Venice by Water: How to Travel from the Airport to the City Like a Local

Venice: The home of Carnivale, gondoliers and their gondolas, endless bridges, and an entire city void of cars. Having been to Italy twice before, but never having visited Venice, I thought it was high time I experience what I had heard so much about.  

I flew from Charleston and arrived in Venice on an overnight flight. The Venetian airport was incredibly easy to navigate.  After leaving the plane, you’ll follow the crowds and the signs to immigration.  Place your passport with your photo facing down in the machine and wait for the doors to open.  Once you enter into the designated space, a camera will lower itself to face level.  After it takes your picture and assuming you aren’t a federal threat, the doors will open. 

Often there will be an immigration officer who will be on hand to stamp your passport. Don’t expect many questions, just grab your stamped passport and keep moving.  After finding your carousel number, you’ll pickup your bag.  It’s a great idea to use the bathroom while you’re at the airport.  Don’t hesitate, just do it:  Trust me on this one. 

If you plan to arrive by boat, no matter which option above you choose, you’ll go up the elevator and follow the signs to your appropriate method of transportation (with the exception of the bus). 

Once you’ve used the restroom and have your bag, you’ll notice there are several side-by-side machines offering tickets to Venice.  On the left you’ll have the Vapertto (water taxi) and on the right the bus.  Instead of grabbing your ticket here, skip these and exit. Fun fact: “Uscita” means exit in Italian. Once you leave the secure area there will be a booth directly ahead of you with a person at a counter. I highly suggest going directly to them for your ticket.  They often speak English and are able to guide you with the best stop to most easily access your hotel.  

Your next decision will be how do you want to get into the heart of Venice from the airport and luckily you have a lot of options.  

Bus – Most Economical

Your most economical option will be the bus for 10 Euros (at the time of writing this blog).  As mentioned the bus can only go so far.  Once you arrive at the end of the road (literally), you’ll then have to walk with your bags to your hotel.  

Water Taxi

Next up is the water taxi, which is the method I chose.  For 15 Euros I boarded a water taxi.  The water taxi’s are offered by two different companies.  The Alleghetro and the ACTV both operate water taxi’s.  You will want to pick your water taxi company based on who stops closest to your hotel. Again the kind people at the counter as mentioned above will help you make this important decision.

Be aware that water taxi’s do not stop at every single dock.  It’s best to find your hotel on a map, show the attendant before you purchase and find the best company that works for your situation.  A tip is to ask the attendant to write down the name of your dock so you know when to get off.  The names of each dock are written clearly (black text on large yellow boards) on the side of the buildings. 

Shared Taxi: 

To find more information on obtaining a shared taxi, check out resources like Get Your Guide. 

Private Taxi:

A private taxi will be the quickest and easiest mode to get you into Venice and close to your hotel.  Being a smaller boat, they have access to more canals than the larger Vapertto (water taxi) does.  However this quick method of transportation will also cost you.  For a private boat, expect to pay 180 Euros. It’s guaranteed to be unforgettable and arriving in your private wooden boot is the most chic. Think James Bond or Indiana Jones.  The taxi driver will also lift your luggage, so if you struggle with just how heavy those bags are, this is a great option.  

Choosing Your Transportation To The Heart Of Venice:

Cost will obviously be your primary factor, but I’d also take into account having to lift and move heavy luggage yourself.  You may find that budgeting your private water taxi is the most beneficial and worth the expense to have a smooth and easy transition into Venice.  

On my first trip to Venice I chose the water taxi. The water taxi sat me low in the boat and unless you sit on your knees on the cushion, it’s hard to see your approach to the city. Also, as a note you may want to take the bus if you’re prone to sea sickness.

When I first arrived in Venice I had to pinch myself. The city is as unique as it is beautiful. By following these couple of tips I think it will help you have a smooth journey into the heart of Venice.