Getting to Venice: Marco Polo Airport, Train and Cruise Port
Most visitors reach Venice through one of four doors: Marco Polo Airport, on the mainland edge of the lagoon; Treviso Airport, further inland; Venezia Santa Lucia railway station, at the northern edge of the historic city near the western end of the Grand Canal; or the cruise port. From the airports you cross to the city by water or by road over the lagoon bridge, the Ponte della Libertà, which also carries the railway. Each guide below gives the options from one arrival point, with the route on to St Mark's Square and the nearest gondola stations.
From the airports: Marco Polo and Treviso to Venice
Marco Polo is Venice's main airport and sits on the mainland side of the lagoon, so the last stretch into the city is either across the water or over the Ponte della Libertà to Piazzale Roma. Treviso Airport is further inland, and the journey runs by road. These guides compare the ways in from each airport, by boat, bus and taxi, and where each one leaves you in the city.
Marco Polo Airport to Venice 2026: Boat, Bus or Water Taxi
Marco Polo Airport to Venice by Alilaguna boat (€18), ATVO bus (€12, 20 min) or water taxi: which stop to use, how long it takes and what it costs in 2026.
20 minutes by bus to Piazzale Roma; about 1 hour to Rialto and 1 hour 25 minutes to St Mark's by Alilaguna
Treviso Airport to Venice 2026: Bus, Train and Water Bus
Treviso Airport to Venice: the ATVO bus reaches Piazzale Roma in about 40 minutes, or take the train from Treviso. Steps, timings and tips for 2026.
About 40 minutes by bus to Piazzale Roma, then 30-40 minutes by water bus to St Mark's
From the station and the cruise port to St Mark's Square
Santa Lucia station opens straight onto the Grand Canal, so the walk or boat ride to St Mark's Square starts at the water's edge. The cruise port lies on the western side of the city. These guides cover the walking route over the bridges, the public water bus along the Grand Canal, and water taxis, and how to time your arrival around a gondola ride.
Venice Santa Lucia Station to St Mark's Square 2026
Venice Santa Lucia station to St Mark's Square: vaporetto line 1 (about 40 min), line 2 (about 30 min) or the walk past Rialto. Fares and tips for 2026.
About 30 minutes on line 2, about 40 minutes on line 1; longer on foot
Venice Cruise Port to St Mark's Square 2026: Where Ships Dock
Venice cruise port guide: where ships dock since the 2021 ban, the €1.50 People Mover to Piazzale Roma and the water bus to St Mark's Square in 2026.
About 3 minutes on the People Mover, then 30-40 minutes by water bus
Do you pay the Venice access fee when you arrive?
Only on fee days, and only as a day-tripper. In 2026 visitors aged 14 and over who came for the day paid on 60 set days between 3 April and 26 July, from 08:30 to 16:00: €5 if paid at least four days ahead, €10 later. Overnight guests, who pay the hotel tourist tax, are exempt, as are residents, students and workers. The 2027 calendar and price had not been published on 27 October 2026. See the Venice access fee for details.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get from Marco Polo Airport to Venice?
Across the lagoon by boat, or by road over the Ponte della Libertà to Piazzale Roma, then on foot or by water bus. The airport guide compares each option.
Where is the train station in Venice?
Venezia Santa Lucia is at the northern edge of the historic city, near the western end of the Grand Canal. The Ponte della Libertà links it to Mestre on the mainland.
Can you take a gondola from the station to St Mark's Square?
A standard gondola ride lasts 30 minutes for €90 by day and is a sightseeing ride, not a transfer. The water bus or a water taxi is the usual way across the city with luggage.
Do I pay the access fee if I stay overnight in Venice?
No. Overnight guests pay the hotel tourist tax instead and are exempt from the day-tripper access fee.