Dear traveler and dear traveler, today we’ll take you to a strategic and surprising corner of the Serenissima that is often overlooked, but is the entrance for those who arrive by car and not just: Island Tronchetto Venice.
Are you looking for parking, logistic information or just curious to know everything about this area, we have all the info in this guide by Venice Insider Guide, designed for those who want to visit Venice without stress.
Island Tronchetto Venice
The Tronchetto Island in Venice, often just called “Isola Nova”, is an artificial island in the Venice lagoon, built in the 60s for a very specific reason: to welcome cars.
In a city where cars don’t have a home, the Tronchetto of Venice has become the hub for tourists who arrive by car, bus or camper.
But be careful: it’s not just a parking lot. Tronchetto Venice is a real logistical hub where water, road and rail meet.
Let’s see more.
Where is Tronchetto Venice
Tronchetto Island is located in the west of Venice, a few minutes from Piazzale Roma and Santa Lucia train station. You can reach it by car by crossing the Liberty Bridge, the only road link between the mainland and the lagoon.
Once you arrive, you enter directly into the multi-level car park of Tronchetto, one of the largest in Europe. From there you can choose how to get to the heart of Venice.
Tronchetto Venice history
The history of Tronchetto Venice is closely linked to the need to manage the increase in car traffic towards Venice from the 50s. Before its construction, Piazzale Roma was the end point for cars, but the space was no longer enough.
So in the 60s this artificial island was born: a giant floating parking lot, designed to contain cars without letting them enter the historic center of the city. Over the years Tronchetto has evolved and become also a departure point for vaporetti, tourist buses and water taxis.
Tronchetto Venice: parking solution
If you arrive in Venice by car, Tronchetto Island is the perfect solution for parking. Here you will find:
- A multi-level parking (Tronchetto Parking), open 24/7, video-monitored and covered.
- Daily rates cheaper than Piazzale Roma.
- Areas for campers and tourist buses.
- Electric car columns.
Prices
- Car: around €21-25 per day.
- Camper: €30.
- Online booking available to reserve a spot.
How to get to Venice from Tronchetto
Once you have parked your car, how do you get to magical Venice?
You have several options, depending on the time, budget and experience you are looking for.
From Tronchetto to Venice on foot
Walking from Tronchetto to the center of Venice is not recommended. Although the distance from Piazzale Roma is relatively short (around 1.5 km), there are no sidewalks and the path goes through industrial areas. Better to use the public transport.
From Tronchetto Venice to St. Mark’s Square: To get to Piazza San Marco, the heart of Venice:
- People Mover + Vaporetto: take the People Mover to Piazzale Roma (€1.50 – 3 minutes), then a vaporetto line 1 or 2 to San Marco.
- Water taxi: more expensive, but romantic and fast (around 20-25 minutes).
From Tronchetto Venice to Venice Santa Lucia
To get to Santa Lucia station:
- Take the People Mover to Piazzale Roma.
- From there, the station is just a few steps away.
It’s the simplest, fastest and cheapest way to get to the train station.
Free parking Tronchetto Venice
Can you park for free at Tronchetto? Unfortunately, no. It’s a managed, guarded and fee-based parking. However, there are some free parking areas on the mainland (like in Mestre), where you can park and then take the train or bus to Venice.
Venice Insider Guide tip: if you plan to stay more than a day, you can park at Mestre (like at Parcheggio Gregorio XVI or Parcheggio scambiatore Bissuola) and then take the train to Venice Santa Lucia. Cheaper, but less convenient.
Island Tronchetto Venice FAQ
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Tronchetto Island in Venice Italy.
How to get into Venice from Tronchetto?
There are several options:
- People Mover: the fastest way to get to Piazzale Roma (€1.50 – 3 minutes).
- Vaporetto: line 2 or 2/. Leaves from Tronchetto pier and stops at various central stations.* Water Taxi: more expensive, but direct and scenic.
How much is a water taxi from Tronchetto to San Marco?
The cost of a water taxi from Tronchetto to San Marco varies depending on the number of passengers and the time of day, but starts from around €70-80 per ride. It can accommodate up to 10 people, so if you’re traveling in a group it’s a good option.
Can you get a water taxi from Tronchetto?
Yes, at Tronchetto there is a water taxi pier. Just go down to the ground floor of the parking and follow the signs for water taxis. They’re available 24/7 but booking is recommended during peak season.
Island of Tronchetto in Venice: conclusion
So, dear travelers, Tronchetto Venice is more than just a parking lot: it’s the entrance to the most romantic city in the world.
Knowing how it works, where it is and how to get around will save you time, stress and money, especially if you arrive by car or camper.
Now you have all the information, go and discover Venice without worries. And remember: every journey in the Serenissima starts from practical places like Island of Tronchetto in Venice. But the adventure begins when you get on the first vaporetto.