How to Get from Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) to Venice City Centre

Quick Answer

The best way to get from Venice Marco Polo Airport to Venice city center depends on your hotel location, budget, and luggage. For most first-time visitors to San Marco area: Alilaguna Blue Line water bus (45-50 minutes, €15, direct to St. Mark's). For budget travelers near Piazzale Roma/Santa Lucia: ATVO bus to Piazzale Roma (20 minutes, €8-10) then walk. For convenience with heavy luggage: Water taxi (20-30 minutes, €110-150 direct to hotel dock). For late night arrivals: ATVO bus (last ~12:30 AM) or water taxi (24/7). The internet often says "take the vaporetto" but I don't actually recommend the public vaporetto (line 5) from the airport - it's designed for locals, runs infrequently, and is terrible for tourists with luggage navigating Venice's bridges.

How to Get from Venice Airport by Alilaguna Water Bus

Venice Marco Polo Airport is on the mainland, but has its own water terminal (Bacino di San Marco) just outside the arrivals hall. The Alilaguna water bus service operates three color-coded lines to different parts of Venice. This is the most tourist-friendly water transport from the airport, with regular service, space for luggage, and stops at key tourist areas. Unlike the public vaporetto, Alilaguna is designed for airport passengers with luggage.

Route	Alilaguna Line	Travel Time	Cost (One-Way)	Key Destinations
Airport → St. Mark's Square	Blue Line (Linea Blu)	45-50 minutes	€15 ($16.30 USD)	San Marco, San Zaccaria, Arsenale
Airport → Grand Canal/Rialto	Orange Line (Linea Arancione)	50-60 minutes	€15 ($16.30)	Santa Lucia Station, Rialto, Guglie
Airport → Lido/Murano	Red Line (Linea Rossa)	Varies (40-70 min)	€8-15 ($8.70-16.30)	Murano, Lido, Fondamente Nove
Airport → Venice Islands	Combined Services	40-90 minutes	€8-20 ($8.70-21.80)	Murano, Burano, Torcello

A Common Example of a Real-Life Mistake with Alilaguna

You book a hotel near Rialto Bridge, read online that Alilaguna Blue Line goes to Venice. You take Blue Line to St. Mark's (50 minutes), then realize your hotel is a 25-minute walk with luggage over 8 bridges. You struggle with suitcases up and down steps in crowded streets. Had you taken the Orange Line, it would have stopped at Rialto, 3 minutes from your hotel. This happens daily because the internet says "Blue Line is the main line" without explaining the different routes.

Alilaguna Blue Line to St. Mark's Square (Most Popular)

The Alilaguna Blue Line (Linea Blu) is the most popular route, taking 45-50 minutes directly to St. Mark's Square area. Boats run every 30 minutes from approximately 6:00 AM to 12:15 AM. The route is: Airport → Murano (Museo/Faro) → Fondamente Nove → Lido → San Zaccaria (St. Mark's Square) → Arsenale. This is the best option for hotels near St. Mark's Square. Buy tickets at the Alilaguna counter in airport arrivals or online. Validate ticket before boarding.

Alilaguna Orange Line to Grand Canal & Rialto

The Alilaguna Orange Line (Linea Arancione) takes 50-60 minutes to the Grand Canal area, with stops at: Airport → Grand Canal (Santa Lucia Station) → Rialto → Sant'Angelo → San Samuele → Zattere. This line is better for hotels near Rialto Bridge or Santa Lucia train station. Frequency is every 30-60 minutes from 8:00 AM to 11:30 PM. The internet rarely mentions this line, but it's often more convenient for Rialto/Canal Grande hotels than the Blue Line.

Why the Internet is Wrong About Public Vaporetto Line 5

The internet often recommends "public vaporetto line 5 from the airport" as a budget option. I don't actually recommend ACTV vaporetto line 5 for tourists arriving at the airport. Here's why: 1) Runs only every 30-60 minutes, 2) Small boats with limited luggage space, 3) Stops at local stops not tourist areas, 4) Requires transferring to reach San Marco/Rialto, 5) Same price as Alilaguna (€9.50). Line 5 is designed for locals going to Lido/Murano, not tourists with suitcases going to San Marco. Take Alilaguna instead.

Alilaguna Practical Information

• Operating Hours: Blue Line: 6:00 AM - 12:15 AM. Orange Line: 8:00 AM - 11:30 PM. Red Line: Varies.
• Frequency: Every 30 minutes (Blue), 30-60 minutes (Orange), 60 minutes (Red).
• Luggage: One suitcase + carry-on included. Space is limited on busy boats.
• Buy Tickets: Alilaguna counter in airport arrivals, online, or at water terminal.
• Travel Time: Add 20% during acqua alta (high water) or bad weather.
• Children: Under 6 free, 6+ adult price. No child discounts.

Public Transport: Land Buses & Vaporetto to Venice

For budget travelers or those staying near Venice's entrance, land buses to Piazzale Roma followed by walking or vaporetto is a practical option. Piazzale Roma is Venice's main bus terminal and the last point reachable by land vehicle. From there, you walk or take vaporetto (water bus) to your hotel. Two companies operate buses: ATVO (express buses) and ACTV (local public buses). Both take 20 minutes and cost similar prices.

ATVO Express Bus to Piazzale Roma (Best Land Option)

The ATVO express bus runs non-stop from Venice Airport to Piazzale Roma in 20 minutes. Buses run every 15-30 minutes from 5:00 AM to 12:30 AM. Cost: €8-10 one-way (about $8.70-10.90 USD). Buy tickets at ATVO counter in arrivals, online, or from driver. Buses are comfortable with air conditioning and luggage compartments. This is the fastest land option to Venice's entrance.

ACTV Public Bus Line 5 to Piazzale Roma

The ACTV public bus line 5 (or 15, 19, 45) also goes to Piazzale Roma, taking 20-25 minutes with a few stops. Cost: €1.50-2.00 if you have a Venice transport pass, or €9.50 for a one-way airport ticket. Frequency: Every 10-20 minutes. The internet often recommends this as "cheaper" but it's actually the same price as ATVO for tourists without passes. ATVO is better: more luggage space, guaranteed seat, non-stop.

From Piazzale Roma to Your Venice Hotel

Once at Piazzale Roma, you have three options:

1. Walk: If your hotel is within 10-15 minutes (San Polo, Santa Croce near entrance).
2. Vaporetto: Take public water bus from Piazzale Roma stop. Lines 1, 2, 4.1, 5.1, 5.2 go along Grand Canal.
3. Water taxi: From Piazzale Roma taxi stand to your hotel (€15-40 depending on distance).

Important: Venice has 400+ bridges with steps. Rolling luggage is difficult. Consider a porter service (€20-40) if you have heavy bags and a hotel more than 2 bridges away.

A Common Example of a Real-Life Mistake with Buses + Vaporetto

You take ATVO bus to Piazzale Roma (easy, 20 minutes). You then buy a vaporetto ticket (€9.50) to Rialto. But you don't realize: 1) vaporetto line 1 takes 45 minutes to Rialto with 10+ stops, 2) you must carry luggage on/off crowded boat, 3) Rialto stop has 3 bridges to reach your hotel. Total time: 20+45+15=80 minutes, cost €18.50, plus luggage struggle. A water taxi would have been 30 minutes, €110 split 3 ways (€37 each), door-to-dock. This math changes decisions.

Public Vaporetto (Water Bus) Network in Venice

Venice's public vaporetto system (ACTV) is the city's water bus network. Key lines from Piazzale Roma/airport:

• Line 1: Slow "local" along Grand Canal, all stops to Lido (45 min to Rialto, 60 min to San Marco)
• Line 2: Faster express along Grand Canal, limited stops
• Line 4.1/4.2: Circular routes around Venice
• Line 5.1/5.2: To Lido and Murano (from airport)

Single ride: €9.50 (valid 75 minutes). 24-hour pass: €25. 72-hour pass: €65. Validate ticket before boarding.

Water Taxis & Private Transfers from Venice Airport

Venice Airport to Venice Water Taxi

Taking a water taxi from Venice Marco Polo Airport offers door-to-dock (hotel) convenience. The travel time is 20-30 minutes to most central Venice locations. Water taxi cost has a fixed rate of €110-150 (approximately $120-165 USD) for up to 4-6 passengers to any location in central Venice. This rate is fixed and displayed at the airport water taxi desk. Additional charges apply for: late night (10 PM-6 AM), luggage over 5 pieces, waiting time, and extra passengers.

Private Water Taxi Transfer Pre-Booked

Private water taxi transfers can be pre-booked online for fixed prices: €110-130 for standard taxi (4 people), €150-180 for luxury taxi (6 people). Advantages: Guaranteed availability, English-speaking driver, meet-and-greet at arrivals, help with luggage, fixed price. Book online at least 24 hours in advance, especially for peak season (June-August) or late night arrivals.

Is a Water Taxi Worth It from Venice Airport?

For 4-6 people: Absolutely yes (split €110-150 = €18-38 each vs €15 Alilaguna each). For 2-3 people: Possibly if you have heavy luggage, hotel has private dock, it's late night, or you're tired. For solo travelers: Rarely (€110-150 vs €8-15). For late night arrivals after 12:15 AM: Often necessary as last Alilaguna has left. For hotels deep in Venice (more than 3 bridges from vaporetto stop): Usually worth avoiding luggage struggle.

Shared Water Taxis (Taxi Condiviso)

Shared water taxis are becoming more common. You share a water taxi with other passengers going to similar areas. Cost: €25-40 per person. You can book at the airport water taxi desk. This is a good compromise between private water taxi (€110+) and Alilaguna (€15). Availability depends on other passengers - more likely during peak hours. The internet rarely mentions this option, but it's available at the "Taxi Condiviso" desk at the airport water terminal.

Land Taxis to Piazzale Roma

Land taxis from Venice Airport can only take you to Piazzale Roma (Venice's car entrance). Cost: €40-50 for the 20-minute ride. From Piazzale Roma, you then need to walk or take water transport. This option makes sense only if: 1) Your hotel is very near Piazzale Roma, 2) It's pouring rain and you want covered transport, 3) You have mobility issues and need to minimize walking. For most tourists, water transport from the airport is more logical.

Venice Water Routes & All Stops Map

Venice's transportation is entirely water-based (except buses to Piazzale Roma). The map below shows water routes from Venice Marco Polo Airport to Venice city center. Alilaguna boats follow the lagoon routes, while water taxis take more direct paths. Public vaporetti follow set routes along canals.

View the route on Google Maps: View route from Venice Airport to St. Mark's Square on Google Maps

Alilaguna Blue Line: Complete Stop List

The Alilaguna Blue Line from Venice Airport to St. Mark's makes these stops:

1. Venice Marco Polo Airport - Airport water terminal (start)
2. Murano Museo
3. Murano Faro
4. Fondamente Nove
5. Ospedale
6. Lido
7. San Zaccaria (Danieli) - for St. Mark's Square
8. San Zaccaria (Jolanda)
9. Arsenale
10. Giardini
11. San Servolo
12. San Lazzaro

Travel time to St. Mark's: 45-50 minutes. Frequency: Every 30 minutes.

Alilaguna Orange Line: Complete Stop List

The Alilaguna Orange Line from Venice Airport to Grand Canal stops at:

1. Venice Marco Polo Airport - Start
2. Stazione Marittima (Cruise Terminal)
3. Santa Lucia Railway Station
4. Rialto
5. Sant'Angelo
6. San Samuele
7. Accademia
8. Zattere
9. St. Mark's Square (San Marco/Giardinetti)

Travel time to Rialto: 50 minutes. Frequency: Every 30-60 minutes.

Public Vaporetto Lines from Piazzale Roma

From Piazzale Roma (after taking bus from airport), key vaporetto lines and stops:

• Line 1 (slow Grand Canal): P.le Roma → Ferrovia → Riva de Biasio → S. Marcuola → S. Stae → Ca' d'Oro → Rialto Mercato → Rialto → S. Silvestro → S. Angelo → S. Tomà → Ca' Rezzonico → Accademia → Giglio → Salute → S. Marco Vallaresso
• Line 2 (express Grand Canal): P.le Roma → Ferrovia → Rialto → S. Marco
• Line 4.1/4.2 (circular): Around Venice periphery

Distance from airport to Venice: 13km (8 miles) by road to Piazzale Roma, then water distances vary. Water distance from airport to St. Mark's: approximately 10km (6 miles) through lagoon.

Venice Airport to City: Ticketing & Transport Cards

Venice Public Transport Tickets & Passes

Single vaporetto ticket: €9.50 (valid 75 minutes, one direction). 24-hour pass: €25. 48-hour pass: €35. 72-hour pass: €45. 7-day pass: €65. Alilaguna tickets: Separate system, not included in ACTV passes. ATVO bus tickets: Separate, not included in Venice passes. The internet often confuses these systems - they're separate. An ACTV vaporetto pass doesn't cover Alilaguna or ATVO bus.

When to Buy in Advance (And When Not To)

Buy in advance for: Water taxis (peak season, late night), Alilaguna (online discounts), ATVO bus (online discounts). Don't pre-book for: Short visits where plans might change, if your flight is often delayed (non-refundable tickets). Venice Cards: The "Venice Card" or "Museum Pass" doesn't include transport. The internet promotes these but they're often not good value. Just buy transport passes separately.

Cost Comparison: Different Traveler Scenarios

Solo traveler with backpack to San Marco: Alilaguna €15 vs Water taxi €110-150 (Alilaguna wins). Couple with one suitcase to Rialto: Alilaguna €30 vs Water taxi €110-150 (Alilaguna wins). Family of 4 with kids to Grand Canal hotel: Alilaguna €60 vs Water taxi €110-150 (water taxi often better). Group of 6 with heavy luggage: Alilaguna €90 vs Water taxi €150 (water taxi clearly better). Late night arrival (1 AM): Alilaguna €0 (not running) vs Water taxi €110-150 (only option). The internet's cost comparisons rarely include luggage hassle or time value.

Venice Reality: Bridges, Luggage & Acqua Alta

Getting from Venice Airport to your hotel involves unique challenges other cities don't have: 400+ bridges with steps, acqua alta (high water flooding), narrow crowded streets, and no cars or taxis in the city. Your experience depends heavily on: 1) Hotel location relative to vaporetto stops (how many bridges away), 2) Luggage weight and type (wheeled suitcases vs backpacks), 3) Time of year (peak season crowds vs winter acqua alta). First-time visitors are often shocked by the bridge situation - what looks like a 10-minute walk on a map becomes a 30-minute struggle with suitcases. Late night arrivals face limited options and higher costs. Acqua alta season (October-January) can disrupt all water transport and require walking on raised platforms. The airport itself is modern and efficient, but Venice transport requires more planning than other cities. Overall: pack light, know your hotel's exact location relative to water stops, and consider paying more for convenience if you have heavy bags.

Practical Tips for Venice by Situation & Hotel Location

• With large luggage/suitcases (wheeled): Water taxi to hotel dock. If not, ATVO bus to Piazzale Roma + porter service (€20-40) to hotel.
• Family with kids/strollers: Water taxi (hotel dock) or Alilaguna (but strollers on boats are challenging). Consider baby carrier instead of stroller.
• Late night arrival (after 12:15 AM): Water taxi (24/7) or ATVO bus to Piazzale Roma (last ~12:30 AM) then walk if hotel nearby.
• Early morning flight departure: First Alilaguna at 6:00 AM, first ATVO bus at 5:00 AM. For flights before 8:00 AM, water taxi or airport hotel night before.
• Hotel in St. Mark's Square area: Alilaguna Blue Line to San Zaccaria, then walk (mostly flat, few bridges).
• Hotel near Rialto Bridge: Alilaguna Orange Line to Rialto stop (best) or Blue Line to San Zaccaria + 15-minute walk.
• Hotel near Santa Lucia train station: ATVO bus to Piazzale Roma (next to station) or Alilaguna Orange Line to Ferrovia.
• Hotel in Dorsoduro/San Polo (west Venice): ATVO bus to Piazzale Roma + walk (often closer than water routes).
• Hotel in Castello/Arsenale (east Venice): Alilaguna Blue Line to Arsenale stop.
• Hotel on Grand Canal with private dock: Water taxi directly to hotel dock (worth the cost).
• Acqua alta season (Oct-Jan): Check high tide forecasts. Water transport may be delayed or rerouted. Wear waterproof shoes.
• Peak season (June-August): Book water taxis in advance. Alilaguna boats can be crowded. Arrive early for buses.
• Elderly/disabled travelers: Water taxi to nearest accessible dock. Many vaporetto stops have steps. Venice is not wheelchair-friendly.
• Solo female traveler late at night: Water taxi to hotel dock (safest). Piazzale Roma is safe but dark streets to hotel may not be.
• Return to airport: From Venice to airport, allow: Alilaguna 50 minutes + 30-minute buffer, ATVO bus 20 minutes + 30-minute traffic buffer.
• Mobile apps: "AVM Venezia" for vaporetto times, "Alilaguna" for their schedules, "HelloVenezia" for tickets.
• Payment methods: Alilaguna/ATVO: card/cash at counters. Vaporetto: card/cash at ticket machines. Water taxi: cash preferred, card often accepted.
• Porter services: At Piazzale Roma, men with trolleys charge €20-40 to hotel. Negotiate price first. Useful for heavy bags.
• Backpacks vs wheeled suitcases: Backpacks are 100% easier in Venice. If possible, pack in backpacks not suitcases.

Common Venice Mistakes & Bridge Stories

The "It's Only 10 Minutes on the Map" Bridge Miscalculation

Your hotel shows 10-minute walk from Rialto vaporetto stop on Google Maps. What it doesn't show: 4 bridges with steps. You have 2 suitcases, 25kg each. Each bridge takes 5 minutes of lifting, resting, blocking foot traffic. Locals sigh as you struggle. The 10-minute walk becomes 35 minutes of exhaustion. Lesson: In Venice, each bridge adds 5-10 minutes to walking time with luggage. Count bridges on map view.

The "We'll Save Money with Vaporetto" Crowd Surprise

You decide to save €100 by taking vaporetto instead of water taxi. At Piazzale Roma, you wait 20 minutes for crowded vaporetto. You squeeze on with luggage, blocking aisle. 45 minutes later at Rialto, you must lift suitcases onto crowded dock, then over 3 bridges. You save €100 but waste 90 minutes and have major stress. Lesson: For groups of 3+ or with heavy luggage, water taxi is often worth the extra €20-30 per person.

The "Last Alilaguna" Timing Error

Your flight lands at 11:45 PM. You think you have time for last Alilaguna at 12:15 AM. Deplaning, passport control, luggage claim takes 35 minutes. You reach water terminal at 12:20 AM. Last boat left 5 minutes ago. Now you need €120 water taxi. Lesson: If landing after 11 PM, assume you won't make last Alilaguna. Book water taxi in advance or plan for ATVO bus.

The "We're Staying Near St. Mark's" Alilaguna Choice Error

You book hotel 3 minutes from Rialto Bridge. You take Alilaguna Blue Line to St. Mark's (50 minutes), then realize it's a 20-minute walk with luggage over 5 bridges to your hotel. Had you taken Orange Line to Rialto, it would have been 3 minutes flat walk. Lesson: Know which Alilaguna line stops closer to your hotel. Blue Line for St. Mark's, Orange Line for Rialto/Grand Canal.

The "Acqua Alta" Season Surprise

You visit in November, don't check tide forecast. High tide + rain creates 60cm acqua alta. Vaporetti stop running, streets flood, your hotel entrance is underwater. You wade to hotel with suitcases above water. Lesson: October-January, check tide forecasts. Pack waterproof bags for luggage. Consider water taxi (they navigate high water better).

The "Porter Will Be Easy to Find" Assumption

You arrive at Piazzale Roma with heavy bags at 10 PM. No porters available. You struggle 25 minutes to hotel over 4 bridges. Next morning you see porters everywhere. Lesson: Porters work mainly daytime hours. If arriving late with heavy bags, pre-book porter service or take water taxi.

The "One Small Suitcase Each" Overpacking

You bring medium suitcase each. In Venice, you realize "medium" is too big. You can't lift it over bridges comfortably. You wish you'd packed in backpacks or much smaller cases. Lesson: For Venice, pack half what you think you need. Use backpacks or small wheeled cases (carry-on size maximum).

Frequently Asked Questions: Venice Airport to City Centre