Marco Polo Airport: Managing Busy Travel Hubs

Venice Marco Polo Airport is located 8 kilometres (4.3 miles) north of Venice, Italy. As Venice is one of the most visited cities in the world, the airport is very busy, with many travellers reporting long queues at security and for buses to and from the airport. Travellers have also complained about the airport's customer service, with one calling it one of the worst airports in the world in terms of customer care. However, one review from 2024 states that the terminal was busy but not crowded, and another praises the Marco Polo Lounge, calling it one of the best I have been to in Europe.

Transport to Venice Marco Polo Airport

Venice Marco Polo Airport is located 8 kilometres (4.3 miles) north of Venice. It is the city's main international airport and the fourth-busiest airport in Italy. The airport is named after the merchant traveller Marco Polo, one of the first Europeans to travel to Asia and China.

There are several ways to get to and from Venice Marco Polo Airport. Here are some options for transportation:

Bus

The airport is well-connected to Venice by bus, with several bus lines providing transportation to and from the airport. The ATVO bus, for example, offers a direct connection between the airport and Piazzale Roma, with buses running every 30 minutes and taking approximately 20 minutes to reach Piazzale Roma. The bus fare is typically around $8.73 each way.

Water Bus (Vaporetto)

The Vaporetto is the water bus public transportation system in Venice, offering a unique way to travel between the airport and the city. The Vaporetto has a ferry terminal at St. Mark's Square, providing easy access to the historic centre of Venice. It is a comfortable and scenic way to get to and from the airport, with majestic views of the city.

Taxi

Taxis are readily available at the airport and can be a convenient option, especially if you have luggage or are travelling in a group. The cost of a taxi can vary depending on the number of passengers and luggage, but it is generally more expensive than the bus, ranging from $45 to $50.

Water Taxi

A water taxi is a direct and private way to get to and from the airport. Water taxis can take you directly to your hotel if it is accessible by water, providing a comfortable and luxurious travel experience. However, water taxis can be quite expensive, especially for smaller groups, as the capacity of the taxi is typically around 10 people.

Train

Venice is also accessible by train, with Treviso Airport located about an hour away from the city. This option is mainly used by low-cost carriers like Ryanair.

When planning your travel to and from Venice Marco Polo Airport, it is always a good idea to allow for enough time to account for any potential delays or unexpected wait times, especially during busy periods.

Check-in and baggage drop-off

The check-in desks at Marco Polo Airport are located on the ground floor and first floor of the terminal, with access via escalator or lift from outside the terminal. For intercontinental flights, the check-in desk number will be assigned approximately three hours before departure, while for other flights, it will be assigned at least two hours in advance. This information can be found on the information screens in various locations, including the car park P1, the docks (water bus landing stage), along the pedestrian walkways on the ground level, and inside the terminal building.

Passengers are advised to bring their boarding passes, either printed or electronic, to expedite the check-in process. Some airlines offer self-check-in machines located on the ground and first floors of the airport. After obtaining their boarding passes, passengers travelling with hand luggage can proceed directly to the security area, while those with hold baggage need to go to their airline's drop-off baggage counters. Oversized luggage can be dropped off at the gate on the ground floor near check-in counters 92-98.

Security checks at Marco Polo Airport involve placing personal items and electronic devices in trays for scanning. Passengers may be asked to remove their shoes and other items of clothing for manual inspection. It is important to note that liquids, aerosols, and gels must be removed from hand luggage and placed in a single transparent, re-sealable plastic bag with a maximum capacity of 1 litre. Containers larger than 100 ml are not permitted.

To ensure a smooth check-in and baggage drop-off experience, passengers can consider checking in online in advance, if possible. Additionally, checking the cruise ship schedule for the day of departure and allowing for more time if necessary is advisable.

Security wait times

Venice is one of the most visited cities in the world, and Venice Marco Polo Airport is the city's busiest international airport. As such, it is important to allow sufficient time for security checks when travelling through the airport.

Several factors can influence the security wait times at Marco Polo Airport. One key factor is the time of day. Early mornings, particularly before 6:00 am, tend to be quieter with shorter security lines. However, some travellers have reported instances where they had to wait for security to open in the very early morning, around 4:00 am. On the other hand, peak travel times during the day can result in longer queues and wait times.

Another factor is the time of year. Venice is a popular tourist destination during the summer months, particularly June, which can lead to increased airport traffic and longer security wait times. It is recommended to arrive at the airport well in advance during these busier periods to account for potential delays.

Additionally, the type of luggage can impact security wait times. Travellers with only carry-on luggage may experience faster processing times, while those checking bags should anticipate additional time. Checking bags can add around 30 to 45 minutes to the overall time spent at the airport.

It is also worth noting that individual experiences can vary. Some travellers have praised the efficiency of the airport, describing smooth processes and manageable crowds. However, others have criticised the airport for long queues and slow bus boarding procedures. Staffing levels and operational issues can also impact security wait times, and these factors may change dynamically.

To ensure a smooth and stress-free experience, it is generally advisable to allow ample time for security checks when departing from Venice Marco Polo Airport, especially during peak travel seasons and times.

Airport facilities and services

Marco Polo Airport, located about 8 miles from Venice, is the third busiest airport in Italy, serving over 13 million passengers annually. It is a small but busy transportation hub with a range of facilities and services for travellers.

Marco Polo Airport consists of a single terminal with three levels, making it easy to navigate. The arrivals area is on the ground floor, while the first floor houses the departure gates for EU and non-EU flights. The second floor is home to VIP lounges and a business centre. The airport provides a variety of parking options, including short-term covered and long-term uncovered parking lots, located within a short walking distance from the terminal.

The airport offers excellent dining options, including espresso bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and fast-food outlets serving international cuisine and Italian specialties. Vending machines are also available throughout the terminal for basic refreshments and snacks.

For shoppers, Marco Polo Airport features duty-free outlets, newsagents, food shops, and gift shops selling souvenirs and a range of tax-free goods such as alcohol, cosmetics, and electrical goods.

The airport provides a range of essential services, including a tourist information kiosk, a post office, currency exchange, rental car and hotel reservation counters, luggage deposit, and a smoking lounge. ATM cash machines, also known as "bancomats" in Italy, are scattered throughout the terminal, accepting most international bank cards.

Additional facilities include a lost property service, first aid, prayer rooms, a spa room, designated smoking areas, and luggage trolleys. The airport is also fully accessible for travellers with disabilities, offering ramps, wheelchair-accessible lifts, and dedicated parking spaces.

For business travellers, the Travelex Business Centre provides meeting rooms, work areas, secretarial services, translation services, and presentation equipment.

Transport Options

Travellers can choose from several transport options to get to and from the airport and Venice's city centre. The cheapest option is by bus, with the ATVO express coach and the ACTV public bus No. 5 providing affordable connections to Piazzale Roma. Water taxis, although more expensive, offer a quicker and more scenic route to the city centre, taking around 20-35 minutes. For those arriving late at night, when public transport may not be operating, a shared taxi to Piazzale Roma is recommended.

Customer care

Venice Marco Polo Airport is Venice's busiest international airport. As one of the most visited cities in the world, Venice is a major tourist destination, highlighting its architecture and artwork, which played a significant role during the Renaissance. The airport is located 8 kilometres (4.3 miles) north of Venice.

Reviews of Venice Marco Polo Airport's customer care are mixed. While one reviewer claims it is "one of the worst airports in the world in terms of customer care", others have praised the airport's staff. One reviewer noted that the airport's security team opened up a separate line for them and their mother, who was unstable on her feet, and even held and accompanied her through the security gate. Another reviewer expressed gratitude to the staff of the Lost & Found department, who helped them retrieve their lost suitcase and deliver it to their home address.

The airport offers a range of facilities and services to assist passengers. These include bus services, taxis, water boats, and car rental options. The airport also provides baggage check-in services, with specific counters for different types of luggage, such as hold baggage and oversized luggage. Additionally, self-check-in machines are available for certain airlines, allowing passengers to bypass the ticket counter and go directly to security or the baggage drop-off area.

However, some reviewers have criticised the airport for long queues at the check-in and security areas, as well as the inconvenience and high cost of parking. There have also been reports of delays in bus transportation to and from the airport, with one reviewer mentioning a 30-minute wait for the bus to arrive at the plane. It is recommended that passengers arrive early, especially if they need to check in luggage, as this can add significant time to the departure process.

Frequently asked questions