Venice Airport (VCE) to City Center: Distance, Options, and Times
Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) sits on the mainland, separated from the historic island city by the Venetian Lagoon.
Distances
- Straight-line (lagoon): 8–9 km (5–5.6 mi)
- Road (via Ponte della Libertà): 13–18 km (8–11 mi) depending on terminal/route
Transport Options
| Mode | Time | Cost (approx) | Details |
| Alilaguna Water Bus (Blue/Red/Orange lines) | 60–90 min | €15 | Direct to San Marco, Rialto, etc. Scenic, luggage space |
| Water Taxi | 30–40 min | €100–150 | Door-to-door (hotel dock); shared €30–40 pp |
| ACTV Bus 5 (Aerobus) | 20–30 min | €8 | To Piazzale Roma (bus terminal); frequent |
| ATVO Bus | 20–30 min | €8–10 | To Piazzale Roma / Mestre station; coach style |
| Land Taxi | 20–30 min | €40–50 | To Piazzale Roma only (cars stop there) |
| Private Transfer | 20–30 min | €50–80 | Pre-booked; meets at arrivals |
Key Decision Points
- Staying near San Marco/Rialto: Alilaguna or water taxi
- Staying near Santa Lucia Station/Piazzale Roma: Bus + walk/vaporetto
- Heavy luggage / mobility issues: Water taxi or land taxi + porter
- Budget: Bus 5 (€8) + vaporetto (€7.50/75 min) = €15.50
- Late Night (23:00–05:00): Only land taxi/bus (no water buses)
Pro Tips
- Buy Alilaguna tickets online (skip line)
- Validate bus tickets on board
- Water taxi: confirm drop-off dock matches hotel
- Piazzale Roma = car/bus terminus; Santa Lucia = train station (adjacent)
Venice arrival is half the magic—choose your entrance.