Venice Marco Polo Airport, Italy’s third-busiest airport, connects more than 13 million travelers a year to Venice’s iconic canals and Byzantine-influenced architecture. Not only does it connect the city with other major European capitals such as Frankfurt, Paris, Istanbul and Amsterdam, it also welcomes daily arrivals from the UK, as well as long-haul flights from destinations in North America and the Middle East.
A new terminal opened in 2017, and its contemporary design features a dramatic slatted shell roof that allows sunlight to filter into the corridors. The terminal is not only architecturally impressive, it is also equipped with a state-of-the-art security system.
To make your arrival and departure from Venice stress-free, we have prepared a practical guide to Marco Polo airport with information on how to get around, where to eat and drink, where to shop and how to get there and the historic city center. Know what to expect before arriving at Marco Polo Airport, and be sure to get your Venice vacation off to a good start.
Marco Polo Airport Quick Facts:
- Airport Code: VCE
- Location: Viale Galileo Galilei, 30173 Venice
- Telephone: (+39) 041 260 9260
- Terminals: one
- Major commercial airlines include Alitalia, Air Canada, Air France, British Airways, Delta, Emirates, Lufthansa, Qatar, and United Airlines.
- Low-cost airlines include Ryan Air, EasyJet, and Vueling
- Website: https://www.veniceairport.it/en/
- Flight information
- Airport map
Know before you go
Marco Polo Airport consists of a single terminal on three levels, making it a fairly easy place to navigate. The arrivals area is on the ground floor and the departure doors are on the first floor (what Americans would consider the second floor). There are separate departure gates for EU and non-EU flights. Baggage claim and ground transportation can be found on the ground floor, while the second floor houses the VIP lounges and a business center.
Parking lot
At the airport: Marco Polo airport has a variety of parking lots (short-term covered, long-term uncovered) that are very close to the airport terminal (between one minute and five minutes on foot. See the parking map .
In Venice: cars are not allowed in Venice. The closest parking to the city is in Piazzale Roma. The other alternative is to leave your car at the Tronchetto (an artificial island in the Venetian Lagoon). Although this car park is further from the city center, it is conveniently connected to Venice by vaporetto or bus. For an even cheaper option, you can park your car in Fusina or San Giuliano near mainland Mestre.
Public transport
Marco Polo Airport, located about 8 miles (10 kilometers) from Venice, offers several ways to get to the city to suit the budget of most travelers. These are the main transportation options available:
Bus: The ATVO bus to Piazzale Roma may not be the most exciting way to get to Venice, but it is by far the most affordable. Another wallet-friendly alternative is to take the ACTV No. 5 public bus. Coaches leave approximately every 30 minutes.
Vaporetto ( water bus ): Alilaguna operates the water transfer service to Venice, as well as to Murano and the Lido. A really fun way to travel, the boats run regularly from 6 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week. The journey takes about an hour, stopping at various landing points, including Piazza San Marco.
Water Taxis: Although water taxis take about half the time by vaporetto, they cost almost ten times as much. Note that some pilots are known to overcharge, but expect to pay a late night surcharge. If you want to pay part of the cost, you can request to share a ride with other passengers.
Land Taxis: In Italy, taxis cannot be stopped, but must be hired at official taxi stands. You will find the range in front of the arrivals area. The trip to the city takes about 15 minutes and leaves you in Piazzale Roma.
Airport services
Standard facilities and services at Marco Polo Airport include a tourist information kiosk, post office, currency exchange, hotel and car rental desks, luggage storage and a smoking room. ATMs (called bancomats in Italy) are spreading around the passenger terminal; Most accept international bank cards, however we recommend that you check with your financial institution prior to departure.
Here are some other amenities and features within the Marco Polo airport terminal:
Eat and Drink: There is a great selection of restaurants, cafes and wine bars where you can have a quick snack, a cocktail, or enjoy a leisurely meal.
Shopping: The airport is home to more than 30 retail stores, from international luxury brands such as Max Mara and Bulgari to chain fashion stores such as Diesel and Pandora. There’s a great duty-free shop and an even bigger souvenir shop, in case you need a last minute trinket from Venice to take home.
Airport Lounges: The Marco Polo Club VIP lounge is located on the second level, in the boarding area, and is open every day from 5 to 11 pm. Alitalia’s Tintoretto lounge, located in the boarding area for Schengen flights, is open from 4:30 to 8 pm Admission is free for priority club members; everyone else pays a one-time fee to access a lounge.
Wi-Fi and Charging Stations – Free Wi-Fi is available anywhere in the passenger terminal, with charging stations strategically located so you can always take advantage of your smartphone or other mobile devices.
Tips and Facts
- Arriving international passengers must go through customs and passport control. Visitors arriving from within the EU (European Union) do not need to go through customs.
- The new terminal consists of 11,000 square meters (118,000 square feet) of space, with another expansion phase scheduled to add 100,000 square meters to accommodate the anticipated increase in tourism over the next 10 years.
- Sleeping inside the airport is strictly prohibited.
- Showers are available inside the Marco Polo VIP Lounge for an additional fee.