How to Get from Venice Marco Polo Airport to the City Centre

Airport bus to Mestre or Piazzale Roma

The airport buses are the best value. ATVO and ACTV run frequent coaches from just outside the terminal. They reach Mestre in roughly 20 minutes and Piazzale Roma — the road gateway to the island, where the canals begin — in about 25 minutes. From Piazzale Roma you continue on foot or by vaporetto (water bus) to your hotel.

If you are staying in Mestre, the bus drops you close to home and there is no need to go all the way to the island first.

Train via Mestre (the route many guides skip)

There is no train station inside the airport, but once you reach Venezia Mestre station (a short bus or taxi ride away) you are on one of the best-connected rail hubs in the region. From Mestre, frequent trains reach Venezia Santa Lucia on the island in about ten minutes.

For travellers staying in Mestre this is the everyday route into Venice: quick, cheap and reliable. It is also handy if you are continuing to Padua, Verona or further afield the same day.

Alilaguna water bus

If you are staying on the island and want to arrive by water, the Alilaguna shared water bus runs from the airport’s waterfront (a short walk from the terminal) to several stops around Venice, including near St Mark’s. It is slower than the road options — roughly 60–90 minutes depending on the line and your stop — but you arrive on the canals without changing to a vaporetto.

Private water taxi

The fastest and most memorable way onto the island is a private water taxi — a sleek wooden boat that takes you door to door at your hotel’s nearest canal. It is by far the most expensive option, but for a special arrival, or if you have heavy luggage and a hotel deep in the island, it can be worth it. Agree the price before you board.

Taxi or private car transfer

A standard land taxi or pre-booked transfer reaches Mestre in around 20 minutes and Piazzale Roma in about 25. This is the simplest option if you are staying on the mainland, arriving late, or travelling with a lot of luggage or small children. From the island side you would still switch to a water bus or walk, since cars cannot enter Venice itself.

Which should you choose?

Staying in Mestre: take the airport bus or a short taxi — you will be at your accommodation in around 20 minutes. Staying on the island: take the bus to Piazzale Roma then a vaporetto, the Alilaguna if you prefer the water, or a private water taxi for speed and comfort.

All’Arco Apartment is in Carpenedo, Mestre, about 20 minutes from the airport and a short ride from Venezia Mestre station — an easy arrival whether you land early or late. Check availability and book direct.