Quick Answer
The best overall way to travel from Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) to the Santa Croce district in Florence is by combining a bus to Venezia Mestre station with a high-speed train. The fastest journey takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes (Mestre to Florence) at a cost from €19.90 for the train ticket plus €10 for the airport bus. The cheapest option is a regional bus and train combo for under €20 total, but it takes over 3.5 hours. There are no direct trains or flights between the city centers.
By Train: The Recommended & Most Scenic Route
The train is the quintessential way to travel between Italian cities. For the Venice to Florence route, it offers speed, comfort, reliability, and stunning views of the Apennine Mountains. However, planning is required as the airport itself has no train station.
Step-by-Step: Airport to Train Station
First, you must reach a Venice train station. Venezia Mestre (on the mainland) is the most straightforward choice from the airport.
- Option A: ATVO Airport Bus – Direct, non-stop service to Venezia Mestre station. Takes ~20 mins, costs €10 one-way. Buses depart every 30 minutes. Official ATVO Site.
- Option B: ACTV Public Bus – Line 15 or 45. Cheaper (€1.50) but makes multiple stops, taking ~30-40 mins to Mestre. Requires validating your ticket. ACTV Info.
- Option C: Taxi – A 15-minute ride costing €35-€45 to Mestre station.
Choosing Your Train from Venice to Florence
From Mestre, you have two main operators and several service levels. Book in advance for the best prices.
| Train Type (Operator) | Travel Time (Mestre to Florence SMN) | Approx. Advance Fare | Key Features & Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frecciarossa / Frecciargento (Trenitalia) | ~2h 05min - 2h 20min | €19.90 - €45 | Italy's premier high-speed service. "Super Economy" is cheapest but inflexible. "Base" offers free changes. Spacious luggage racks, quiet carriages, and a bar coach. |
| Italo (NTV) | ~2h 10min - 2h 25min | €19.90 - €40 | Private high-speed competitor. Often has competitive sales. "Low Cost" fares are restrictive; "Flex" allows changes. Modern, clean trains with good legroom. Check Italo's website. |
| Regionale Veloce (RV) / Regionale (R) | ~3h - 4h+ | €18.40 (fixed price) | The budget, non-high-speed option. No seat reservations; can be crowded. Ideal for spontaneous travel or with a Eurail Pass. Stops at many stations including Firenze Campo di Marte (near Santa Croce). |
Final Step: Florence SMN Station to Santa Croce
Arriving at Firenze Santa Maria Novella (SMN), Santa Croce is a pleasant 15-20 minute walk south-east. Follow signs for the historic center. For luggage or tired legs, take a taxi from the rank outside (€8-€12) or tram T2 (direction 'Unità') for 2 stops to 'Piazza dell'Unità', then a 5-min walk.
By Bus: The Most Economical Choice
For budget-conscious travelers, long-distance buses offer significant savings, especially when booked early.
Option 1: Direct Long-Distance Bus from Mestre
This is the simplest bus method. Take the ATVO bus from the airport to Venezia Mestre Station, then board a direct intercity bus to Florence.
- Providers: Flixbus, Itabus.
- Journey Time: 3h - 3h 30m (Mestre to Florence).
- Cost: From as low as €5-€15 if booked weeks ahead. Standard prices €15-€25.
- Arrival in Florence: Buses usually terminate at Firenze Villa Costanza (a large tram-connected hub west of the center) or Firenze Piazzale Montelungo (near SMN station). From either, take a tram/taxi to Santa Croce.
Option 2: Night Bus
Overnight buses maximize time and save on a night's accommodation.
- Schedule: Typically depart Mestre around 11:00 PM - 1:00 AM, arriving in Florence 5:00 AM - 7:00 AM.
- Pros: Very cheap fares, saves hotel cost.
- Cons: Poor sleep quality, arrival at unsociable hours. Ensure your accommodation allows early check-in or offers luggage storage.
Booking & Luggage: Reservation is essential. Book online via the operator's app. Luggage allowance is typically one large suitcase + one carry-on, but check limits.
By Flight: Rarely the Best Option
While a direct flight from Venice (VCE) to Florence (FLR) takes about 1 hour, it is almost never the optimal choice for this journey when considering total travel time and hassle.
The "Door-to-Door" Reality
Consider this typical timeline for flying vs. the train:
- Flight (Total: ~5+ hours): 1h to VCE airport + 2h before flight + 1h flight + 30m disembark + 30m from FLR to Santa Croce.
- Train (Total: ~3 hours): 30m to Mestre station + 2h 15m train + 15m to Santa Croce.
Flight Details & Hidden Costs
Direct flights are operated by DAT or other regional carriers. Fares start around €80-€150 one-way. Florence's Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR) is close to the city – a 15-minute taxi (€20-€25) or tram to the center.
When to Consider Flying: Only if you have a connecting long-haul international flight into VCE and are continuing to Florence, or if you have a severe time constraint and money is no object.
By Taxi or Private Transfer: For Convenience at a Premium
A door-to-door transfer is the most convenient but prohibitively expensive option for most.
Cost & Practicalities
- Price: A fixed-rate taxi or pre-booked private car from VCE directly to a Santa Croce address typically costs €500 to €700 for the 3+ hour journey.
- Travel Time: Approximately 3 to 3.5 hours depending on traffic on the A13 and A1 motorways.
- How to Book: Pre-book through a reputable service like Welcome Pickups, Suntransfers, or with your hotel. Avoid unlicensed drivers at the airport.
Who Is This For?
Consider this only for:
- Large groups (4+ people) where the cost can be split.
- Travelers with significant mobility issues.
- Those arriving very late at night with no other option.
- Business travelers with an expense account.
Our strong advice: For 99% of travelers, the train or bus offers far better value.
Ticket & Cost Comparison: At a Glance
This table summarizes all key data to help you decide. Prices are per adult, one-way.
| Mode | Total Est. Time (Door-to-Door) | Est. Cost (Per Person) | Key Advantage | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High-Speed Train (via Mestre) | ~3h - 3h 30m | €30 - €60 | Speed, Comfort, Reliability | Most travelers, first-time visitors, comfort seekers. |
| Regional Train (via Mestre) | ~4h - 5h | Under €20 | Lowest Cost | Solo backpackers, flexible schedules, Eurail pass holders. |
| Intercity Bus (via Mestre) | ~4h - 4h 30m | €10 - €30 | Very Cheap (if booked early) | Budget travelers, students, night travel to save on hotels. |
| Flight | ~5h - 6h | €80 - €200+ | Direct Air Travel (perceived speed) | Almost no one for this route. Only for specific air connections. |
| Private Transfer / Taxi | ~3h - 3h 30m | €500 - €700 | Door-to-Door Convenience | Groups, special needs, late-night arrivals, luxury travel. |
Traveler Experience & Essential Tips
Navigate Like a Pro
- Beware the Venice-Florence "Express": There isn't one. The journey always requires two separate legs: airport-to-station, then train/bus.
- Luggage Logistics: If you have large suitcases, use the direct ATVO bus to Mestre and book a high-speed train with dedicated racks. Consider Italy's excellent Baggage Delivery Service (Bagagli in Stazione / door-to-door) from Trenitalia if you want to travel hands-free.
- Validate Regional Tickets: If you buy a paper ticket for a regional train (R, RV) or an ACTV bus, you MUST stamp it in the green/yellow machine before boarding to avoid a fine.
- Peak Season Pandemonium: In summer (June-August) and around major holidays, trains and stations are extremely crowded. Book everything (train seats, bus tickets) months in advance.
- View from the Right: On the train from Venice to Florence, sit on the right-hand side (facing the direction of travel) for the best chance of seeing the iconic Tuscan countryside and distant Apennine views.
FAQs: Getting from Marco Polo Airport to Santa Croce
Is there a direct train from Marco Polo Airport to Santa Croce, Florence?
No, there is no direct train from Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) to Santa Croce, Florence. You must first take a bus (ATVO or ACTV) or a taxi to Venezia Mestre or Venezia Santa Lucia train station, then board a high-speed or regional train to Firenze Santa Maria Novella (SMN) station. From there, Santa Croce is a short 15-20 minute walk or a quick tram/bus ride away.
What is the cheapest way to get from VCE to Santa Croce?
The cheapest option is a combination of a regional bus and a regional train. Take the ACTV bus line 15 or 45 to Venezia Mestre station (€1.50), then a Regionale or Regionale Veloce train to Florence (from €18.40). Total cost can be under €20, but the journey takes 3.5 to 4.5 hours. Booking a Flixbus or Itabus from Mestre directly to Florence can also be very cheap (from €9 if booked in advance).
How do I get from Marco Polo to Santa Croce if I arrive late at night?
Options are limited after about 11:00 PM. Your best bet is a taxi or pre-booked private transfer directly to your accommodation in Santa Croce, though this is expensive (€500+). Alternatively, take the last ATVO airport bus to Venezia Mestre, stay overnight in a hotel near the station, and take the first train to Florence in the morning. Check the current timetables for the last bus/train before you travel.
Is it better to fly or take the train from Venice to Florence?
For nearly all travelers, the train is vastly superior. While a flight might be 1 hour airtime, the total 'door-to-door' time including travel to/from airports, security, and check-in often exceeds 5 hours. The high-speed train (2h 15m from Mestre) is faster city-center to city-center, more comfortable, eco-friendly, and often cheaper when you factor in airport transfers. Flying is only worth considering for a connecting long-haul itinerary.
Where do I buy train tickets and can I use a Eurail/Interrail Pass?
You can buy tickets online in advance from Trenitalia or Italo's official websites/apps, or at ticket machines/kiosks in Venezia Mestre or Santa Lucia stations. Yes, both the Eurail (for non-Europeans) and Interrail (for Europeans) Global Passes are valid on all Trenitalia and Italo trains on this route, but you MUST activate a free seat reservation on high-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Frecciargento, Italo). Reservations are not needed for regional trains but your pass must be valid in Italy.
What's the best way with lots of luggage or for a family?
For families or those with heavy luggage, we recommend: 1) Taking the direct ATVO bus to Venezia Mestre station (easier than city buses), then 2) Booking a high-speed train (Frecciarossa or Italo) in advance to secure seats together and have ample luggage space. Look for tickets in the 'Base' or 'Economy' fare classes which offer the best flexibility for changes. Avoid regional trains during peak hours as they can be very crowded with limited luggage room.
How early should I book train tickets for the best price?
For the lowest fares on high-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Italo), book as early as possible – prices can be released 3-4 months in advance. 'Super Economy' or 'Low Cost' fares can be as low as €19.90 but are non-refundable. Prices rise steadily as the travel date approaches. Regional train prices are fixed and cannot be booked far in advance, so there's no price benefit to early booking for those.
Which Florence station is closest to Santa Croce?
Firenze Santa Maria Novella (SMN) is the main and closest major station to Santa Croce. It's about a 1.5 km (15-20 minute) walk. You can also take a quick taxi (5-10 minutes) or tram T2 from the station front towards 'Unità'. Some regional trains may also stop at Firenze Campo di Marte, which is slightly closer to the northern part of Santa Croce, but SMN is better connected.