Venice Airport to Venice: bus, water bus, water taxi or car?
Venice Marco Polo Airport is on the mainland, about 8 km north of the city, and there are no roads in historic Venice. Which way is best depends on where your hotel is — on the islands, in Mestre or somewhere else in the region.
To the historic centre
- Bus: ATVO and the ACTV line 5 run from the airport to Piazzale Roma, the last stop for road traffic. From there you continue by vaporetto or on foot.
- Water bus: Alilaguna boats go from the airport dock across the lagoon to St Mark's and other stops — slower, but with a view.
- Water taxi: the most expensive option, for up to about 10 people, straight to many hotels with their own landing.
- Car or transfer: ends at Piazzale Roma, like the bus, but door-to-door from the terminal and with help for your luggage.
When a transfer makes the most sense
If your hotel is in Mestre or on the mainland, a car goes straight to the door. The same is true for everything beyond Venice: the beaches of Jesolo and Lignano, the Dolomites around Cortina d'Ampezzo, Trieste, or Ljubljana and the Slovenian coast — trips where buses mean changes and long waits.
Tips for arrival day
Heavy suitcases and Venice's bridges do not mix: if you are staying in the centre, travel light from Piazzale Roma or choose a water taxi. For onward trips, add your flight number when booking a transfer — the driver will follow it and wait if you land late.