Flying to Venice or the Veneto & Getting into Venice

The Veneto region is very easy to get to from anywhere in Europe and from the rest of the world. With an excellent airport, rail, and road network, getting here could not be easier.

Flights to Venice and Verona

A number of low-cost airlines make the journey surprisingly affordable, giving you more to spend on a plate of fresh pasta or a glass of local wine once you arrive.

Most of the budget airlines serve one of three airports in the area.

Verona Airport (officially Valerio Catullo) is a convenient gateway if you’re heading straight into Verona or exploring the surrounding Veneto countryside. It’s small, easy to navigate, and just a short ride from the city center.

Then there’s Treviso Airport, often cheekily renamed “Venice Treviso” by Ryanair. It’s not actually Venice—more like 40 kilometers away—but it does the trick for budget-conscious travelers. From here, regular buses shuttle you directly into Venice, and the trip itself is a nice way to ease into the Italian landscape.

Finally, there’s the real Venice airport: Marco Polo. This is the main international hub, sitting right on the lagoon. If you’re lucky enough to arrive here, you can step out of the terminal and hop straight onto a water bus or even a private water taxi. Nothing compares to that first glimpse of Venice as it shimmers across the water—it’s pure magic.

For our country-focused guides on how to get to Venice and the Veneto, click the links below:

Flights from the UK to Venice and Verona

Flights from Ireland, Germany and Holland to Venice and Verona

Flights from the USA & Australia to Venice

Getting from Marco Polo Airport into Venice

Water Bus

A fantastic way to experience the beauty of Venice, and the best way to arrive in the city, is by taking a vaporetto, which is basically a water bus.

The vaporettos leave from the airport, and you can buy tickets at the airport or on the bus itself. Look for signs that say "Water Bus" in the airport arrival hall, and it's only a short ten-minute walk to the dock, very doable even with your luggage. Just make sure you get on one of the big yellow and white boats because the small wooden ones are taxis and cost a whole lot more. Enjoy the journey, and get ready to explore Venice in a unique and exciting way!

The vaporetto ride not only offers a convenient way to reach your destination but also allows you to witness the vibrant and bustling life of Venice from a unique perspective. It's a chance to see the city come alive with locals and tourists alike, going about their day amidst the backdrop of this remarkable floating city.

Normal Bus

When you land at Venice Marco Polo Airport, getting into the city couldn’t be easier. Just step outside the arrivals area, and you’ll see the bus stops waiting right in front of the terminal. Before heading out, pop into the ticket office inside the arrivals hall (it’s clearly signposted and easy to spot).

Two different buses will take you straight to Piazzale Roma, the gateway to Venice. The first is the ACTV AeroBus, Line 5, which runs frequently and is the local public bus. The second is the ATVO express coach, a bit more spacious and with room for luggage. Both journeys take around 20–30 minutes, and Piazzale Roma is a very handy spot, just a short walk from the Santa Lucia train station and the Grand Canal.

Once you’ve got your ticket in hand, finding the right stop outside is simple—and if you’re not sure, the staff in the ticket office will point you in the right direction. Buses run regularly throughout the day, so even if you’ve just missed one, you won’t have long to wait.

It’s a straightforward, affordable way to begin your Venice adventure. And the moment you step off at Piazzale Roma, the magic begins: boats gliding past, canals stretching out ahead, and the heart of Venice waiting to welcome you.

Taxi

Taxi outside of the Hotel Danieli in Venice

You get the taxis from the same place as the water bus. Venice taxis can be a great option if you have heavy luggage or if you prefer a more private and direct means of transportation. They can take you directly to your desired destination, whether it's a hotel, a specific neighborhood, or a popular attraction. It's worth noting that water taxis can accommodate a limited number of passengers, typically up to 10 people, so it's a good idea to check the capacity when booking.

They don't have meters, so they'll quote you a price. It's best to book online before you arrive so you don't get any nasty surprises.

Driving & Car Hire in Verona and Venice Italy

Asolo

Driving down to the Veneto (here's our regional guide) is a fantastic option if you’re coming from elsewhere in Europe—especially if you plan to spend at least a week exploring. Hitting the road gives you the freedom to wander beyond the tourist hotspots and discover the charming small towns tucked away in the countryside, places like Asolo shown in the photo.

However, if you are only visiting Venice and maybe the other main Veneto cities like Verona and Padova, don't bother—you can get between cities by train easily enough, and in the cities you don't need a car. You can't drive in car-free Venice anyway :-)

If you would like to rent a car, read our Verona & Venice car rental guide.

Trains to Venice

With flights to Italy often so affordable and convenient, taking the train isn’t usually the best option for international arrivals—unless you’re traveling on a Eurail pass or coming in from a nearby country like Germany, Austria, Slovenia, or Switzerland.

Train travel in Italy is nothing short of wonderful, though. And if you’re exploring the country by rail, there are some truly unforgettable journeys you shouldn’t miss—routes that turn getting from A to B into an experience all of their own. Here's my list of the most beautiful train journeys in Italy and some good advice on tickets too.