# Venice Airport Transfer Guide (VCE) Practical guide to getting from Venice Airport to the city. Water taxi, Alilaguna boat bus, ATVO bus, and what Venice's unique transport situation means for arriving passengers. **Airport:** VCE **City:** Venice **Country:** Italy **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/vce **Last updated:** 2026-03-11 --- ## Main Guide ### Quick answer Venice Marco Polo Airport is 13 km northeast of Venice, on the mainland shore of the lagoon. The unique thing about Venice is that there are no roads into the island city β€” vehicles can only go as far as Piazzale Roma on the edge of Venice, or Mestre on the mainland. Getting into Venice itself requires a boat. Your main options: Alilaguna water bus (EUR 15, public boat service, slow but cheap), ATVO bus to Piazzale Roma (EUR 10, then walk or vaporetto), private water taxi (EUR 110-130, direct to your hotel's nearest dock), or land taxi to Mestre (EUR 20-30). There is no single 'right' answer β€” it depends entirely on where your accommodation is. πŸ‘‰ AirportTransferPortal offers fixed-price transfers on this route, which removes uncertainty on arrival. --- ### What actually happens after landing Marco Polo Airport is a mid-sized airport on the lagoon shore. After landing, immigration and baggage are straightforward. The arrivals hall has ATMs, tourist information, and a tourist tax/transport desk. Crucially, you will be approached by water taxi operators and hotel representatives β€” legitimate ones, but prices can be negotiated. Once through arrivals, you exit to a covered dock area where boats leave directly from the terminal. This is unusual and quite impressive for first-time visitors. Buses depart from a separate area outside, slightly further from the arrivals exit. Orientation can be confusing β€” the covered walkway leads to both boat docks and bus stops. --- ### Transport options explained honestly **Private water taxi (motoscafo)** is the most romantic and expensive option. A licensed water taxi takes you directly from the airport dock to the dock nearest your hotel β€” or as close as the canals allow. Prices are regulated: approximately EUR 110-130 for the taxi (not per person). Up to 4 people can share the same EUR 110-130 price, making it reasonable per head for a couple or small group. The journey takes 30-45 minutes depending on your destination in Venice. **Alilaguna water bus** is the public boat service. Three lines serve different parts of Venice. The orange line (Arancio) goes via Murano to the Grand Canal and Rialto. The blue line (Blu) goes via Lido to San Marco. The red line (Rossa) serves Murano and Fondamente Nove. Fare: EUR 15 per person. Journey time: 60-90 minutes depending on the line and destination. Slower but dramatically cheaper than a water taxi. The boats are not uncomfortable but can be crowded with luggage. **ATVO bus or ACTV bus** to Piazzale Roma costs EUR 10 (ATVO express bus) or EUR 8 (ACTV). Journey time: 20-25 minutes to Piazzale Roma, which is the road terminus at the edge of Venice. From there you walk, take the vaporetto (water bus, EUR 9.50 for 75 minutes), or arrange a land-side porters. This is the best budget land route but requires connecting to a boat or walking if you have luggage. **Land taxi to Mestre** costs EUR 20-30 to Mestre, the mainland town adjacent to Venice. Mestre is not Venice β€” it is the industrial mainland town. Only relevant if your accommodation is in Mestre rather than the island. **Pre-booked land transfer to Piazzale Roma or Mestre** costs EUR 25-40. Useful for groups with heavy luggage who want a minivan to the road terminus, then arrange their own boat connection. **Rental car:** Do not. There is no car access to Venice island. Cars must be left at the Tronchetto or Piazzale Roma car parks, which are expensive (EUR 25-30 per day). Only makes sense if you are heading to the mainland or driving onward after Venice. --- ### Realistic pricing expectations To Venice island (general): - ATVO bus to Piazzale Roma: EUR 10 (+ vaporetto or walking) - Alilaguna: EUR 15 - Private water taxi: EUR 110-130 (per taxi, not per person) To Mestre (mainland): - Bus: EUR 2-3 - Land taxi: EUR 20-30 To Piazzale Roma (road end of Venice): - Bus: EUR 10 - Land transfer: EUR 25-40 --- ### Late night arrivals The Alilaguna runs reduced services late at night and stops entirely in the early hours. The last Alilaguna boats are typically around 11:30 PM-midnight. After that, private water taxis operate 24 hours but at higher rates (approximately EUR 130-160 late night). The ATVO bus stops late evening; land taxis to Piazzale Roma or Mestre operate around the clock. If you arrive after midnight, you will need either a private water taxi to reach a Venice island hotel, or a land taxi to Mestre if you are staying there. --- ### Families and luggage Venice with luggage is genuinely difficult. The city is built on bridges and narrow lanes. Wheeled suitcases on cobblestones and up bridge steps is hard work. If you have a lot of luggage, getting as close to your hotel by boat as possible is worth the premium of a water taxi. Families with strollers face the same bridge/step challenge. Porter services exist but are not cheap. Plan your hotel location carefully β€” a hotel near a vaporetto stop or accessible by water taxi minimises the walking. --- ### Where you meet the driver --- ### Decision helper **Choose the Alilaguna if** you are on a budget, not in a rush, your accommodation is near a stop on its routes, and you do not have excessive luggage. **Choose the ATVO bus if** your hotel is near Piazzale Roma or you are confident about vaporetto connections, and you want the cheapest option. **Choose the private water taxi if** you want to be delivered as close to your hotel as the canals allow, your party is 2-4 people (shared cost), or you have a lot of luggage and do not want to navigate with bags. **Choose a land transfer to Piazzale Roma if** your Venice hotel is near the road terminus and you have heavy luggage or a large group, and then arrange boat transport separately. πŸ‘‰ This is the lowest-friction option after a long flight. --- ### Summary Venice's transport situation is unlike any other airport in the world. The city's beauty and uniqueness come at a logistical cost. Budget more time than you think, plan your connection based on your specific hotel location, and if you have significant luggage, the private water taxi's convenience is worth the price for at least the arrival journey. --- ## Frequently Asked Questions **Q: How much does a water taxi from Venice Airport cost?** A licensed private water taxi (motoscafo) costs approximately EUR 110-130 for the taxi, regardless of how many passengers (up to the boat's capacity, usually 4-6). The journey to central Venice takes 30-45 minutes. Sharing between 2-4 people makes it much more affordable per head. Prices are higher late at night (EUR 130-160). **Q: What is the cheapest way to get from Venice Airport to Venice?** The ATVO express bus to Piazzale Roma costs EUR 10 and takes about 20 minutes. From Piazzale Roma, a single vaporetto (water bus) ticket costs EUR 9.50. Total: about EUR 20 and 45-50 minutes. Alternatively, the Alilaguna water bus at EUR 15 goes directly into Venice's canals without changing, though the journey takes 60-90 minutes. The bus+vaporetto option is cheapest if you have minimal luggage and know where to go. **Q: Can I get a water taxi directly to my hotel in Venice?** Often yes β€” most Venice hotels are accessible by boat, though the specific dock access varies. Licensed water taxis can navigate the Grand Canal and many secondary canals. Your driver will know your hotel and get as close as possible. Some hotels have private docks. For hotels in very narrow sestieri, you may need to walk the last 5-10 minutes. Confirm the closest landing point with your hotel before booking. **Q: Is Mestre the same as Venice?** No. Mestre is a mainland town directly connected to Venice island by the Ponte della LibertΓ  causeway. Many budget hotels are in Mestre, which is cheaper but requires a 10-minute train or bus into Venice proper for sightseeing. If your hotel is in Mestre, take a land taxi or bus from the airport β€” no boat needed. If your hotel is on the Venice island, you need a boat connection. --- ## Additional Guides ### Arriving late at night at Venice Marco Polo Airport **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/vce/late-night Venice Airport handles late-night arrivals, but the city's reliance on water transport means late-night options are significantly more limited and expensive than other airports. Plan ahead. ## The terminal after hours Marco Polo Airport operates around the clock. Immigration and baggage claim process arrivals at any hour. The arrivals hall has ATMs and basic services. Late-night arrivals clear quickly as the terminal is quieter. ## What stops running The Alilaguna water bus runs its last services from the airport at approximately 11:30 PM to midnight, depending on the line. After that, no public boat service operates until early morning. The ATVO and ACTV buses to Piazzale Roma also stop late evening, with last services around 11 PM. ## What keeps running **Private water taxis** operate 24 hours. This is your only option for reaching Venice island hotels after the Alilaguna stops. Night rates apply: approximately EUR 130-160 per taxi (compared to EUR 110-130 daytime). The airport water taxi dock is staffed; you can arrange a taxi on arrival. Pre-booking is strongly recommended for late-night arrivals to guarantee a boat. **Land taxis** to Mestre and Piazzale Roma operate 24 hours. Night rates (10 PM to 7 AM) are about 20% higher. To Mestre: EUR 25-35 at night. To Piazzale Roma: EUR 30-45 at night. But remember β€” if your hotel is on the Venice island and it is past midnight, a land taxi gets you only to Piazzale Roma, where you still need a private water taxi. You would be better off taking the private water taxi directly from the airport. ## Common late-night scenarios **Landing at 11 PM:** The last Alilaguna boats may still be running depending on the line. Check the current schedule. Have a private water taxi as a backup plan. **Landing at 12:30 AM:** Alilaguna has stopped. Take a private water taxi from the airport dock (EUR 130-160). Pre-book if possible. **Landing at 2 AM with a Venice island hotel:** Private water taxi. No other option. Budget EUR 130-160. This is the reality of Venice's geography. **Landing at 2 AM with a Mestre hotel:** Land taxi, EUR 25-35. Straightforward. **Landing at 5:30 AM:** Alilaguna morning services start around 6-7 AM. You can wait in the terminal for 30-60 minutes and save on the night water taxi premium if you are budget-conscious. ## The night premium reality Late-night Venice arrivals are significantly more expensive than other Italian cities. This is not overcharging β€” it reflects the genuine cost of boat transport in an unusual city. If your flight regularly arrives late, consider booking accommodation in Mestre or on the mainland for the first night and moving to a Venice island hotel the following day via the cheap morning Alilaguna. ## Safety The airport is safe at night. Licensed water taxis from the airport dock are reliable. Do not accept offers from unofficial boat operators who may approach you in the terminal β€” Venice has a small number of unlicensed water taxis and prices they quote are not regulated. Use the official dock outside arrivals. --- ### Water taxi vs pre-booked transfer from Venice Airport **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/vce/taxi-vs-transfer Venice's transport situation is unlike any other city. The comparison here covers both water-side and land-side options, since the right choice depends on where you are staying. ## If your hotel is in Venice (island) The only vehicle access into Venice island is by boat. Your meaningful options are: **Licensed water taxi (motoscafo):** A private boat from the airport dock to the nearest canal dock to your hotel. EUR 110-130 per taxi (not per person). You pre-book this or arrange it at the taxi dock on arrival. The boat is fast (30-45 minutes), private, and delivers you closer to your hotel than any alternative. **Alilaguna water bus:** EUR 15 per person, public boat service, 60-90 minutes to central Venice. Comfortable but slow, and you still walk from the Alilaguna stop to your hotel. **Pre-booked land transfer to Piazzale Roma:** A minivan or sedan to the road terminus at Piazzale Roma (EUR 25-40). From there, you take the vaporetto or walk. This is a two-leg journey. It makes sense for large groups with heavy luggage who want to consolidate in a large vehicle, then split the vaporetto connection. ## If your hotel is in Mestre (mainland) This is a standard land transfer situation. A taxi from the airport costs EUR 20-30 to Mestre. A pre-booked transfer costs EUR 25-40. No boat required. ## Water taxi: what you actually get A licensed water taxi from Venice Airport is a sleek wooden or fibreglass motorboat, usually carrying 4-6 passengers comfortably with luggage. The driver knows Venice's canals and will navigate to the nearest accessible dock to your hotel. Grand Canal routes, small side canals β€” they know them. The regulated EUR 110-130 fare is for the whole boat. Supplements apply for luggage over a certain size (EUR 5-10 extra per large bag in some cases), for night travel (after midnight), and for Sundays and holidays. You can arrange a water taxi at the taxi dock just outside the arrivals exit (the covered dock area). There is usually a short wait. Pre-booking avoids the wait and guarantees a boat. ## Pre-booked water transfer Some transfer operators offer pre-booked water taxi services. Effectively the same as a licensed water taxi but arranged in advance with a driver waiting specifically for you. Prices are similar (EUR 110-140 depending on the operator). The advantage is confirmation, name-sign meet in arrivals, and no dock-side negotiation. ## Comparison | Factor | Arrivals dock taxi | Pre-booked water transfer | |--------|-------------------|-------------------------| | Price | EUR 110-130 | EUR 110-140 | | Wait time | 5-20 min | Driver waits for you | | Name sign in arrivals | No | Yes | | Guaranteed availability | No | Yes | | Night supplements | Yes | Varies by operator | | Route knowledge | Good | Good | ## The honest conclusion For Venice island accommodation, the private water taxi/transfer is the premium but logical choice for groups of 2-4. Solo travellers pay EUR 110-130 alone, which is hard to justify over the EUR 15 Alilaguna unless luggage, time, or comfort is a strong priority. For Mestre accommodation, a land transfer is standard and affordable. The 'water taxi vs transfer' question does not apply. ## Piazzale Roma land transfer: when it makes sense For a large group with 8+ pieces of luggage, a minivan land transfer to Piazzale Roma (EUR 40-60 for the group) is practical. Everyone and everything arrives at the road end of Venice together, then the group takes the vaporetto or porters carry bags to the hotel. This avoids the per-person Alilaguna fee and the premium of a private boat. --- ### Getting from Venice Airport with children and family **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/vce/family-and-kids Venice with children is magical but logistically demanding. The airport transfer is just the beginning β€” the city itself requires more physical effort than almost any European destination. Here is what to plan for. ## The terminal with children Marco Polo Airport is a manageable, single-building terminal. Baby changing facilities are available. Luggage trolleys are free at baggage claim. The arrivals hall is not excessively large and signs are clear in English. Once outside arrivals, the boat dock is immediately to your left (covered walkway) and buses are slightly further ahead. The dock area can be confusing for first-timers β€” there are multiple boats including Alilaguna, private water taxis, and hotel launches. Ask at the information point if unsure. ## Child seats Italian taxis do not carry child seats, whether on land or water. Private water taxis have seating on boats, not car-style restraints β€” child safety on a water taxi involves life jackets and seating, not car seats. If you have an infant, a water taxi with a baby carrier is the most practical option. For land taxis to Mestre, the same issue applies: no child seats unless you bring your own or pre-book a transfer. ## Strollers in Venice: the hard truth Venice has approximately 400 bridges, most with steps. Standard prams and large strollers are very difficult to manage in Venice. A lightweight, fold-flat buggy is significantly better than a heavy travel pram. For infants who can be carried, a front carrier or sling is often easier than any wheeled option. The route from any boat stop to your hotel involves cobblestones and bridges. There is no avoiding this. Check with your hotel how many bridges are between the nearest water stop and your front door. ## Water taxi with children Private water taxis are actually well-suited to families with young children. The boat is stable, the journey is exciting for children, and there are no crowds. The boat accommodates luggage alongside passengers. For a family of four, splitting EUR 110-130 per taxi is similar per-head cost to other options and delivers you much closer to your hotel. Life jackets for children are on board and the driver will provide them if asked. ## Alilaguna with children The Alilaguna boats are larger, slower, and more crowded. They have open deck areas that can be draughty in winter and uncovered sun in summer. Manageable with older children who enjoy the boat ride. Luggage can be awkward in crowded conditions. The 60-90 minute journey is long for very young children or after a long flight. ## Recommended approach for families **Families with children under 4 and a Venice island hotel:** Private water taxi. Door-to-hotel as close as possible, manageable for the child, no stairs until you leave the boat. **Families with children 4-10:** Water taxi is still comfortable. Alilaguna is viable if budget is a concern. **Large families / multiple children:** The water taxi's per-boat pricing means a family of 5-6 pays the same as 2, making it excellent value. Book a larger water taxi (capacitΓ  6-8) if needed. **Families staying in Mestre:** Land transfer. Normal logistics. Consider Mestre for at least the first night if arriving late β€” cheaper accommodation and no boat logistics after a long day. ## Venice with young children: key realities - The vaporetto (water bus) does not have child safety harnesses. Hold young children at all times. - Most top Venice museums are not stroller-friendly due to historic building layouts. - Water is everywhere β€” children need supervision near canals. Most canals have some edge protection but not consistently. - Gelaterie, bakeries, and outdoor spaces make Venice genuinely enjoyable for children despite the logistics. - The Giardini della Biennale and Parco delle Rimembranze on the eastern island offer open space for children to run around. ## Luggage logistics For a family with multiple suitcases, consider porter services for the last stretch from boat stop to hotel. Licensed porters with trolleys operate throughout Venice. Rates vary but EUR 10-20 per trip for multiple cases is typical and worth it when tired with children. --- ### How much it costs to get from Venice Airport to Venice **URL:** https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/vce/cost-to-city Venice has the most varied airport transport pricing in Italy. The costs below reflect a city accessible only by water, with options ranging from budget to premium. ## ATVO express bus to Piazzale Roma: EUR 10 The cheapest way to reach Venice's road terminus. Journey time: about 20 minutes. ACTV city bus is EUR 8. From Piazzale Roma you then walk (possible for hotels very close) or take the vaporetto water bus (EUR 9.50 for 75 minutes). Practical for light travellers who know the city. ## Alilaguna water bus: EUR 15 per person Public boat service directly from the airport dock into Venice's canal network. Three lines: - **Arancio (orange):** Airport β†’ Murano β†’ Fondamente Nove β†’ Cannaregio β†’ Rialto β†’ Grand Canal stops. About 75-90 minutes to San Marco. - **Blu (blue):** Airport β†’ Lido β†’ San Marco β†’ Zattere. About 75 minutes to San Marco. - **Rossa (red):** Airport β†’ Murano β†’ Fondamente Nove. Shorter route, good for Murano/Cannaregio. The Alilaguna is comfortable enough, runs every 30-60 minutes depending on the line, and stops at useful locations. It is the best value water option for solo travellers. ## Private water taxi: EUR 110-130 (per boat) The fixed regulated price covers a standard water taxi (motoscafo) from the airport to anywhere accessible in Venice. Up to 4-6 passengers share this price. The boat goes directly to the closest accessible dock to your hotel, which can be very close indeed. At EUR 55-65 per person for two people, this is comparable to a premium transfer in other European cities. For one person alone, EUR 110-130 is steep. For four people sharing, EUR 27-32 each is reasonable. Night rates (after midnight): EUR 130-160. ## Land taxi to Piazzale Roma: EUR 25-35 A regular road taxi from the airport to Piazzale Roma, where the road ends. From there you need a vaporetto or to walk. This is a peculiar middle option β€” you save on the water crossing but still need boat transport. Useful mainly for groups with heavy luggage who want to manage the two legs separately. ## Land taxi to Mestre: EUR 20-30 For travellers staying in Mestre (mainland). A 15-minute drive. ## Vaporetto (once in Venice): EUR 9.50 The ACTV vaporetto (public water bus) costs EUR 9.50 for a 75-minute ticket. A 24-hour pass is EUR 25. If you are connecting from Piazzale Roma or have multiple legs, a pass is worth it. Line 1 (slow, all stops) and Line 2 (faster, fewer stops) are the main Grand Canal routes. ## Costs to specific destinations | Destination | Alilaguna | Water taxi (per boat) | |------------|-----------|----------------------| | Piazzale Roma | EUR 15 | EUR 110-130 | | Rialto area | EUR 15 | EUR 110-130 | | San Marco | EUR 15 | EUR 110-130 | | Lido di Venezia | EUR 15 | EUR 120-140 | | Murano | EUR 15 | EUR 110-120 | | Tronchetto (parking) | EUR 15 | EUR 110-130 | | Mestre (mainland) | Bus EUR 3-4 | Land taxi EUR 20-30 | ## The real calculation For a solo traveller: Alilaguna at EUR 15 is far more sensible than a EUR 110 water taxi alone. For a couple: Alilaguna at EUR 30 total vs water taxi at EUR 110-130. The water taxi is 3-4x more expensive but arrives closer to your hotel and takes half the time. For four people: EUR 60 Alilaguna total vs EUR 110-130 water taxi split four ways (EUR 28-33 each). The water taxi suddenly makes economic sense and is significantly faster and more convenient. ## Hidden cost: luggage in Venice Carrying large suitcases around Venice is physically demanding. Bridges, cobblestones, steps. If you take the bus to Piazzale Roma or the Alilaguna to a busy stop, you still have a walking stretch to your hotel. This physical effort has a value β€” a water taxi that deposits you at the closest dock to your hotel saves that effort. Factor this into the cost calculation if you are travelling heavy. --- ## Related Pages - [Main arrival guide](https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/vce) - [Late night arrivals](https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/vce/late-night) - [Taxi vs transfer](https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/vce/taxi-vs-transfer) - [Family & kids](https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/vce/family-and-kids) - [Cost to city](https://www.airporttransferportal.com/airport-guides/vce/cost-to-city) --- ## Check before you land πŸ‘‰ This route is actively served by AirportTransferPortal with fixed-price booking available before arrival. Check real vehicles and prices before your flight. Booking takes a few minutes and ensures someone is waiting when you arrive. --- ## Operational Note This guide reflects real operational conditions, pricing ranges, and traveler experience at Venice (VCE). Transfer availability is supported by AirportTransferPortal's verified supplier network. --- ## Attribution Published by AirportTransferPortal (airporttransferportal.com), a global airport transfer marketplace operated by Funny Tourism Ltd.