Venice, with its enchanting canals, bridges suspended over the water, and sunsets that paint the sky in golden hues, is an extraordinary city, capable of captivating visitors with its history, secrets, and timeless charm.

For those arriving by plane, one final step remains before fully immersing themselves in this magical atmosphere: getting from Marco Polo Airport to Venice’s old town.

And this is where the adventure begins. Even the journey to the lagoon city can become an unforgettable experience by choosing the right mode of transport: the convenience of a bus, the romance of a ferry, or the exclusive charm of a water taxi, with the added value of the Venice Pass for a hassle-free trip.

The best ways to get from Marco Polo Airport to Venice

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Venice Marco Polo Airport is the main gateway for travelers arriving in the city by air. Located about 13 kilometers north of the heart of Venice, reaching the center requires careful planning due to the unique layout of the lagoon.

Depending on our needs, there are several transport options available. The bus is the most affordable and direct way to reach Piazzale Roma, right in front of the Grand Canal and just a few hundred meters from Venice Santa Lucia train station. The ferry, on the other hand, allows visitors to immerse themselves in the city's unique atmosphere from the very start, gliding across the lagoon.

For those seeking an exclusive and scenic experience, a water taxi provides a direct and stylish arrival near their hotel. Meanwhile, traditional taxis and private transfers ensure maximum comfort, avoiding potential waiting times or transfers.

Which of these options is the best way to get from Marco Polo Airport to Venice? The answer depends on our priorities: cost-effectiveness, convenience, or a breathtaking entrance through the lagoon. Whatever we choose, arriving in Venice can be an unforgettable experience, worthy of the extraordinary city we are about to explore.

A fast and affordable choice: reaching Venice by bus

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For those seeking an affordable and practical solution, traveling to Venice by bus is an excellent option. The two main companies operating from Marco Polo Airport are ATVO and ACTV.

The ATVO line offers a direct service, the Venice Airport Bus Express, reaching Piazzale Roma in about 20 minutes without any stops, providing quick access to the Grand Canal and the city center.

Tickets, priced around €10, can be purchased online or at the “Public Transport” ticket office in the Arrival Hall, or from automatic machines in the baggage claim area. Alternatively, tickets can be bought directly on the bus, although planning ahead is recommended.

ACTV’s Line 5 provides another viable option, though it’s not a direct route. With stops along the way, the journey takes about 23 minutes and costs slightly less (around €8).

In general, to get in the heart of Venice from the airport, taking the bus is an ideal solution, especially for those landing at Marco Polo late at night after a long flight and looking for an easy, affordable way into the city.

Getting to Venice by water: the charm of an authentic experience

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Venice is a unique city because it literally lives on water: so, what could be more typical than entering the city by vaporetto or a charming water taxi?

The Alilaguna service connects Marco Polo Airport to the historic center, offering a fascinating journey across the lagoon. The duration of this unique trip depends on the final stop: 38 minutes to Fondamenta Nuove, 42 minutes to Ponte delle Guglie (over the Cannaregio Canal), just under 1 hour to Rialto and Lido, and finally 1 hour and 12 minutes to San Marco.

The vaporetto, which starts at around 15 Euros, departs from the airport's Darsena. To reach it, let’s head to the first floor of the Arrivals Terminal, following the blue signs for "Water Transport". Here, we'll find the Moving Walkway, an elevated path with moving walkways that will take us to the dock.

For those seeking an even more exclusive experience, a water taxi is an excellent choice, offering direct access to specific destinations with maximum comfort—whether it’s our hotel or other special spots around the city. While it’s a more costly option, it provides a truly unique and tailor-made journey, perfect for those who want to travel in style and make their arrival in Venice unforgettable.

Both the vaporetto and the water taxi provide not just transportation, but a true sensory journey that takes us to the most authentic heart of Venice, immersed in its magical and unparalleled scenery.

Taxis and private transfers for a comfortable, stress-free journey

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Taxis, available 24/7, are a fast and convenient option: the ride from Marco Polo Airport to Piazzale Roma takes about 20 minutes and costs between 40 and 50 euros.

Piazzale Roma is the last point accessible by car before entering the maze of alleys and canals in the old town. From here, destinations like Rialto Bridge or San Marco district can be reached on foot or by vaporetto along the Grand Canal. Anyway, taxis remain an excellent choice for reaching Venice from Marco Polo Airport, especially if traveling with heavy luggage or wanting to avoid public transport queues.

For a more personalized experience, private transfers offer a high-level service. Bookable in advance, they include a professional driver who waits upon arrival and escorts passengers directly to the vehicle. This service is ideal for families, groups, or travelers with a lot of luggage. However, keep in mind that private transfers also stop at Piazzale Roma, for the same reasons as traditional taxis.

Venice Pass: the secret to hassle-free travel in Venice

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The Venice Pass is the ideal tool for exploring Venice without having to worry about tickets, queues, or various planning details, allowing us to focus on enjoying a stress-free vacation filled with unique experiences.

More than just an entry ticket to the city’s most iconic attractions, such as the Doge’s Palace or St. Mark’s Campanile, the Venice Pass is an essential key for moving around simply, efficiently, and independently.

Thanks to unlimited use of buses and ferries, we can avoid long waits at ticket offices and fully dedicate ourselves to discovering every corner of Venice, free from worries and with maximum freedom.

The pass, which can be conveniently purchased online, also includes discounts on Alilaguna services, making the vaporetto transfer from the airport easier, more affordable, and more enjoyable.

From the airport to Venice city center: choosing the right transport for every need

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Arriving in Venice is just the beginning of an extraordinary adventure, and the choice of transportation can make the difference between a tiring and stressful journey and an experience that immediately immerses us in the magical atmosphere of the city.

Each option has its own charm and advantages, and the final decision depends on our priorities: do we want to save money, experience an original and authentic journey, or are we looking for maximum comfort?

If budget is a concern, the bus is certainly the best solution, as it is the most economical and direct alternative, perfect for those who want to reach Piazzale Roma in just a few minutes and start exploring the city right away.

If, on the other hand, we want to immerse ourselves in the true soul of Venice from the very beginning, the vaporetto ride offers a scenic crossing through the lagoon, with breathtaking views that prepare us for the magic awaiting us in the city. Finally, for those seeking an exclusive and uncompromising experience, the water taxi is the right choice for a direct and personalized transfer, perhaps right to the door of our hotel.

Whatever our choice, what truly matters is experiencing the journey as an integral part of the Venetian adventure. Because even the simple act of entering this extraordinary city can turn into an unforgettable memory.