How to Get from Marco Polo Airport to Mestre

Taking a direct bus is the most straightforward and cost-effective method for most travelers. Two main companies operate this route: ATVO (express shuttle) and ACTV (public transit).

ATVO Fly Bus Shuttle (Blue Bus)

This is a dedicated airport express service with ample luggage space.

• Route: VCE Airport → Mestre Train Station (Venezia Mestre).
• Travel Time: ~20 minutes.
• Frequency: Every 30 minutes, from early morning until after midnight.
• Cost: €10 one-way, €18 round-trip. Tickets can be purchased online, at the ATVO counter in arrivals, or from the driver.
• Key Advantage: Non-stop, comfortable, and driver assists with luggage.

ACTV Public Bus No. 15 or 45 (Orange Bus)

This is the local public bus, which makes several stops in Mestre before reaching the train station.

• Route: VCE Airport → Various stops in Mestre → Mestre Train Station.
• Travel Time: 25-35 minutes depending on traffic and stops.
• Frequency: Every 10-15 minutes, high frequency.
• Cost: €8 (90-minute ticket) or €15 (24-hour ticket). Must be validated on board. Buy from the ACTV ticket machine at arrivals.
• Key Advantage: Cheaper for short stays, connects to more parts of Mestre.

Airport Bus Comparison: ATVO vs. ACTV

Feature	ATVO Fly Bus	ACTV Bus #15/45
Type	Direct Express Shuttle	Public Bus with Stops
Travel Time	~20 min	25-35 min
Price (One-Way)	€10	€8
Luggage Space	Ample, dedicated	Limited, shared
Best For	Travelers with lots of luggage, first-timers	Budget travelers, those staying near bus stops

There is no direct train station at Marco Polo Airport. To use the train, you must first take a bus to Venezia Mestre railway station. This is a good option if your final destination is beyond Mestre or you have a rail pass.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Take a Bus to Mestre Station: Use either the ATVO Fly Bus or ACTV bus #15/45 as described above. Get off at the final stop, “Venezia Mestre Stazione FS”.
2. Enter the Train Station: The bus stops right outside the main station entrance.
3. Board Your Train: From here, you can take:
   • Regional Trains (Trenitalia): To cities like Padua, Verona, or Trieste. Purchase tickets at machines or counters.
   • High-Speed Trains (Frecciarossa, Italo): To Milan, Rome, Florence, etc. Book in advance for best prices on Trenitalia or Italo.

Total Cost (Airport to Mestre Station only): €8-€10 (bus fare). Total Time: 30-45 minutes (bus + transfer).

Pro Tip: If you're continuing by train, factor in at least 20-30 minutes between your bus arrival and train departure for a stress-free connection.

Taxis and pre-booked private transfers offer the ultimate convenience but at a premium price. This is not recommended for budget travelers.

Official Airport Taxis

• Location: Rank outside the arrivals hall.
• Travel Time: 15-25 minutes to Mestre, depending on exact destination and traffic.
• Cost: Fixed fare of approximately €35 to €50 to Mestre. The meter is not used for this fixed route. Always confirm the price before getting in. Surcharges apply for night trips, luggage, and extra passengers.
• Vehicle: Usually standard sedans or minivans.

Pre-Booked Private Transfers

Services like Welcome Pickups or SunTransfers offer meet-and-greet service.

• Advantages: Driver meets you with a name sign, fixed upfront price, child seats available, 24/7 service.
• Cost: €45-€65 for a standard car (1-3 people). Often similar to taxi fares but with guaranteed service.

When to Choose a Taxi/Transfer:

• Arriving very late at night or very early in the morning when bus service is reduced.
• Traveling in a group of 3-4 people (can be cost-effective when splitting fare).
• Having significant mobility issues or excessive amounts of luggage.
• Going directly to a specific hotel in Mestre not near the bus route.

Luggage Strategy

• Bus Luggage: ATVO buses have large undercarriage compartments. On ACTV buses, space is limited—avoid during peak hours if you have large suitcases.
• Left Luggage: Need to explore before check-in? There is a left luggage office (“Deposito Bagagli”) at the airport arrivals hall.

Navigating the Transfer

• Finding the Bus Stop: Exit the arrivals hall, turn left, and walk to the covered bus bay. Signs clearly say “Bus to Venice/Mestre”.
• Ticket Validation (ACTV): You MUST validate your paper ticket in the small machine upon first boarding the bus. Failure to do so results in a fine.
• Mestre Station Complex: The bus arrives at the east side. The train platforms are inside the main building. Allow time to find your platform.

Time-Specific Advice

• Early/Late Flights: ATVO and ACTV services run from ~5:00 AM to ~1:00 AM. For flights outside these hours, you must book a taxi or private transfer.
• Peak Season (Summer, Holidays): Buses can be very crowded. Allow extra time. Consider buying ATVO tickets online in advance to skip the line at the counter.

Money & Connectivity

• Cash & Cards: Have some euros for the ticket machines or to pay the bus driver. Cards are widely accepted at counters and online.
• Stay Connected: Free Wi-Fi is available at the airport. Having data on your phone is helpful for navigating bus schedules on the go.