How to Get from Venice Airport to Venice: Routes, Times & Prices Explained

Heading to Venice from Marco Polo Airport (VCE)? Here’s everything you need to know: buses, express shuttles, water buses, water taxis, private transfers, and car rentals compared by cost, comfort, and travel time.

Getting from Venice Airport to Venice

Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) is located about 12 km from Venice. You can travel by public bus for the cheapest option, an express shuttle for comfort, a water bus for a scenic arrival, a private transfer for maximum ease, or even rent a car if you plan to explore the Veneto region beyond Venice.

Venice: The Dream You Can Walk Through

Venice feels like stepping into a wondrous, timeless dream. Begin at St. Mark’s Square early in the morning, before the crowds, and let the quiet beauty of the square set the tone. Walk to the Grand Canal waterfront, cross the Bridge of Sighs and Rialto Bridge, and step into the 11th-century St. Mark’s Basilica.

Other must-see spots include: Burano Island with its rainbow-colored houses and lace-making tradition Murano Island for world-famous glass-blowing demonstrations Peggy Guggenheim Collection for a taste of modern art right on the Grand Canal And of course, a gondola ride, a serene way to see the city from the water.

Venice is a place to slow down, get a little lost, and explore its canals, cafés, and centuries-old charm.

Cost: from €57 Waiting time: 5 min Travel time: ~20 min Ideal For: Families, groups, travelers with lots of luggage

If you prefer a stress-free start, book a Kiwitaxi private transfer. Your driver will meet you in arrivals, assist with luggage, and get you to Piazzale Roma or even to a water taxi connection if needed. Prices are transparent and fixed, so there are no surprises, even late at night.

Book My Transfer

Cost: €10 Waiting time: 15 min Travel time: ~30 min Ideal For: Budget travelers, solo tourists

The ACTV public bus (Line 5 - “Aerobus”) runs between Venice Marco Polo Airport and Piazzale Roma, Venice’s main transport hub. Buses run every 15 minutes, and the trip takes about half an hour.

Tickets can be purchased from machines in the arrivals area, at the bus stop, or online. Don’t forget to validate your ticket in the yellow machine before boarding. They’re valid for 75 minutes.

Cost: €10 Waiting time: 20-30 min (fixed schedule) Travel time: ~20 min Ideal For: Travelers with luggage, those preferring direct service

The ATVO express shuttle is slightly faster than the ACTV bus and has spacious luggage compartments. It also runs non-stop to Piazzale Roma. Tickets can be purchased from ATVO counters in the arrivals hall, vending machines at the stop, or online.

Cost: €18 Waiting time: 20-30 min (varies by line) Travel time: 70-80 min Ideal For: Romantic travelers, those wanting a scenic arrival

If you want your first view of Venice to be from the water, take the Alilaguna water bus. The pier is about 7-10 minutes’ walk from the terminal. The Blue Line runs year-round, with other lines (Red, Orange) operating seasonally. Each passenger is allowed one suitcase and one carry-on; extra luggage costs €3. This is the slowest but most atmospheric option.

Cost: €150-200 per boat (up to 6 passengers) Waiting time: 5-10 min Travel time: 20-30 min Ideal For: Small groups, travelers seeking the most stylish arrival

Private water taxis are the fastest way to reach your hotel directly. They are more expensive but perfect if you’re traveling with others and want to step off the boat right at your hotel dock.

Price: from €19/day Rental period: from 1 day Requirements: Driver’s license, passport/ID, credit card

If you’re planning to explore the Veneto region (Verona, Padua, Dolomites), renting a car from the airport makes sense. Cars are not allowed in Venice itself, so you’ll need to park at Piazzale Roma or Tronchetto and continue on foot or by vaporetto.

Ready to Head to Venice?

From Venice Marco Polo Airport, you can: Take the ACTV public bus for the most budget-friendly trip (~30 min, €10)

Take the ATVO shuttle for a faster, luggage-friendly ride (~20 min, €10) Enjoy the Alilaguna water bus for a slow, scenic arrival (~70-80 min, €18) Splurge on a private water taxi for a direct entrance (~20-30 min, €150+) Book a Kiwitaxi private transfer for a guaranteed, comfortable ride (~20 min, €57+) Rent a car if you’re heading beyond Venice.

Whichever option you choose, Venice awaits, as mysterious, romantic, and unique as ever.