The fastest way to travel from the airport to most of the historic center of Venice is a water taxi. A private water taxi is the quickest, but if you don’t want to splurge and pay the €150 fee for a private VIP water taxi, then the Alilaguna water taxi is the next the best choice. Slower, because it makes several stops, but much less expensive, this shared, public water bus shuttle between Marco Polo Airport and Venice is my favorite way to get to Venice from the airport.
Sailing from Marco Polo Airport to the island of Venice, this transportation option is much better than a traditional bus, which operates on the mainland and transports passengers from the airport to Piazzale Roma, the last stop for cars and buses. If your hotel is close to here, then this may be the fastest way for you.
In my opinion, this speedy watercraft makes for a much more interesting and fun ride. From the airport terminal, it’s only about a ten-minute walk via a covered walkway to the pier, from where the bright-yellow Alilaguna water buses depart. The route is well-marked. Just look for signs that read Water Taxis/Alilaguna.
Although the cost is almost twice as much as the bus, at €18 each way, or €32 round trip, it’s more than reasonable. The Alilaguna makes several stops in Venice, including the Lido, Rialto, and San Marco. There are six lines, but only two that run year round. The blue line connects the airport and the Venice cruise terminal. The orange line operates from the airport to Piazza San Marco with stops along the Grand Canal. Since it stopped at Rialto and was closest to my hotel, I used the orange line, and arrived near the Rialto Bridge in one hour.
In contrast, the bus arrives only at Piazzale Roma, so if your hotel is closer to Rialto or San Marco, you must then take another vaporetto to reach those places. Alilaguna’s water buses run frequently, maybe every twenty minutes or so. The first boat in the morning leaves the airport at 6:15 am and the last departs at 12:40 am (midnight). See Introducing Venice for more information.
Once we exit the airport terminal, we head toward the Alilaguna water bus dock with our wheeled bags. After presenting our tickets, the friendly staff help us descend into the boat and even assist with our luggage. We settle in for the ride, anxious to get a first glimpse of Venice after crossing the lagoon.
As our boat enters the Grand Canal, and we catch our first view of Venice, the trip on the water is totally worth it. I am fascinated as we slowly sail past all the architectural magic that has existed here for centuries. I am truly mesmerized. Before long, our boat has reached its destinations, and I realize we are docking at the Rialto stop. Welcome to Venice!
Have you taken the Alilaguna from Marco Polo Airport? I’d love to hear your stories, so please leave a comment, ask a question, or share your perspectives of traveling in Venice.
Grazie and Ciao.
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Robert Arbeit
In the last two years, my wife and I used the Alilaguna Yellow Line to travel to our hotel near the Rialto Bridge. The first time was excellent. The second time was not so good. The boats run every 30 minutes and this last time, we arrived at the dock just as the boat was leaving. Unfortunately, after standing in line for 30 minutes we were not able to get on the next boat, due to lack of space. So we waited for an hour in total, all while standing in line, as there is no place to sit and even if there were, you would lose your spot. On our return trip to the airport which was uneventful, we met a couple who stood in line for 3 hours when they arrived in Venice several days earlier. So depending on the number of people ahead of you, the trip can be either an easy, scenic way to get to Venice, or it can be a travel nightmare while you wait for a spot on the boat.
margieinitaly
Thank you so much, Robert, for this input. Wow, that would really be disappointing. I’m glad that you shared this. because it’s just another thing to be aware of when traveling to Venice, especially during peak seasons It’s all about being flexible, and you’re absolutely right. Depending on the number of people, this might take longer than expected.
D
Hi Margie,
About 10 years ago (when my wife and I were in our mid 50’s) we spent a month in Italy. Venice was our first stop (after 3 days in Amsterdam) and the Alilaguna water ‘taxi’ from the airport to the Rialto Bridge stop (close to our room) was ‘the’ recommended way to travel to the city centre. Loved every minute of the one-hour water ‘tour’, as apposed to a crowded, noisy trip by rail (great way to leave Venice though).
For us, by water is without question the only and best way to make your arrival into one of the most beautiful and interesting cities we have visited (we’ve been to more than 35 countries). Same can be said for Dubrovnic. Arriving at these wonderful places is always magical when done so from the water – be it via water taxi, ferry, or rubber Zodiac. In fact, we may have even done so on your suggestion – your very helpful pictures look familiar.
Thanks so much for your great website and spot-on recommendation. It was an incredible way to begin our wonderful month in Italy.
D and B (Calgary)
margieinitaly
Thank you so much for this wonderful comment. I truly appreciate your taking the time. And I am so glad to hear that you have been enjoying my blog. Your trip to Italy 10 years ago sounds wonderful, and I appreciate your sharing your perspective. I hope you get a chance to return one day.
Anonymous
I have been curious what the best way was to get to my Hotel from the airport and decided for the water taxi. You definitely sold me on the idea and our hotel is near the Rialto Bridge. This will be our first time to Italy and to Venice. Grazie! Jeff in CA
margieinitaly
That is great, Jeff! I’m so happy my blog post helped you make a decision. Your hotel is in a great location and I hope you thoroughly enjoy your stay in Venice! Have a wonder time.
Anonymous
Can you recommend a reliable private water taxi service?
margieinitaly
I’d say to do a Google search as there are quite a few private water taxi services in Venice. Mine was arranged through a contact at the apartment I rented.
Anonymous
This was amazingly helpful – thank you! How late does the water taxi run – if we don’t stay in the heart of Venice, is it difficult to get the Alilaguna later in the evening?
margieinitaly
Thank you. Check this link for schedules routes and timetables. https://www.alilaguna.it/en/linee
Anonymous
did you buy your tickets for the The Alilaguna prior? Or when you got to the airport?
This was an amazingly helpful post!
margieinitaly
Thank you so much. Yes I did buy them online because it was a little bit of a discount, but you can also buy them right at the dock.