How to get to Venice: All means of transport

How to get to Venice? La Serenissima, the enchanting "City of Canals," is one of the most unique and breathtaking destinations in the world. Famed for its labyrinth of waterways, ancient palazzos, and vibrant history, Venice draws millions of visitors annually from every corner of the globe.

While this small, floating city in Italy might seem remote, it is actually incredibly well-connected to the mainland and the rest of the world.

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a cultural escape, or just a scenic journey, there are many ways to get to Venice.

In this article we’ll guide you through all the available means of transportation to make your journey to the “Queen of the Adriatic” as smooth as possible. Let's find out all how to get to Venice.

How to get to Venice by plane

Marco Polo Airport – Venice's fateway to the world

Venice’s main international airport is Marco Polo Airport, located just 8 kilometers (4.3 miles) north of the city. Named after the famous Venetian explorer, Marco Polo Airport serves as a major hub for both international and domestic flights. It's one of the busiest airports in Italy, offering easy access to Venice for travelers from around the globe.

To Venice from the U.S.
If you're flying from the United States, several airlines operate direct flights to Venice during peak travel seasons. Delta Airlines, for example, offers non-stop flights from New York's JFK Airport, while US Airways provides service from Philadelphia. Additionally, Alitalia offers connecting flights from cities like New York, Boston, and Miami.

To Venice from Canada
Air Canada offers non-stop flights between Toronto and Venice. Other airlines like Lufthansa connect Canadian cities such as Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver with Venice, although these often include one or two stopovers.

To Venice from Australia
Traveling to Venice from Australia typically involves one or two layovers. Airlines like Emirates, Etihad Airways, and Qatar Airways provide flights to Venice from cities like Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney. The total travel time ranges from 24 to 30 hours, depending on the number of stops.

To Venice from Europe
For travelers coming from European cities, flying to Venice is incredibly easy. Low-cost airlines such as Ryanair and EasyJet provide direct flights to Marco Polo Airport from various cities in the United Kingdom, including London, Bristol, and Manchester. The flight duration from southern England is typically around two hours.

How to get to Venice: Treviso Airport, a budget-friendly alternative

Treviso Airport, located 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of Venice, is primarily used by low-cost carriers like Ryanair and Wizz Air.

If you're flying into Treviso, it’s worth noting that the airport is farther from Venice, but budget-conscious travelers often find the savings worthwhile. Once you land, you can take a shuttle bus from Treviso to Piazzale Roma, the main bus terminal in Venice.

How to get to Venice by train

For those who prefer a scenic and comfortable journey, arriving in Venice by train is a fantastic option. Venice’s central train station, Venezia Santa Lucia, is well-connected to the rest of Italy and Europe. Located on the Grand Canal, Santa Lucia provides a picturesque arrival to the city, with the waterways just steps from the platforms.

The train is one of the best ways to travel to Venice from other major Italian cities such as Rome, Florence, and Milan. High-speed trains operated by Trenitalia or Italo can whisk you from Rome to Venice in about 3.5 hours, or from Florence in around two hours. If you're traveling from Milan, the journey takes approximately 2.5 hours.

For international travelers, Venice is also accessible by train from several European cities. Routes from Paris, Munich, Vienna, and Zurich offer direct service to Venice, making it an attractive option for travelers who prefer the romance of train travel over flying.

Venezia Santa Lucia Railway Station – A gateway to the canals

Venezia Santa Lucia is Venice’s main train station and is situated right on the edge of the historic center. It’s a bustling hub that serves both local and long-distance routes, making it a key entry point for visitors arriving by train. Once you arrive, you can easily hop on a vaporetto (water bus) or walk to your hotel.

How to get to Venice by car

Driving to Venice can be a bit tricky, as the city itself is car-free. However, you can still drive close to Venice and park on the mainland or at designated parking lots. Venice is connected to the mainland by a bridge called Ponte della Libertà, which leads to Piazzale Roma, the city’s main car and bus terminal.

Parking in Venice by car

Once you cross the bridge into Venice, you’ll need to leave your car in one of the available parking lots. Some popular options include:

• Garage San Marco: Located in Piazzale Roma, this parking garage costs approximately €30 per day.
• Garage Autorimessa Comunale: Also in Piazzale Roma, this option is slightly cheaper at €23.40 per day.
• Garage Tronchetto: Located on the Tronchetto island, this garage offers a more affordable rate of €21 per day, especially if you purchase a Rolling Venice Card for discounts.

For budget-conscious travelers, there are even cheaper parking options available on the mainland before crossing the bridge into Venice. These lots typically charge around €10 per day, and you can catch a bus from the mainland to Piazzale Roma.

How do I get from the mainland to Venice?

Once you’ve parked your car, getting from the mainland to Venice is straightforward. Public buses run regularly from the mainland parking lots to Piazzale Roma. From there, you can catch a vaporetto (water bus) to various locations throughout Venice, or take a water taxi for a more private and direct experience.

How can you get into Venice?

After arriving in Venice by plane, train, or car, you’ll need to navigate the canals and narrow streets to reach your final destination. Since Venice is composed of numerous islands connected by bridges, the only way to get around the city is by foot or boat.

Do you need to take a ferry to get to Venice?

Technically, you don’t need to take a ferry to reach Venice itself, but once you arrive, you will likely need to use Venice’s water-based public transportation system. Venice is served by a fleet of vaporettos (water buses) operated by ACTV, which run along the Grand Canal and out to the surrounding islands like Murano and Burano. You can also take a water taxi for a more direct and luxurious ride.

How to go to Venice Island?

The historic island of Venice is easily accessible by bus, train, or car. Whether you arrive at Marco Polo Airport or Treviso Airport, both airports offer shuttle buses and taxis that will take you directly to Piazzale Roma.

From the mainland train station in Mestre, trains run regularly across the Ponte della Libertà bridge to Venice’s Santa Lucia station. Once on the island, you’ll have plenty of options to explore the city by foot, vaporetto, or water taxi.

Venice’s public transportation: exploring the canals

Venice’s unique layout necessitates a public transportation system unlike any other. ACTV operates Venice’s fleet of vaporettos and buses, which are the primary means of getting around the city. A single ticket for the vaporetto costs around €7.50, but if you plan on using public transportation frequently during your stay, it’s worth purchasing a travel card.

The Rolling Venice Card offers discounts on transportation for travelers aged 6 to 29, while the Venezia Unica City Pass provides options for unlimited travel on both buses and vaporettos for varying durations.

Water taxis and private boat services

For those looking for a more luxurious or private way to explore Venice, water taxis are a popular option. Water taxis are more expensive than vaporettos but offer a direct and comfortable way to navigate the city.

Rates vary depending on the distance and the number of passengers, but a typical ride from Marco Polo Airport to the city center can cost around €100 to €150. You can also book private boat services for personalized tours of Venice’s canals and nearby islands.

Alilaguna Boat – Connecting the Airport to Venice

If you’re arriving at Marco Polo Airport and prefer to travel by water, the Alilaguna boat service is a convenient option. Alilaguna boats run directly from the airport to various stops throughout Venice, including San Marco and Rialto Bridge. The ride takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes and offers a scenic introduction to the city’s famous waterways.

Day trips to other Islands

Venice is surrounded by several smaller islands that are well worth a day trip. Murano, known for its glassmaking, and Burano, famous for its colorful houses and lacework, are just a short boat ride away from Venice. Boats depart frequently from various points in the city, and visiting these islands provides a charming contrast to the busy canals of Venice proper.

FAQ: How to get to Venice and navigate the city

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you plan your trip to Venice:

How to get to Venice?

Venice is easily accessible by plane, train, or car. Marco Polo Airport and Treviso Airport serve as the main entry points for international travelers. You can also take a train directly to Venezia Santa Lucia station from other Italian cities or European destinations.

What is Marco Polo Airport like?

Marco Polo Airport is Venice’s primary international airport, located 8 kilometers (4.3 miles) north of the city. It offers a range of services and connections to major cities across Europe, North America, and beyond.

How do I get from the airport to Venice’s city center?

From Marco Polo Airport, you can take a shuttle bus, water taxi, or Alilaguna boat to reach Venice’s city center. Treviso Airport also offers shuttle bus services to Piazzale Roma.

Where can I catch a bus to Venice?

Buses from Marco Polo Airport and Treviso Airport arrive at Piazzale Roma, Venice’s main bus terminal. From here, you can transfer to a vaporetto, water taxi, or walk to your accommodation.

What are the water taxi services in Venice?

Water taxis in Venice provide a more private and direct way to get around the city. They can be booked in advance or hailed at various locations around the city, including Marco Polo Airport and the Grand Canal.

How can I get to Venice’s Santa Lucia train station?

Venezia Santa Lucia is Venice’s main train station and is located right on the Grand Canal. You can reach it by taking a train from the mainland or from other Italian cities such as Rome and Florence.

What public transportation options are available in Venice?

Venice’s public transportation is mainly composed of vaporettos (water buses) and ACTV buses. A vaporetto ticket costs around €7.50, and multi-day passes are available for frequent travelers.

How do I get from Venice to San Marco?

The easiest way to reach San Marco from anywhere in Venice is by vaporetto. Alternatively, you can take a water taxi for a faster and more direct trip.

Where can I park if I’m driving to Venice?

Parking lots like Garage San Marco, Autorimessa Comunale, and Garage Tronchetto are available for travelers arriving by car. Once parked, you can take public transportation into the city.

Is it expensive to get to Venice?

The cost of getting to Venice depends on your mode of transport and where you're traveling from. While flights and water taxis can be pricey, budget travelers can save money by booking low-cost flights, using public buses, and taking advantage of travel cards for public transportation.

What’s the best way to reach Venice for budget travelers?

Budget travelers should consider flying into Treviso Airport or booking low-cost flights to Marco Polo Airport. From there, shuttle buses to Piazzale Roma are an affordable option. Staying on the mainland and using public transportation to explore Venice can also help reduce costs.

How long does it take to get from the airport to Venice?

The travel time from Marco Polo Airport to Venice varies based on your mode of transportation. A bus ride to Piazzale Roma takes around 20 minutes, while a water taxi or Alilaguna boat ride to the city center can take 60 to 90 minutes.

Venice is a magical city that offers a wide range of options for reaching its historic islands. Whether by plane, train, car, or boat, arriving in Venice is just the beginning of a memorable adventure. From the iconic Grand Canal to the serene outer islands, Venice’s transport network ensures that you can easily explore every corner of this unforgettable destination.