)
The Orange Line crosses the center of the Grand Canal, stopping at Guglie, Rialto, Sant'Angelo, Ca' Rezzonico, and then finishes at Santa Maria del Giglio near St Mark's Campanile. Travel time is about 70 minutes, but this route gives you the most photogenic arrival. It's perfect if you'll be staying around the Rialto Market and Pescheria, San Polo Venice, or Santa Croce Venice.
Line Red (Linea Rossa – Seasonal)
The Red Line mainly operates in the spring to autumn seasons, connecting Marco Polo Airport with Murano Colonna, Lido S.M.E., and San Marco. It serves passengers headed to leisure destinations or events such as the Venice Biennale or Regata Storica.
Each line offers a different experience: the Blue Line gives greater coverage, the Orange Line gives access to the centre, and the Red Line provides island travel, seasonally.
Detailed Stop Information
Airport Dock - Marco Polo Aeroporto
All routes originate at the airport's water terminal, which is a ten-minute walk from arrivals via the covered Water Transport walkway. Signs clearly indicate the route colours.
Key Venice Stops
Gateway to the Murano Glass Museum and glass-blowing workshops like:
The Art of Murano Glass Blowing: Workshops and Demonstrations.
Fondamente Nove: The closest stop for Cannaregio Venice and the Jewish Museum of Venice.
Rialto: ideal for visitors heading to Ponte di Rialto, the Markets, Food Shops, or Santa Maria Formosa.
Sant'Angelo and Ca' Rezzonico: Convenient for the Accademia Gallery, Ca' d'Oro, and Ca' Rezzonico Museum.
San Marco Giardinetti: Steps from St Mark’s Square, Doge’s Palace and the Marciana National Library.
Zattere: Perfect for hotels along Dorsoduro Venezia and the Basilica di Santa Maria Della Salute.
Giudecca Hilton: Connects to the quiet island district of Giudecca.
Lido S.M.E: Beach access, proximity to Venice Lido Bike Tour routes and festivals.
Each of the stops represents one Sestiere, which is the traditional Venetian district. Visitors staying in San Marco Venice or Castello Venice should choose stops along the Blue Line, while those in Cannaregio Venice often prefer Fondamente Nove.
For travelers with luggage, stops like Zattere or San Marco Giardinetti offer wide docks and minimal bridges, while Rialto involves stairs and narrow alleys.
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Travel Time and Frequency
Journeys average between 60 and 75 minutes. During daytime, Blue Line and Orange Line are operated every 30 minutes; the Red Line operates on a seasonal schedule.
Service typically starts at 06:00 and runs until midnight. However, late-night arrivals should check the last departure via alilaguna.it or airport information counters.
Weather conditions, especially fog or strong lagoon tides, can increase travel times. Visitors traveling during Acqua Alta in Venice should plan on extra time to board and disembark.
Ticketing and Prices
Ticket Types
One-way Airport Transfer – valid from Marco Polo Airport to any Venice stop.
Return Ticket – valid for both directions, often cheaper than two singles.
Multi-day Passes – combined transport passes (24h, 48h, 72h) sometimes include Venice Transport, Useful Numbers networks.
Prices (approximate)
A one-way standard ticket costs just under €15, with returns averaging €27. Children under six travel for free. Discounts for seasonal promotions or Venice City Pass holders are available.
Where to Buy
Airport ticket office near the arrivals hall.
The automated machinery at the dock.
Select Hotels and Travel Agencies
Tickets need to be validated prior to boarding. Staff members scan barcodes at embarkation; printed or mobile versions are accepted.
Tips to Save
Pre-book online to avoid queues.
Note that tickets must be Alilaguna-specific, not regular ACTV vaporetto tickets.
Combine journeys with island excursions, such as Burano Island Venice or Torcello Itinerary for added value.
Booking and Boarding Process
Arrive at Marco Polo Airport, then follow the signs after baggage claim marked “Water Transport.”
Walk to the Dock: It takes approximately ten minutes via covered passage to the boat terminal.
Purchase Ticket or Validate: Buy at the counters or present digital confirmation.
Find Your Line: Coloured signage—Blue, Orange, Red—identifies the appropriate pier.
Boarding: Staff assist passengers with luggage; then they board the boat and find their place according to the given sitting arrangements.
The boat glides smoothly by The Venetian Lagoon, San Pietro di Castello, and Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo.
Disembarkation: Listen for stop announcements. Get yourself ready to alight with luggage ready.
Each vessel is equipped with covered cabins, life-jackets, and panoramic windows. Travellers can take pictures of Punta della Dogana or Palazzo Grassi from the open stern area.
Best Use Cases and Limitations
Ideal travellers
First-time visitors wanting a scenic introduction to All About Venice.
Guests staying near waterfront hotels in San Marco, Dorsoduro, or Giudecca.
Tourists combine their airport transfer with sightseeing of the Venetian Lagoon.
When to Consider Alternatives
Very heavy luggage or mobility concerns (use Bus to Piazzale Roma instead)
Late-night arrivals after the final boat departure.
Accommodation deep in Cannaregio or Santa Croce, far from docks.
Limitations
They are slower than road transfers and can be space-constrained in festival periods like Venice Carnival, Festa del Redentore, or Vogalonga. For most arrivals, though, the view across the lagoon outweighs any minor delay.
Practical Tips and Advice
Check Schedules: Confirm times on alilaguna.it before flying.
Match Line to District
For San Marco Venice → Blue Line.
For Rialto or San Polo Venice → Orange Line.
For Lido di Venezia → Red Line.
Luggage: Rolling bags are manageable; lightweight cases make boarding easier.
Weather: Wear waterproof shoes during high tide; the docks may be damp.
Combined Transportation: Taking the train from Santa Lucia Station, travelers can get off at Zattere or Piazzale Roma and use the vaporetto.
Tickets and Wi-Fi: Most stops are near cafés, like Caffè Florian Venice or Gran-Caffè Quadri Venice, offering Wi-Fi access for digital tickets.
Safety: Take only clearly marked Alilaguna official boats; beware of private touts.
Summary Comparison
| Line | Main Route & Stops | Duration | Best For | Approx. Fare |
| Blue Line | Airport→ Murano→ Fondamente Nove→ Zattere→ San Marco→ Lido S.M.E | 70-75 min | Central & Lido hotels | €15 one-way |
| Orange Line | Airport→ Guglie→ Rialto→ Sant'Angelo→ Ca' Rezzonico→ Santa Maria del Giglio | 65-70 min | Hotels along Grand Canal | €15 one-way |
| Red Line (Seasonal) | Airport→ Murano Colonna→ San Marco Lido→ S.M.E | 60-65 min | Summer & Festival travel | €15 one-way |
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Conclusion
The Alilaguna Airport Boat Service makes an ordinary transfer a voyage into something special. As boats glide from Marco Polo Airport through the Venetian Lagoon, travelers view the skyline of St Mark's Basilica, the elegant curve of the Bridge of Sighs, and the everyday pulse of Venice Transport across the waters.
Choosing the right line is a matter of convenience and comfort: the Blue Line reaches most major districts, the Orange Line offers the classic Grand Canal approach, and the Red Line caters for summer explorers.
Understanding routes, stops, and prices in advance prevents confusion and maximises value. For visitors arriving to see events such as the Venice Biennale, or merely to take in the sights at the Rialto Market, the trip to Alilaguna is much more than transportation; it is the first chapter in their Venetian tale.
The soft hum of the engine, the sight of San Giorgio Maggiore at sunset, and the first glimpse of St Mark's Square from the water all remind visitors why Venice remains a living masterpiece.