Getting Around
As travellers might expect from a city famous for its canals, water is the main medium of transport in Venice. Water buses, known as vaporetti, ply the Grand Canal and make scheduled stops. The vaporetti are a far cheaper way to get around Venice than the famous gondolas, which are piloted by stripe-shirted gondoliers who for an extra fee will serenade passengers. Travelling down the Grand Canal is obligatory but the vaporetti are well-suited for this purpose. Once ashore, the only way to explore is on foot, through the narrow alleys and lively squares; there are no cars or bicycles in Venice. Visitors should make sure they have a good map as the city can become a confusing labyrinth. An ACTV Tourist Travel Card is a great option for tourists that want to use the city's public transport system on a regular basis. One, two, three and seven-day travel cards can be purchased in advance at venicelink.com/en, and at many convenience stores in the city. Tickets can also be boughts in advance for the Alilaguna service to and from the airport.
Airports
Venice Marco Polo Airport
The airport is located five miles (8km) north of Venice.
Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE)
Location
The airport is located five miles (8km) north of Venice.Getting to the city
Buses go to the Venice-Santa Lucia railway station, via Piazzale Roma, every 20 minutes. The ATVO bus and ACTV buses leave regularly for the Piazzale Roma and Mestre Railroad station. The Alilaguna boats (vaporettos) are a fast, cheap and comfortable way into central Venice, and the dock is seconds away from the airport. Note that you will need cash for the vaporettos, they don't take cards. Most hotels can organise a transfer, that often involves a taxi to Piazzale Roma and then via water taxi to the hotel.
Time
GMT +1 (GMT +2 between the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October).Car rental
Car hire companies with offices at the airport include Autoeuropa, Maggiore, Avis, Europcar, Hertz and Locauto Rent.
Airport Taxis
Both regular and water taxis are available from the airport. An authorised (yellow) taxi cab to the city centre takes between 40 minutes and an hour.
Facilities
Facilities at the airport include ATMs, currency exchange facilities, banks, a tax-free customs service, VIP lounges, a business centre, a prayer room, information desks, travel agencies, baby-changing facilities and first aid facilities. There are also a range of shopping and dining options.
Parking
Short- and long-term parking is available; all parking lots are within easy walking distance of the terminal.