To get around in Venice, you can use a combination of water buses, taxis, and walking, as well as take advantage of the city's unique transportation system, which includes trams, buses, and trains that connect the city to the mainland and other parts of Italy.
Quick Facts
Getting There
Venice is easily accessible by air, with two main airports: Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) and Treviso Airport (TSF). Venice Marco Polo Airport is the primary international airport, located about 12 kilometers from the city center, and it offers direct flights to many European cities, as well as some intercontinental flights. You can also fly into Treviso Airport, which is located about 40 kilometers from Venice and is often used by low-cost carriers. From the airport, you can take a taxi, bus, or water bus to get to the city center.
If you prefer to arrive by land, you can take a train or bus from other Italian cities or from neighboring countries. The main train station in Venice is Santa Lucia, which is located on the Grand Canal and offers connections to other parts of Italy, as well as to other European cities. You can also take a bus from the mainland to Venice, with companies such as FlixBus and Eurolines offering regular services. Additionally, you can drive to Venice, but be aware that the city center is closed to cars, and you will need to park in one of the designated parking areas on the mainland.
Domestic Flights
If you need to travel to other parts of Italy, you can take a domestic flight from Venice Marco Polo Airport. The main domestic airlines in Italy are Alitalia, Ryanair, and EasyJet, and they offer flights to many cities, including Rome, Milan, and Florence. You can book your flights online or through a travel agency, and prices vary depending on the time of year and how far in advance you book. Approximate costs for a one-way domestic flight can range from $50 to $200, depending on the route and the airline.
Trains & Rail
Italy has an extensive rail network, and Venice is well-connected to other parts of the country. The main train station in Venice is Santa Lucia, which offers connections to other Italian cities, as well as to other European cities. You can take a high-speed train, such as the Frecciarossa or the Italo, to cities such as Rome, Milan, and Florence. Booking your train tickets in advance is recommended, as prices tend to increase closer to the departure date. You can book your tickets online or at the train station, and approximate costs for a one-way ticket can range from $30 to $100, depending on the route and the type of train.
Buses & Coaches
Taking the bus is another option for getting around Venice and traveling to other parts of Italy. The main bus station in Venice is located in Piazzale Roma, and it offers connections to other Italian cities, as well as to other European cities. Companies such as FlixBus and Eurolines offer regular services, and you can book your tickets online or at the bus station. Approximate costs for a one-way ticket can range from $10 to $50, depending on the route and the company.
City Transport
| Mode | Available In | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water Bus | Venice | $7-$10 | A convenient way to get around the city, with many routes and frequent departures |
| City Bus | Venice, Mestre | $1.50-$3 | A good option for getting to the mainland and other parts of the city |
| Taxi | Venice, Mestre | $10-$20 | Available at taxi stands or by phone, but can be expensive |
| Ride-Hailing | Venice, Mestre | $10-$20 | Available through apps such as Uber and MyTaxi |
| Tram | Mestre | $1.50-$3 | A convenient way to get to the mainland and other parts of the city |
Driving
- To drive in Italy, you need a valid driver's license, and it's recommended to have a car with a manual transmission, as automatic cars can be more expensive to rent.
- The road conditions in Italy are generally good, but you should be aware of the tolls on the highways and the limited parking options in the city center.
- Fuel costs in Italy are relatively high, with an average price of $1.50 per liter for gasoline.
- If you plan to rent a car, it's recommended to book in advance, especially during peak season, and to choose a company that offers a wide range of cars and competitive prices.
- Be aware of the traffic restrictions in the city center, including the limited traffic zones and the pedestrian-only areas.
- It's also a good idea to have a GPS or a map, as the streets in Venice can be confusing, especially for newcomers.
Transport Tips
- Be aware of the scams in the city, especially the gondola scams, where the gondoliers may charge you a high price for a short ride.
- It's recommended to pay with cash, especially for small purchases, as not all vendors accept credit cards.
- Download the Venice Shuttle app to get around the city, as it offers a convenient way to book water buses and taxis.
- Be mindful of the crowds and the narrow streets, especially during peak season, and try to avoid traveling during rush hour.
- It's a good idea to learn some basic Italian phrases, such as grazie (thank you) and per favore (please), to help you navigate the city.
- Be aware of the pickpocketing and petty theft in the city, especially in crowded areas, and keep a close eye on your belongings.
- It's recommended to validate your ticket before boarding the train or bus, as fines can be steep for unvalidated tickets.