How to Get To Venice, Italy

Navigating Venice and find your path to canals, cuisine, and culture.
Written By: Andrea Spallanzani
Reviewed by: Rick Orford
How & Why We Created This Article

This article has been written, reviewed, and fact-checked by Rick and I. We live in Italy and travel throughout the country to help you make the best choices for your trip. We wrote this piece to help you have the best trip possible on your next trip to Italy. Portions of this article have been written using assistive AI tools to help with tasks like research, spell-checking, grammar, and translation.

Last Updated March 21, 2024

In this article, you'll learn how:

  • Venice, Italy, is a picturesque destination known for its history, culture, canals, and landmarks like St. Mark's Basilica and the Rialto Bridge.
  • Travelers can reach Venice by plane, train, car, bus, or cruise, with various options and transportation hubs available.
  • Parking in Venice can be challenging, and public transportation within the city is often recommended to avoid traffic and limited parking spaces.

Wondering how to get to Venice? Venice, Italy, is an excellent option for learning about history and culture. Located in northwestern Italy, Venice comprises 117 small islands connected by bridges. Venice first appeared on the scene in the 5th century and has been known for its exceptional architectural beauty and canals. The city of Venice, Italy, has always been a must-see destination for tourists and it attracts roughly 20 million visitors per year.  It’s located in the Veneto region of northeastern Italy and is surrounded by the Adriatic Sea. Venice is known for its canals, bridges, and gondolas, and there are a lot of beautiful places to stay. It’s also home to some of the world’s most famous tourist attractions, including St. Mark’s Basilica, the Rialto Bridge, and the Doge’s Palace.

Finally, one of the main reasons people visit Venice is its food. The city has a rich culinary tradition, and many restaurants serve delicious dishes from all over Italy.

Venice, Italy’s Floating City, is one of the world’s most scenic and romantic destinations. While getting to Venice can be tricky, it’s doable with some planning.

MethodFromDurationCostConvenience
By PlaneMarco Polo Airport40 mins€15 per personConvenient
Treviso Airport30 mins€12.00Budget-friendly
By TrainMajor Italian Cities1.5 – 4 hoursVariesScenic route
By CarRome, Milan, Florence3 – 6 hoursVariesFlexible
By BusRome, Milan, Florence3 – 5 hoursVariesAffordable
By CruiseCruise ShipsVariesVariesScenic option

Getting To Venice By Plane

There are two airports in Venice, Italy: Marco Polo Airport, Treviso Airport, and Venice-Lido Airport. Marco Polo Airport is the largest and most important airport in Veneto. It is located in Tessera, about 8 kilometers from Venice. The airport is served by most European airlines. Treviso Airport is further away from Venice and is a base for low-cost airlines such as Ryanair.

Getting to Venice from Marco Polo airport

Vaporetto (Water bus)

The most popular option is the Vaporetto or water bus. There are around 20 water bus lines throughout Venice. The Vaporetto stops at several points in the city, including Piazzale Roma and San Marco. Tickets for Vaporetto can be purchased at the ticket kiosk or on the boat itself. To take a Vaporetto, go outside the airport and walk down to the water. A stop is right by the airport, so it’s easy to find. The Vaporetto service from the airport to Venice’s downtown is ACTV Alilaguna. The ride takes about 40 minutes, and costs €15 per person. Buy your ticket from one of the ticket machines before boarding.

Taxi

Another option is to take a taxi. Taxis are usually stationed outside of the airport terminal. A taxi ride to the downtown area usually costs between €30 to €40, depending on the time of day. Note that there is a surcharge for rides between 10 pm, and 7 am. The trip takes about 15 minutes. The taxi will take you to Piazzale Roma, the only area of Venice city center that can be reached by car. Alternatively, you can take a water taxi from the Airport that can take you right to the city center. This option can cost a minimum of €130.

Bus

The airport is well connected to Venice by bus. There are around 45 direct buses from the airport to Piazzale Roma, Venice’s main bus terminal. You can purchase tickets at the airport or on the bus. The trip takes about 25 minutes, and buses run every 3 to 4 hours. The trip costs about €4 to €8.

Getting to Venice from Treviso Airport

Treviso Airport is located about 37km northwest of Venice and is mainly served by low-cost airlines. The best way to reach the city center from Treviso is by bus. The bus runs from Treviso Airport to Piazzale Roma in about half an hour, costing €12.00. Another option is to take a taxi from the airport to Venice Piazzale Roma.

Getting to Venice By Train

Major trains from Rome, Milan, Florence, to Venice

A few different trains go from major cities in Italy to Venice. If you’re in Rome, a train runs from the Roma Termini station to the Venezia Santa Lucia station. The trip to Venice usually takes around four hours. If you’re coming from Milan, a train goes from the Milano Centrale station to the Venezia Santa Lucia station. The trip to Venice usually takes around two hours and thirty minutes. If you’re coming from Florence, a train goes from the Firenze Santa Maria Novella station to the Venezia Santa Lucia station. The trip to Venice usually takes around one hour and forty minutes.

Where is the train station located?

If you’re looking for the train station in Venice, it’s located on the Grand Canal from Venice’s historic center. The station is serviced by trains arriving from all over Italy, making it a great starting point for your exploration of this fantastic city. The Santa Lucia Train Station is the central train station right in the city center. The station is located on the Grand Canal, just a few minutes from St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge.

Visitors can also stroll to the Doge’s Palace and other famous Venetian landmarks – an excellent area to stay in Venice. If you’re looking to explore Venice without worrying about getting lost, then the Santa Lucia Train Station is your best option. There is also a second train station in Mestre, on the mainland, about 10 minutes from the city center. 

By Car

Distances from the major Italian cities to Venice

Rome to Venice is about 536 km (333 miles). The drive usually takes around six hours, depending on traffic.

Milan to Venice is about 274 km (170 miles). The drive usually takes around three hours, depending on traffic.

Florence to Venice is about 263 km (163 miles). The drive usually takes around three hours, depending on traffic.

Parking options

Parking in Venice can be a challenge. There are a few paid parking garages, but they can be expensive and fill up quickly. They are located in Piazzale Roma, the only place in the city center that can be reached by car. It is always mandatory to book parking in advance to avoid risking the lot being sold out. 

It is also possible to park in Mestre on the mainland and commute to the city center by train. This option can be cheaper and more accessible.

Traffic

Tourists and locals often find themselves stuck in traffic while crossing the bridge that connects Venice to the mainland. The first issue is the number of tourists who visit the city each year. With over 20 million people visiting each year, it’s no wonder that the city’s infrastructure can’t keep up. In addition to the number of people, many are using cars or motorbikes to get around, which worsens the traffic.

Another contributing factor is the lack of parking spaces. There isn’t enough room for all the cars and motorbikes.  Overall, It’s recommended to avoid driving in Venice if possible.

By bus

Major bus routes:

There are a few major bus routes between Rome, Milan, and Florence to Venice. The buses usually make a few stops between the cities. Some buses depart from Termini Station and Tiburtina Station if you want to take the bus from Rome to Venice. The trip usually lasts around 4-5 hours, and tickets can be purchased ahead or on the day of departure. There are also buses from Milan to Venice, which usually take around 3 hours to reach their destination. Florence to Venice is also a popular route for bus passengers – the trip takes about 5 hours, and there are multiple departures throughout the day.

Tour busses

Many different tour buses will take you to Venice. Most of them depart from airports and train stations, while others depart from other locations. You can choose a tour bus that takes you directly to the city center, or one that stops in different cities along the way. Some tours include a boat ride on the Venetian lagoon, while others do not.

No matter which tour bus you choose, you will be able to see some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe. The bus trips usually last between eight and twelve hours, so be sure to bring snacks and drinks for the journey.

Where does the bus stop

Venice has two major transportation hubs: the bus station and the train station. The bus station is in Piazzale Roma, while the train station is in Santa Lucia. If you’re arriving by bus, the bus will stop at Piazzale Roma.

By cruise

Cruising is a popular way to get there, as the city is located in the northeast corner of Italy on the Adriatic Sea. Cruise ships don’t dock in Venice’s Passenger Terminal, located on the Giudecca Canal. Nowadays, cruise ships dock in the port of Marghera, just outside the city center. Numerous cruise lines offer trips to Venice, including Carnival Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, Disney Cruise Line, Holland America Line, and Royal Caribbean International. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, getting to Venice, Italy is very easy. There are different methods to accomplish it, and the best way for you will depend on your personal preferences and budget; with some research, you can find the best option. I’ts is the place for you if you want a unique and romantic destination. Once you’re there, take advantage of all the city offers. Walk along the canals, visit the famous sites, and enjoy the delicious food.