Quick Answer
The best all-round way from Verona to Marco Polo Airport (VCE) is taking a high-speed train (Frecciarossa or Italo) from Verona Porta Nuova to Venezia Mestre (≈50 min, €15–€25 / ~$16–$27), then transferring to the ATVO airport bus (20 min, €8 / ~$8.60). Total time: ≈1 h 30 min | Total cost: ≈€23–€33 (~$25–$36).
For budget travellers, the Regionale Veloce train + ATVO bus costs just €17.30 (~$18.70) and takes about 1 h 40 min. A direct FlixBus is another cheap option (€8–€15, ≈2 h). Taxis cost €150–€200 and are best for groups or late-night arrivals.
- Fastest: High-speed train + ATVO bus — 1 h 30 min
- Cheapest: Regional train + ATVO bus — €17.30
- Most convenient: Private transfer — door-to-door, 1 h 15 min
- Eco‑friendly: Regional train (lowest CO₂ per passenger)
🚄 Train + Airport Shuttle (The Most Popular Option)
Taking the train from Verona Porta Nuova to Venezia Mestre and then a short bus ride to the airport is the most recommended combination for most travellers. It balances speed, cost, and reliability. Below we break down every sub-option with precise data.
Step 1: Verona Porta Nuova → Venezia Mestre (Train)
Verona Porta Nuova is the main railway station with frequent departures to Venezia Mestre. Four train types operate on this corridor:
| Train Type | Operator | Travel Time | Price (€) | Price (~$) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regionale Veloce (RV) | Trenitalia | 55–65 min | €9.30 | ~$10.00 | Fixed price, no need to book; frequent departures |
| Intercity (IC) | Trenitalia | 50–55 min | €13–€18 | ~$14–$19 | More comfortable; book recommended for peak hours |
| Frecciarossa (FR) | Trenitalia | 48–52 min | €15–€25 | ~$16–$27 | High-speed; best time-to-price ratio; book early for discounts |
| Italo | Italo (NTV) | 48–52 min | €15–€25 | ~$16–$27 | Private high-speed; similar to Frecciarossa; often has promo fares |
Tip: For the best value, take a Frecciarossa or Italo booked 2–3 weeks in advance — you can snag tickets for as low as €14.90 (~$16). Regional trains are always €9.30 and never sell out. Trenitalia official site | Italo official site
Step 2: Venezia Mestre → Marco Polo Airport (Bus)
From Venezia Mestre (platform near the station forecourt), two bus services connect to the airport:
| Operator | Route | Travel Time | Price (€) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATVO | Mestre → Airport (direct) | 20 min | €8 | Every 15–30 min, 05:00–23:00 |
| ACTV Line 5 | Mestre → Airport (stops en route) | 25–30 min | €8 | Every 20–40 min, 04:30–00:30 |
ATVO is slightly faster and more luggage-friendly. Tickets can be bought at the ATVO ticket office (inside Mestre station), from vending machines, or on the ATVO website. ACTV tickets are available at tabacchi shops and ACTV ticket machines.
Alternative Scenic Route: Water Bus from Venezia Santa Lucia
If you take the train all the way to Venezia Santa Lucia (the terminal station on the island), you can catch the Alilaguna water bus (Blue or Orange line) directly to Marco Polo Airport. This takes ≈1 hour and costs €15 (~$16.20). While scenic, the total journey time is 2 h 30 min–3 h, making it impractical for most travellers — especially with luggage.
Verdict: Choose this only if you want a grand arrival in Venice by water and have plenty of time. Otherwise, stick to the Mestre + bus combo.
Real Traveller Example
“I took the 09:35 Frecciarossa from Verona Porta Nuova to Mestre (€19.90, booked 10 days ahead). Arrived at 10:25, walked to the ATVO bus platform, bought a ticket from the machine, and was at the airport by 10:50. Total time: 1 h 15 min. Stress‑free and comfortable.” — Sarah, UK (TripAdvisor forum, 2024)
🚌 Direct Coach (FlixBus & ATVO)
Direct coach services from Verona to Marco Polo Airport are a budget-friendly alternative to the train+bus combo. They are especially convenient if you want a one‑seat ride without changing vehicles.
FlixBus
FlixBus operates direct routes from Verona (departing from Verona Porta Nuova bus station or Piazza Bra) to Marco Polo Airport (VCE). The journey takes approximately 2 hours and fares range from €8 to €15 (~$8.60–$16.20) depending on demand and booking time.
- Frequency: 2–4 departures daily (seasonal; fewer in winter)
- Luggage: 1 carry‑on + 1 checked bag included; extra bags €4 each
- Onboard: Free Wi‑Fi, power sockets, toilet
- Booking: Strongly recommended via FlixBus website or app; prices rise as seats fill
ATVO Direct Coach (Limited)
ATVO also runs a limited direct service from Verona (Piazza Bra) to Marco Polo Airport during summer months (June–September). Travel time is about 1 h 50 min and tickets cost €12–€14 (~$13–$15). Check the ATVO website for seasonal schedules.
Who Should Take the Direct Coach?
- ✅ Budget travellers looking for the lowest fare (from €8)
- ✅ Those who prefer a single vehicle and don't want to handle train changes
- ✅ Travellers with moderate luggage (coach luggage hold is adequate)
- ❌ Not ideal if you are in a hurry — the train+bus combo is faster
🚕 Taxi & Private Transfer
For maximum convenience — especially with heavy luggage, late‑night arrivals, or if you are travelling in a group — a taxi or pre‑booked private transfer is the most hassle‑free option. However, it comes at a significant cost.
Price & Travel Time
| Service Type | Travel Time | Price Range (€) | Price Range (~$) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Street‑hailed taxi (Verona → Airport) | 1 h 15 min | €150–€200 | ~$162–$216 |
| Pre‑booked private transfer (sedan) | 1 h 15 min | €120–€160 | ~$130–$173 |
| Pre‑booked private transfer (MPV/van) | 1 h 15 min | €170–€230 | ~$184–$248 |
Note: Prices vary based on the company, vehicle type, time of day (night surcharge of 20–30%), and whether tolls are included. Always confirm the total fare before the ride.
When Should You Take a Taxi?
- 🔹 Late‑night / early‑morning: When trains and buses are not running (00:00–05:00)
- 🔹 Groups of 3–4: Cost per person becomes comparable to train+bus (€40–€50 each)
- 🔹 Heavy luggage: No need to lift bags on and off trains
- 🔹 Mobility concerns: Door‑to‑door service eliminates stairs and platform changes
- 🔹 Business travellers: Maximise time and comfort
How to Book a Reliable Transfer
Use trusted platforms like GetTransfer, Welcome Pickups, or local companies such as Verona Transfer. Book at least 24 hours in advance for the best rate and to guarantee availability.
🚗 Car Rental & Driving
Note: There are no commercial flights between Verona and Marco Polo Airport — the distance is only 120 km (75 miles), making driving or car‑sharing far more practical.
Driving from Verona to Marco Polo Airport
The route is straightforward: take the A4 motorway (Serenissima) east from Verona towards Venice, then follow signs for Aeroporto Marco Polo after the Venezia Mestre exit.
- Distance: 120 km
- Driving time: 1 h 15 min (without heavy traffic)
- Tolls: ≈€12 (~$13) one way (A4 toll)
- Fuel cost: ≈€18–€22 (~$19–$24) depending on vehicle
- Total one‑way cost: ≈€30–€34 (~$32–$37)
Parking at Marco Polo Airport: Short‑term parking starts at €4 per hour; long‑term (1 week) costs about €65–€85. Book online via the official airport parking page for discounts.
Car Rental Tips
- One‑way rentals (Verona pickup → Venice Airport drop‑off) are available from €45–€70 (~$49–$76) including insurance.
- Major operators: Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt — all have desks at Verona Porta Nuova and Verona Villafranca Airport.
- Drop‑off at Marco Polo Airport is convenient; just follow signs to Car Rental Return.
Ridesharing (BlaBlaCar)
BlaBlaCar is popular in Italy for intercity ridesharing. A seat from Verona to Venice (with drop‑off at Venezia Mestre or Piazzale Roma) costs around €10–€15 (~$11–$16). From there, take the ATVO bus (€8) to the airport. Total: €18–€23. Check the BlaBlaCar website for available rides.
📊 Cost & Time Comparison Table
Below is a complete comparison of all transport options from Verona to Marco Polo Airport. Prices are per person unless stated otherwise.
| Option | Total Time | Cost (€) | Cost (~$) | Transfers | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🚄 Regional train + ATVO bus | 1 h 40 min | €17.30 | ~$18.70 | 1 (Mestre) | Budget travellers ✅ |
| 🚄 Frecciarossa/Italo + ATVO bus | 1 h 30 min | €23–€33 | ~$25–$36 | 1 (Mestre) | Best balance of speed & cost ⭐ |
| 🚌 Direct FlixBus | 2 h 00 min | €8–€15 | ~$8.60–$16.20 | 0 (direct) | Lowest cost / single‑seat ride 🏆 |
| 🚌 ATVO direct (seasonal) | 1 h 50 min | €12–€14 | ~$13–$15 | 0 (direct) | Summer travellers |
| 🚕 Private transfer (sedan) | 1 h 15 min | €120–€160 (per vehicle) | ~$130–$173 | 0 (door‑to‑door) | Groups / late‑night / comfort 🏆 |
| 🚕 Street taxi | 1 h 15 min | €150–€200 (per vehicle) | ~$162–$216 | 0 (door‑to‑door) | Last‑minute / no booking |
| 🚗 Rental car (one‑way) | 1 h 15 min | €45–€70 (per vehicle) | ~$49–$76 | 0 (direct) | Flexibility / exploring en route |
| 👥 BlaBlaCar + ATVO bus | 1 h 45 min | €18–€23 | ~$19–$25 | 1 (Mestre) | Social / eco‑conscious |
🏆 Best overall: Frecciarossa/Italo + ATVO bus
(speed + reasonable cost).
🏆 Cheapest: Regional train + ATVO bus (€17.30)
or FlixBus (from €8).
🏆 Most comfortable: Private transfer (door‑to‑door).
💡 Travel Tips & Insider Advice
1. Luggage Strategy — Use a Bag Drop Service
If you want to explore Venice for a few hours before your flight, use Venice Airport Baggage Storage (inside the arrivals hall) or services like Radical Storage (€5–€7 per bag per day) at Venezia Mestre or Santa Lucia. This lets you wander hands‑free.
2. Navigating Venezia Mestre Station
Venezia Mestre is a major hub. The ATVO bus stop is located just outside the station's western exit (follow the “Aeroporto” signs). Allow 5–7 minutes to walk from the train platform to the bus. The station has lifts, escalators, and luggage storage lockers if needed.
3. Booking Windows & Peak Seasons
High‑speed train tickets: Book 2–4 weeks ahead
for the best fares (€14.90–€19.90).
Regional trains: No need to book; tickets are
valid for 4 hours after validation.
FlixBus: Prices rise as departure approaches;
book at least 1 week in advance.
Peak season (Easter, summer, Carnevale): Book
everything early — trains and buses can sell out.
4. What About Venice Santa Lucia?
Many first‑time travellers mistakenly take the train all the way to Santa Lucia (the glamorous island station) thinking it's closer to the airport. In fact, it's further from the airport than Mestre, and the onward water‑bus journey is long (1 h) and expensive (€15). Always get off at Mestre for the airport.
5. Late‑Night / Early‑Morning Travel
Trains and ATVO buses run from around 05:00 to 23:00. If your flight is before 07:00, consider staying at an airport hotel (e.g., Hotel Venice Resort or NH Venezia) or booking a taxi. The ACTV Line 5 bus operates until 00:30, offering a late‑night window.
6. Real Traveller Mistake — The Wrong Train
“I took the Regionale to Santa Lucia thinking I'd catch a water bus. Ended up lugging two suitcases through Venice alleys for 40 minutes before finding the Alilaguna stop. Never again. Get off at Mestre!” — Tom, Australia (Reddit, 2023)
❓ FAQs: Verona to Marco Polo Airport
Is there a direct train from Verona to Marco Polo Airport?
No, there is no direct train. You must take a train from Verona Porta Nuova to Venezia Mestre (1 h, €9.30–€25), then transfer to an ATVO airport bus (20 min, €8) or ACTV line 5 bus (25 min, €8).
What is the cheapest way to get from Verona to Marco Polo Airport?
The cheapest is a Regionale Veloce train (€9.30) plus ATVO bus (€8), total €17.30 (~$18.70). Alternatively, FlixBus direct fares start at €8 (~$8.60).
What is the fastest way to get from Verona to Marco Polo Airport?
A Frecciarossa/Italo high-speed train to Mestre (≈50 min, €15–€25) plus ATVO bus (20 min, €8) totals ≈1 h 30 min. A taxi is slightly faster (1 h 15 min) but costs €150–€200.
Is there a direct bus from Verona to Marco Polo Airport?
Yes, FlixBus operates direct coaches (≈2 h, €8–€15). ATVO also runs a seasonal direct service in summer (€12–€14). Check schedules online as frequency varies.
How much does a taxi cost from Verona to Marco Polo Airport?
A taxi or private transfer costs €150–€200 (~$162–$216) per vehicle. Pre‑booked transfers are typically cheaper (from €120) than street‑hailed taxis.
What is the best way from Verona to Marco Polo Airport with heavy luggage?
The Frecciarossa/Italo + ATVO bus combo works well (ample luggage racks). For maximum ease, book a private transfer (€120–€160) for door‑to‑door service. Avoid the water‑boat route from Santa Lucia if you have heavy suitcases.
How long does it take to get from Verona to Marco Polo Airport?
Total travel time ranges from 1 h 15 min (taxi) to 2 h 30 min (regional train + water bus). The most popular train+bus option takes 1 h 30 min–1 h 40 min.
Can I use a single ticket for train and bus to Marco Polo Airport?
No, you need separate tickets: a train ticket (Verona → Venezia Mestre) and a bus ticket (Mestre → Airport). Regional train tickets can be bought at the station; high‑speed tickets should be booked online in advance. Bus tickets are available at the ATVO office, vending machines, or online.