Venice with children is magical but logistically demanding. The airport transfer is just the beginning, and the city itself requires a lot of physical effort. Here is what to plan for.
At the airport
Alilaguna has ticket offices in the arrivals hall (07:30-23:00), at the entrance of the moving walkway (08:00-21:00) and at the Darsena water-side dock (06:00-00:20). ATVO buses leave from Exit D, second lane on the left: stop 3 for Venice, stop 4 for Mestre. ATVO express buses carry unlimited luggage at no extra cost.
Fixed-price private transfer
VCE Mestre / Venice Mainland
From€130for 2 passengers
Other destinations
Boats, buses and children
On the Alilaguna, children under 6 travel free with an adult (bring an age document) and strollers travel free. Each ticket includes one heavy bag and one hand bag; extra bags cost EUR 4 each, which adds up for a family with several suitcases.
A private water taxi is priced per boat, not per person, so a family of four or five splits one price. Ask for the price before boarding or take it from your booking. The boat goes to the dock closest to your hotel, which saves the longest walk with children and bags.
Child seats
Do not count on a child seat in a taxi, whether on land or on water. If you need a seat for a land transfer to Mestre or Piazzale Roma, pre-book a transfer and request one when you book.
Strollers in Venice
Venice is built on bridges, most with steps, and the route from any boat stop to your hotel involves cobblestones. A lightweight fold-flat buggy is far easier than a heavy travel pram, and for infants a front carrier is often easier than any wheeled option. Check with your hotel how many bridges lie between the nearest water stop and the front door.
Recommended approach for families
Venice island hotel, young children or lots of luggage: private water taxi priced per boat, closest dock to the hotel.
Venice island hotel, budget matters: Alilaguna (children under 6 free) or the ATVO bus to Piazzale Roma (EUR 12 single) plus a short walk or vaporetto (EUR 9.50 for 75 minutes).
Families staying in Mestre: a land transfer or the ATVO bus, which serves Mestre. No boat needed.
Luggage logistics
For a family with multiple suitcases, consider a porter for the last stretch from the boat stop to the hotel. Agree the price before they start.
Sources (checked 2026-10-17)
- Alilaguna airport ticket offices and hours: https://www.alilaguna.it/en/biglietti/biglietterie
- Alilaguna fares (Airport-Venice EUR 18, Airport-Murano EUR 10, round trips, extra bag EUR 4, children under 6 free): https://www.alilaguna.it/biglietti/tariffe
- ATVO Venice Airport Bus Express, unlimited luggage, stop 3 Venice and stop 4 Mestre: https://www.atvo.it/en/services-provided/airport-services/venice-airport-bus-express
- ATVO airport-Piazzale Roma fare EUR 12 single, EUR 20 return, 20 minutes, departures to 00.40 from Piazzale Roma and 01.10 from the airport (timetable valid from 1 February 2026): https://www.atvo.it/assets/bus_routes/035_01.02.26-.pdf
- ACTV 75-minute ticket EUR 9.50 (excludes the airport), Aerobus ticket EUR 10, day passes: https://actv.avmspa.it/en/content/venice-urban-services-0