Venice Italy

Leaving Venice: How to Get to Marco Polo Airport Without the Stress

The "VIP" Option: Private Water Taxi

Best for: Heavy luggage, groups, or ending your trip in style.
Cost: Starting at ~€130–€150.
Time: ~30 Minutes.

If you want the fastest, most seamless exit, ask your hotel to arrange a private water taxi. The boat will pick you up directly from your hotel’s dock (or the nearest canal spot) and whisk you straight to the airport docks.

Is it worth the upgrade? While expensive, it saves you from dragging suitcases over bridges.

Pro Tip: For an extra ~€50, you can ask the driver to take the "scenic route" through the Grand Canal on the way out. It’s one final, cinematic look at the city before you fly home.

The "Smart" Option: Bus or Tram

Best for: Solo travelers and budget-conscious backpackers.
Cost: ~€10.
Time: 20 Minutes (once you are on the bus).

This is often the most reliable method because it doesn't rely on the tides or boat traffic. However, there is a catch: You must get yourself to Piazzale Roma first. This is the only square in Venice accessible by car/bus.

From Piazzale Roma, you have two main choices:

ATVO Express Bus: Non-stop to the airport with luggage storage underneath.
ACTV Aerobus (Line 5): A local bus that makes stops (can get crowded).

Why I prefer this: It is much faster than the public boat and significantly cheaper than a taxi.

The "Middle Ground": Public Water Bus (Alilaguna)

Best for: People staying near a stop who don't want to walk to the bus station.
Cost: ~€15.
Time: 1 hour+.

There is a public water ferry system (Alilaguna) that runs from various stops in Venice to the airport. Honestly? I would treat this as a last resort.

The boats are often very crowded, the windows can be foggy/dirty (so no view), and it takes a long time because of the multiple stops. Unless your hotel is right next to an Alilaguna stop and far from the bus station, the bus is usually a better bet.

Arriving at the Airport

Regardless of which boat option you take (Private Taxi or Public Alilaguna), you will be dropped off at the airport’s wet dock.

Don't worry—you aren't at the terminal yet.

Look for signs that say "Terminal" or the icon of an airplane.
You will walk along a covered path for about 5–7 minutes.
There is usually a moving walkway (travelator) to help you along.
This path deposits you right at the check-in area on the departure floor.

Photos By: PhilaTravelGirl