Aeroporto Marco Polo (VCE), 12 km northeast: Major gateway from Europe and beyond. Water taxi: €110 (€140 at night) to city center (~30 minutes). Vaporetto 5: €15 to Piazza San Marco (~25 minutes). Alilaguna shuttle: €15, less crowded than vaporetto. Budget €30–40 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 ticket €2 (75-minute validity), day pass €20, 3-day pass €50, 7-day pass €70. Covers all islands. Routes 1–2 traverse Grand Canal slowly for sightseeing; express routes skip stops. Apps provide schedules.
Gondola: Iconic but expensive (~€80 per 30 minutes). 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.