Getting to Venice, Italy isn’t complicated, but it is different from arriving in almost any other city. Venice isn’t built for cars, taxis don’t pull up outside your hotel, and your arrival usually involves a mix of walking, boats, bridges, and a bit of patience.
The first time I visited Venice, I flew in and arrived by air. I landed at Marco Polo Airport, made my way toward the city, and experienced that classic first-arrival moment when you step out and suddenly see canals instead of roads.
It felt exciting, but also slightly overwhelming, especially trying to figure out where to go next and how to get to the hotel with luggage.
On a more recent trip, the experience was completely different. We arrived by car, drove all the way onto Venice island, and stayed in the Santa Croce area at a hotel with parking, one of the few areas (and hotels) where this is actually possible.
That arrival felt much calmer because we didn’t need to cross bridges or walk through crowded streets with luggage once we disembarked from the boat.
There are, of course, other ways to get to Venice as well, by plane, train, bus, water taxi, or car.
So below, I’ve broken down every practical way to get to Venice so when you arrive on your next trip, you know exactly what to expect.
⏰ Short on time?
Hotels with canal views in Venice
($$) Hotel Antiche Figure
($$$) Palazzo Venart Luxury Hotel
($$$) Aman Venice
Get these Skip-The-Line tickets
St. Mark’s Basilica
Doge’s Palace
Cicchetti food tours
Get around with
Vaporetto (water bus) ticket
Must do activity
Grand Canal Gondola Ride
Day trip you can’t miss
Murano, Burano & Torcello Boat Tour & Guide
Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links in this article may be affiliate links. This means that, at no extra cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you click on or make a purchase through these links.
Why Venice’s Layout Matters
Venice is a car-free lagoon city made up of more than 100 small islands connected by canals and bridges. The city is linked to mainland Italy by the Ponte della Libertà, a 4 km bridge, but private vehicles cannot enter the historic centre.
Depending on how you arrive, you’ll reach one of these main access points:
- Santa Lucia train station (right on the Grand Canal)
- Piazzale Roma (bus and car terminal)
- Tronchetto (large parking island)
- Cruise terminal (Stazione Marittima)
From there, you continue on foot, by vaporetto (water bus), or by water taxi. Knowing this before you arrive makes planning far easier.
Arriving by Air
Water Taxi
The fastest and most scenic option. A private water taxi takes you directly to your hotel or the nearest dock.
Travel time: around 30 minutes
Cost: expensive, but very convenient
Alilaguna Water Bus
A public ferry service from the airport into Venice.
Travel time: about 1 hour
Cost: €15 one way or €27 return
This is the best mid-range option if you want to arrive by water without the high cost
Bus to Piazzale Roma (ATVO or ACTV #5 Aerobus)
The most budget-friendly option.
Travel time: around 20 minutes
Cost: €8–€15
This is what I’d choose if you’re travelling light and staying near Piazzale Roma
Land Taxi to Piazzale Roma
Travel time: around 30 minutes
Cost: approximately €60
If you’re staying near San Marco or along the Grand Canal, arriving by water is a great introduction to Venice.
Treviso Airport is about 40 km from Venice and is used mainly by low-cost airlines.
Getting from Treviso to Venice:
- ATVO or Barzi buses to Piazzale Roma (40–70 minutes)
- Taxi (more expensive)
- Bus to Mestre, then train to Venice
Flights here are often cheaper, but factor in the extra travel time.
Arriving in Venice by Train
Santa Lucia is Venice’s main train station and the easiest option if you’re travelling from other major cities in Italy. When you step outside, you’re immediately facing the Grand Canal.
High-speed trains connect Venice with:
- Rome (around 3.5 hours)
- Florence (2 hours)
- Milan (2.5 hours)
From Santa Lucia, you can:
- Walk to your hotel if it’s nearby
- Take a vaporetto directly from the station
- Use a water taxi if you have heavy luggage
Some trains stop at Mestre on the mainland. From there, it’s a short train or bus ride to Santa Lucia.
Arriving by Bus or Coach
All long-distance buses and airport shuttles arrive at Piazzale Roma, Venice’s main road terminal.
From Piazzale Roma:
- You can walk into Venice
- Take a vaporetto along the Grand Canal
- Transfer to a water taxi
Airport buses from both Marco Polo and Treviso stop here, making it a popular option for budget travellers.
Driving to Venice (Yes, You Can)
Many people don’t realise this, but you can drive to Venice island just not into the historic centre.
You cross the Ponte della Libertà and park at:
- Piazzale Roma (central but expensive)
- Tronchetto (larger and slightly cheaper)
From Tronchetto, the People Mover monorail takes you to Piazzale Roma in just a few minutes.
On our recent trip, driving to Venice and staying in Santa Croce made arrival and departure far easier than hauling luggage across bridges. There are hotels with parking, which is exactly what we did. We stayed at Casanova Fourrooms and could still walk to St Mark’s Square in around 30 minutes.
👉 This is where I’d book if you want to drive to Venice and keep arrival stress low
Cheaper parking options include Mestre, Fusina, or Punta Sabbioni, with boat connections into the city.
Getting Around Once You Arrive
Venice transport revolves around the vaporetto.
Single tickets are expensive, so multi-day passes usually make more sense if you plan to move around. Walking is often faster than expected, but bridges and crowds do add time, especially with luggage.
👉 I’d recommend buying a vaporetto pass here if you plan more than two rides
Hotels with canal views in Venice
($$) Hotel Antiche Figure
($$$) Palazzo Venart Luxury Hotel
($$$) Aman Venice
Frequently Asked Questions
Flying into Marco Polo Airport and taking a water taxi or bus.
Venice is easier, but Milan can be cheaper if you don’t mind a train journey.
Yes, but you must park at Piazzale Roma or Tronchetto.
Santa Lucia train station, right on the Grand Canal.
Only if you’re visiting for the day on selected dates.
Bus to Piazzale Roma.
Yes, but bridges make it challenging with heavy bags.
Yes, if you plan more than two rides.
Read More ✈️
PIN THIS PAGE FOR LATER
Add comment