Aeroporto Marco Polo (VCE), 12 km northeast: Major gateway from Europe and beyond. Water taxi: €110 (€140 at night) to city center (~30 minutes). ACTV bus 5 (Aerobus) to Piazzale Roma: €10, about 25 minutes, then walk or take a waterbus. Alilaguna boat: €18 one way (€32 return) to central stops, slower but scenic. Budget €25–40 for ground transport.
Train (Stazione di Santa Lucia): High-speed trains from Milan (2.5 hours, €20–50), Florence (2.5 hours, €20–60), and Verona (2 hours, €15–25). Station sits at northern edge of Venice; walk across bridge into city center (10 minutes) or take vaporetto 1–2 (€1.50).
Car arrivals: Park on mainland in Mestre; no private cars in Venice proper. Public parking €2–5/hour.
Walking: Primary mode; average tourist walks 5–7 km daily navigating narrow streets. Comfortable, flat-soled shoes essential.
Vaporetto (water bus): ACTV-run system. Single 75-minute ticket €9.50, 24-hour pass €25, 72-hour pass €45, 7-day pass €65. Covers all islands. Routes 1–2 traverse Grand Canal slowly for sightseeing; express routes skip stops. Apps provide schedules.
Gondola: Iconic but expensive (~€90 per 30 minutes by day). Best for romantic experiences; avoid for practical transport.
Walking bridges: 400+ bridges connect islands; some steep, some with high steps. Luggage navigation is challenging. Avoid bridges with wheeled luggage.
Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) to city center: