How to Get from Venice Marco Polo to Venice City Center
Getting from Venice Marco Polo to Venice city center is the first leg of your journey when visiting this enchanting Italian city.
As soon as you step off the plane, you'll be met with various options for making your way into the heart of Venice. Whether you’re looking for a quick route or a budget-friendly choice, planning your transport ahead of time will make this part of your trip smooth and stress-free.
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Coming from Florence?
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Transportation Options from the Airport: Venice Marco Polo to Venice
There are several ways to get from Venice Marco Polo to Venice city center, each with its own benefits and quirks. Here’s a breakdown of your options:
1. Water Taxi
For a true Venetian arrival, take a water taxi! It’s direct and the quickest option, taking you straight from Venice airport to Venice city via the scenic canals. Though it’s pricier, this option offers a bit of luxury with a private ride that can accommodate up to 10 people. Be aware of limited luggage space, especially if traveling with large suitcases. Water taxis depart from the dock area, a short walk from the arrivals area at Marco Polo Airport, and they operate like any other taxi—just on water! You can book in advance or pay directly to the driver.
Pros: Fast, direct, unique experience
Cons: Expensive (€100–€150) and limited luggage space
2. Alilaguna Water Bus
A more budget-friendly way to reach Venice is the Alilaguna Water Bus. With fixed stops and reasonable ticket prices, the Alilaguna connects Venice Marco Polo with several points throughout the city. The Orange and Blue lines will both take you into the heart of Venice, with a ticket price around €15 one way. Expect a travel time of about 60–90 minutes, depending on the line and stops. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket office in the arrivals area, at automatic ticket machines, or online in advance.
Pros: Affordable, scenic
Cons: Slower than water taxis, may get crowded during peak times
3. ACTV Vaporetto (Public Water Bus)
The ACTV Vaporetto is the main public water transport system in Venice, making it a popular and convenient way to reach the city center from Piazzale Roma or other drop-off points. After taking a bus or shuttle from Venice Marco Polo to Piazzale Roma, you can catch a Vaporetto to various stops in Venice. Tickets cost about €7.50 per ride, and the system runs frequently. If you plan to use public transportation throughout your stay, consider purchasing a Venezia Unica travel card, which offers unlimited rides for a set period.
Pros: Affordable, frequent departures
Cons: Can get crowded, involves a transfer at Piazzale Roma
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Walking Directions from Piazzale Roma or Santa Lucia Train Station
Once you’ve reached Piazzale Roma or Santa Lucia train station, walking to the city center is fairly straightforward, but navigating Venice’s canals and narrow streets can be challenging.
Directions from Piazzale Roma
If you arrive by bus or car to Piazzale Roma, follow these easy steps to walk into Venice. Cross the Ponte della Costituzione bridge towards the Santa Lucia train station and head into the main walking routes leading into Venice. Look out for signs pointing towards Rialto or San Marco, which are in the heart of the city.
Directions from Santa Lucia Train Station
Arriving by train at Santa Lucia station? Once you exit, turn left along the Grand Canal, or take a right and wander through the smaller streets toward Piazza San Marco. You’ll pass charming cafes and shops along the way, making the walk part of your Venice experience.
Additional Tips for Navigating Venice
With its winding streets and canals, Venice can be a maze, but here are some tips to make your journey easier:
Use Google Maps or Other Navigation Apps
Smartphone navigation apps like Google Maps are invaluable in Venice, guiding you through even the narrowest alleys. Just be sure to download maps offline in case you lose service.
Carry a Map or Guidebook
Having a paper map can be helpful in case your phone battery runs low. Venice’s many landmarks are easy to spot on a map, so it’s a handy backup for navigating this unique city.
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No matter how you choose to travel, your adventure in Venice starts the moment you leave Venice Marco Polo Airport!
Whether you choose a water taxi, Alilaguna, or ACTV Vaporetto, getting from Venice Marco Polo to Venice city should be as smooth as possible with a little planning. Each route offers a unique introduction to Venice, from its scenic waterways to its iconic landmarks.
Enjoy your journey!
