Venice is one of the most exciting cities to visit in the world. But, the arrivals process can be challenging. From the airport on the mainland you need to get to the lagoon and then navigate the canals, waterways and bridges with your luggage to reach your accommodation.
Here is our guide to transferring from Marco Polo Airport to Venice. It includes options for all budgets and travel styles plus land and water transfers.
READ: our guide to all Italy’s main airports
The short answer is the quickest and easiest Venice airport transfer is by water taxi direct to your hotel. You can either do this as a private transfer – very glamorous and an incredible introduction to the city. Or on a shared water taxi transfer where you have a similar experience for a fraction of the cost.
| Duration | Cost per person (one way) | Where to book online | Operating hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private water taxi | 30 - 40 minutes | €50 - 120 depends on group size and luggage | Click here to book private transfer | 07:30 - 21:30 |
| Shared water taxi | 50 - 100 minutes | €32 | Book shared water taxi | 07:00 - 20:55 |
| Water bus | 90 minutes + airport wait time | €15 | Click for water bus tickets | 07:45 - 23:45 |
| Bus transfer + vaporetto | 20 minutes + airport wait time + vaporetto + walk | €8 - coach €7.50 - vaporetto (ferry) | Click for coach transfer tickets | 01:20 - 23:50 (coach) 05:00 - 23:30 (vaporetto) |
| Taxi + vaporetto | 20 minutes + vaporetto + walk | €25 - taxi (total cost) €7.50 - vaporetto (ferry) | 05:00 - 23:30 (vaporetto) |
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How to get to Venice from the airport (and vice versa)
Private water taxi
If your budget allows, the best way to arrive in Venice is by private water taxi. These classic wooden boats zoom along the canals past the vaporettos and other water vehicles and can even drop you at your hotel should it have a private dock like this one.
This is by far the fastest way to get to and from the airport as there is no waiting or need to transfer to another form of transport or walk long distances with your luggage. It is also the most expensive, especially if you are traveling as a couple or smaller group.
But, if you are a romantic, I can assure you that there is no better way to arrive in Venice than by these sleek motor boats. Even in winter, the boats are heated and cosy but that probably won’t stop you standing behind the driver to take in the incredible views.
You can pick the taxis up at the airport dock – La Darsena – about a 10 minute walk from the arrivals hall. Priority is given to pre-booked taxis.
Do note that if your hotel does not have a private dock or is in a small canal that the taxi cannot reach you may need to walk a short distance to your accommodation from the nearest drop off point. You can usually pay extra for porterage to the door if you need this service.
Check how much luggage is included in your transfer – it is usually one large piece plus carry on. Surcharges apply for late arrivals.
Where to book: La Darsena water taxi dock, a 10 minute walk from the terminal or click here to book online (service includes arrivals hall meet and greet)
Journey time: 30 – 40 minutes
Operating hours: 07:30 – 21:30
Approx one way cost: expect to pay €180 – €250 depending on number of people and luggage
Best for: romantics, families and groups of 4-6 as you can split the cost
Back to the airport: book in the transfer with your hotel or click here to book online
READ: Our complete city guide for Venice
Shared water taxi
Water taxis are also available as a shared service and this is a great option. Although, as you will share the experience with other passengers, slightly less romantic.
After you exit the baggage claim, look for the water taxi desk where you can show your prebooked voucher or organize your ticket. Priority is given to pre-booked transfers.
You may need to wait up to 40 minutes (maximum) for other passengers to arrive. Once everyone is assembled the water taxi will transfer you to your hotel if it has an accessible dock or the stop within nearest walking distance.
Note – children under 6 ride for free with the service listed below.
Check how much luggage is included in your transfer – it is usually one large piece per person plus carry on. Surcharges may apply for extra bags.
Where to book: look for the desk outside arrivals or click here to book online
Journey time: 50 – 100 minutes (depends on airport wait time)
Operating hours: 07:00 – 20:55
Approx one way cost: expect to pay €32+ per person
Best for: getting to your accommodation quickly and easily, families with small children
Back to the airport: book in the transfer with your hotel or click here to book online
Have you organized travel insurance for your trip to Italy? If you haven’t done so yet, click here to find out why you should consider buying it to cover your trip or visit World Nomads for quick quote right up to departure.
Express bus transfer to Piazzale Roma (Central Venice)
If you are on a budget and/or staying close to Piazzale Roma – the main transit point into Venice – then you may want to catch the express bus transfer.
Buses depart every 20 minutes from just outside the main arrivals hall. They leave on the hour and at 20 minutes and 40 minutes past the hour. Buses do not run during the night after 00:50 AM. Note that the first service in the morning is at 05:20 AM
From Piazzale Roma you can either walk to your accommodation or take the vaporetto ferry from the terminal. You can buy tickets from the ticket booths or machines there. A one-way ticket will cost €7.50. For vaporetto routes and timetables click here.
Your hotel will tell you the closest vaporetto stop and route you need to take. Then it is usually no more than a 5-10 minute walk to your accommodation.
Where to book: immediately outside the arrivals hall or click here to book online
Journey time: 50 – 100 minutes (depends on airport wait time)
Operating hours: 05:20 – 00:50
Approx one way cost: €8 per person (coach) plus €7.50 for one way vaporetto (ferry ticket) if required
Best for: budget travelers and those staying close to Piazzale Roma
Back to the airport: buy a ticket at Piazzale Roma ticket booths or click here to book online
Need ideas for things to do in Venice? Read our guides to Venetian food culture, the lesser known sights of the city and traveling to Venice with kids
Taxi from Venice airport to Piazzale Roma
No time to wait for the bus? You can easily catch a taxi from the airport to Piazzale Roma where you transfer to a vaporetto service or walk. It’s a quick 20 – 30 minute journey to Venice by taxi.
If you have a larger group you could also prebook this private ground transfer
Your hotel will tell you the closest vaporetto stop and route you need to take. Then it is usually no more than a 5-10 minute walk to your accommodation. For vaporetto routes and timetables click here
Water taxis are also available at Piazzale Roma and outside Santa Lucia train station across the Ponte della Costituzione (Constitution Bridge). Expect to pay €50-60 to transfer to your hotel.
Where to book: immediately outside the arrivals hall or click here to book online
Journey time: 20 – 30 minutes (depends on airport wait time)
Operating hours: 05:20 – 00:50
Approx one way cost: €25 plus €7.50 for one way vaporetto (ferry ticket) if required
Best for: budget travelers and those staying close to Piazzale Roma
Back to the airport: at the Piazzale Roma taxi rank or click here to book online
READ: Our 3 day Venice Itinerary
Water bus from airport to central Venice
While the water bus sounds like a good idea in theory. The reality is, this journey takes a long time and you still have the hassle of hauling your luggage. It is also a relatively expensive option.
Water bus transfers to Venice are run by Alilaguna. From the arrivals hall, follow the signs marked vaporetto/water bus/public transportation. You need to walk around 10 minutes to reach the pier.
You can buy tickets at the desk outside the arrivals hall, at the Alilaguna ticket office on the pier or online here.
Please note that the boat is mostly undercover so there is limited opportunity to enjoy the fresh sea breezes and take photos.
The water bus stops in Venice at San Marco, Rialto, Fondamenta Nuove and Le Guglie. So, if your accommodation is not near these stops you may need to transfer to another vaporetto or walk some distance.
Where to book: immediately outside the arrivals hall, at the pier or click here to book online
Journey time: 75 – 100 minutes (depends on airport wait time and route)
Operating hours: 07:45 – 23:45 – View timetables here
Approx one way cost: €15 per person plus €7.50 for one way vaporetto (ferry ticket) if required
Best for: if you have a lot of time and want to travel by water
Back to the airport: buy a ticket at the Alilaguna vaporetto stops or click here to book online
Venice airport hotels
If you are departing Venice early in the morning or arriving late at night, you may want to stay in an airport hotel so you can take advantage of a more relaxed transfer to and from the lagoon city. Unless you are staying very close to Piazzale Roma the transfers will be more expensive at night.
Here are two of the best Venice airport hotels close to the Marco Polo International terminal.
Just 500 meters from the airport, the Annia Park Hotel has a free shuttle to the terminal plus parking if you need it. The hotel provides modern, large and comfortable accommodation in a renovated 19th century country house. Other services include:
- Breakfast available from 04.30am
- Airport shuttle departs every 15 minutes
- Triple rooms suitable for families
>>Click here to check room rates and availability
Not sure what to pack for your trip to Venice and Italy? Click here
Courtyard by Marriott Venice Airport
Modern hotel with large, comfortable rooms, 1 kilometer from the airport. There is a restaurant on site and a shuttle bus to the airport runs from 05:00 am to 23.30 pm, available for a fee.
- Hot buffet breakfast available from 05.30am
- Family rooms available
- Onsite gym can be accessed 24/7
>>Click here to check room rates and availability
For more information on travel in Italy, visit our Italy travel blog where you will find itinerary ideas, packing lists, accommodation guides and practical information for having a wonderful trip to Italy.
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The creator, writer and photographer behind Untold Morsels, Katy has been travelling and tasting the world since she was a teenager.
Now the proud mum of twins, she hopes they grow up to share her passions of great food, wine and travel. Favourite destination: Italy