Exploring Venice: Things To Do Near Marco Polo Airport

what to do around venice airport

Venice Marco Polo Airport is located 8 kilometres north of Venice and is the city's main international airport. If you're looking for things to do around Venice Airport, you can take a water taxi to the city centre or opt for a land taxi to Piazzale Roma, the final point for vehicle traffic in Venice's lagoon area. For a cheaper option, you can take the ATVO bus to Piazzale Roma, which takes 20 minutes. If you have a few hours to spare, you can take the waterbus to Venice for a coffee and a stroll. Alternatively, you can take the Alilaguna to Murano, wander around the island, and then head back. You can also explore the airport itself, which offers a range of services, including restaurants, duty-free shops, and currency exchange.

Characteristics Values
Name of the airport Marco Polo Airport
Location 8 kilometres (4.3 miles) to the north of Venice
Transport options to Venice Water taxi, taxi, train to shuttle bus, ATVO bus, land bus, car
Transport time to Venice 20-30 minutes
Transport cost to Venice €35-€150, depending on the mode of transport and number of passengers
Things to do Visit the Island of Murano, Burano, and Torcello, explore the Venice Lagoon, visit the Marriott Courtyard hotel, explore Venice by waterbus

shunhotel

Take a water taxi to Venice city centre

If you're looking for a memorable way to get from Venice Airport to the city centre, a water taxi is an excellent option. Not only is it a fast and comfortable way to travel, but it also offers a unique perspective of the city. Here are some reasons why taking a water taxi to Venice city centre can be a great choice:

Convenience and Speed

Water taxis provide a direct and seamless transfer from the airport to your accommodation in Venice city centre. They are known for their speed and efficiency, with the journey typically taking around 30 to 35 minutes, depending on your exact destination. This makes them faster than some other transport options, such as buses or trains.

Luxury and Comfort

Venetian water taxis are often described as the "limousines of Venice." They offer a luxurious and comfortable travel experience with spacious leather-upholstered cabins and open-air seating. The boats are usually made of polished wood, adding a touch of elegance to your journey. This level of comfort is especially beneficial if you're travelling with multiple passengers or have a lot of luggage.

Easy Accessibility

Water taxis are readily available at Venice Airport, and you can find them conveniently located right outside the arrivals terminal or baggage claim area. They are clearly marked and easy to spot, ensuring a stress-free start to your journey. Additionally, you can pre-book your water taxi in advance to ensure a hassle-free and well-organised transfer.

Scenic Route

Taking a water taxi along the Grand Canal is an excellent way to begin your exploration of Venice. As you cruise towards the city centre, you'll get to admire the fascinating "City on the Water" from a unique perspective. The water taxi route offers a magical and unforgettable experience, providing glimpses of iconic landmarks and picturesque views that you wouldn't get from travelling by land.

Group-Friendly Option

Water taxis are ideal for groups or families travelling together. They can accommodate up to 10 passengers and can carry a significant amount of luggage, making them a more convenient choice than regular taxis, which may have limited space. The cost of a water taxi, typically around €100-120, can also be more economical for larger groups when compared to other transportation options.

In conclusion, taking a water taxi from Venice Airport to the city centre is a fast, convenient, and memorable way to start your Venetian adventure. With their combination of speed, comfort, and scenic beauty, water taxis offer a unique travel experience that sets the tone for your exploration of this enchanting city.

shunhotel

Visit the island of Murano

If you're looking for things to do around Venice Airport, why not visit the island of Murano? Known for its colourful houses and long history of craftsmanship in glassblowing, Murano is easily accessible from the airport. Here's a guide to help you plan your visit:

Getting to Murano from Venice Airport

There are several ways to get to Murano from the airport. One option is to take the Alilaguna water boat, which takes approximately 30 minutes and costs 8€ one way. The boat leaves every 30 minutes from the airport and you can buy your ticket online, at the airport, on the boat, or at the dock. Alternatively, you can take a personal taxi boat, which will be more expensive but will take you directly to the island.

Exploring Murano

Once you arrive in Murano, you'll be greeted by the vibrant colours of the island's houses, which are said to have served as lighthouses for sailors and fishermen in the past. Murano is famous for its talented glassmakers, so make sure to visit the Museum of Glass to learn about the local tradition of glassblowing. You can also shop for unique souvenirs, such as precious glass-blown artefacts and Venetian murrine—rare charms made of coloured patterns in a glass cane.

Other Attractions in Murano

In addition to its glassblowing heritage, Murano also has other attractions worth visiting. Take a stroll through the charming streets and visit the Basilica dei Santi Maria and Donato to admire its mosaic floor. If you're looking for a place to stay, consider booking a hotel in Murano, where you can often find higher-quality accommodations at more reasonable prices compared to Venice.

Returning to Venice Airport

When it's time to head back to the airport, you can take the same transportation options mentioned above, or explore other alternatives. Just make sure to give yourself enough time to get through the immigration process, which can take longer than expected, especially on weekends.

shunhotel

Explore the city by car

Venice Marco Polo Airport is located 8 kilometres (4.3 to 8 miles) north of Venice and is the city's main international airport. The airport offers car rental services, making it easy to explore the city and its surroundings by car. Here are some suggestions for exploring Venice and the nearby areas by car:

Exploring Venice by Car

Although Venice is known for its canals and pedestrian-friendly areas, there are still some interesting places that you can reach by car. The Venice airport to Venice city centre distance is approximately 14 kilometres or just over 8 miles, and the drive takes around 20 minutes depending on traffic conditions. Keep in mind that cars can only go as far as Piazzale Roma, the final point for vehicle traffic in the city's lagoon area. From there, you can explore Venice on foot or by ferry/water taxi. Here are some places you can visit by car:

  • Piazzale Roma: This is the main transportation hub in Venice, where you can park your car and explore the city on foot or by water.
  • Santa Lucia Train Station: Venice's main train station, offering domestic and international train services. It is located near Piazzale Roma, making it accessible by car.
  • Mestre: Home to the Venice People Mover, an automated shuttle train connecting Piazzale Roma, the Marittima cruise terminal, and Tronchetto Island.
  • Murano: This island is known for its glassblowing factories and colourful buildings. It is accessible by car, and you can explore the glass factories, shops, and restaurants.
  • Burano: A charming island known for its lace production and brightly coloured houses. It is located 3.5 miles from Marco Polo Airport and can be reached by car.

Exploring the Surrounding Areas by Car

If you have more time or want to explore beyond Venice, there are several interesting places that you can easily reach by car:

  • Treviso: Located approximately 40 kilometres (25 miles) north of Venice, Treviso is a charming city with a beautiful historic centre, canals, and medieval walls. It is accessible by car, and the drive takes about 40 minutes.
  • Slovenia: If you're up for an international adventure, you can drive to Slovenia, which is located just across the border from Venice. The drive offers scenic views of the countryside and mountains.
  • Other Italian Cities: Venice is conveniently located within driving distance of several other popular Italian destinations, such as Florence, Rome, and Milan. You can plan day trips or longer excursions to these cities by car.

shunhotel

Hop on a shuttle bus

If you're looking for a cost-effective way to get from Venice Marco Polo Airport to the city centre, a shuttle bus is a great option. The ATVO airport shuttle provides a fast connection to Venice and Mestre, with plenty of baggage space and air-conditioning. You can purchase ATVO tickets online, at the ticket office in the baggage claim area or arrivals hall, or from the automatic ticket machines located outside the airport in the ATVO departure bays.

Once you arrive at Venice Mestre train station, you can easily transfer to a shuttle bus. Exit the train station, turn right, and walk for about 3-5 minutes until you reach the bus station. From here, you can board the ATVO airport shuttle. Make sure to confirm with the attendant that the shuttle is indeed going to Marco Polo Airport before boarding.

The shuttle bus is a convenient way to travel to and from the airport, especially if you have a lot of luggage. It offers a seamless transition from your flight to your accommodation or other destinations in Venice. The bus from the airport to Venice's Piazzale Roma, the main transportation hub, takes around 20 minutes and costs €8. From Piazzale Roma, you can continue your journey via ferry, water taxi, or on foot.

In addition to the ATVO shuttle, there are other bus services that connect the airport to various destinations. The Cortina Express bus service links the airport to over 40 mountain tourist resorts, including Longarone, Tai, and Cortina. During the winter, the Dolomiti Ski Shuttle connects the airport to ski destinations such as Arabba, Marmolada, and Alleghe. These bus services provide convenient and cost-effective options for travellers looking to explore the surrounding areas.

shunhotel

Check out the World Heritage Site, Isola di Burano

If you're looking for things to do around Venice Airport, why not check out the World Heritage Site, Isola di Burano? Here are some reasons why it's worth a visit:

Isola di Burano, or simply Burano, is one of the most characteristic islands in the Venetian Lagoon. It is located just 11km northeast of Venice and is easily reachable by boat. A trip to Burano from Venice typically takes around 40-45 minutes. You can catch a ferry from Lido di Jesolo, or take a regular vaporetto service from Fondamente Nove on the north side of the city.

The island is famous for its colourful houses, which are reflected in the green waters of the canals. According to legend, the fishermen of the village painted their houses so that they could see them from a long distance while they were out fishing. Today, the vibrant colours of Burano's houses create a cheerful and unique atmosphere that has inspired many artists.

In addition to its colourful architecture, Burano is also known for its lace-making tradition and local fish cuisine. You can find many small craft shops selling beautiful lace products, as well as glassware from the nearby island of Murano. Speaking of Murano, it is worth mentioning that it is known for its glass-making industry, and you can often find Murano glass objects for sale in Burano as well.

If you're looking for a peaceful escape from the crowds of Venice, Burano is an excellent choice. The island is small enough to explore in half a day, and it offers a tranquil atmosphere with its canals and leaning bell tower. Many visitors recommend coming around sunset or dusk, as the colours of the island seem even more vibrant during this time, and the sunset itself is stunning.

Frequently asked questions

The most common and easiest way is by water taxi. You can find these right when you exit baggage claim. They will be clearly marked and easy to spot. The cost of a water taxi is around 100 euros, which can hold up to 10 people. You can also take a taxi, which is more expensive, or a train to a shuttle bus, which is the most cost-effective option.

You can visit the Island of Murano, which takes 30 minutes by Alilaguna. You can also wander around the island, sit and have a drink or a meal, and then get the Alilaguna back. There is also a Marriott Courtyard hotel within 1km of the airport with a shuttle.

Venice Marco Polo Airport has complimentary WiFi and charging stations, duty-free shops, restaurants, currency exchange and ATMs, a post office, car rentals, ground transportation, and hotel counters.

Yes, Treviso Airport is an alternative gateway to the Venetian region. It is smaller and located 40 kilometres (25 miles) north of Venice's city centre. It offers both domestic and international flights.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment