Venice Transportation Tips by suvanki Top 5 Page for this destination

Waterbus from Marco Polo to San Marco By plane (and then into Venice) Review

There are a few ways of getting from the airport to Venice; Water taxi (Expensive but quick) Bus or taxi ( 20 minutes) to Piazza Roma, then walk or catch a water bus.

I chose the 70 minute Alilaguna water bus service (12 euros return ticket 2005) as I liked the sound of the journey- the waterbus calls at Murano and Lido first, and it's much cheaper than water taxi

From the airport, follow the signs for the Alilaguna waterbus- it's a 7 minute flat walk.

At the quayside there is a cafe/bar. You purchase a ticket from the kiosk - the man who sold my ticket spoke very good english, and was very helpful - I'd just missed one water bus, but the next one was in 10 minutes. Time to enjoy the sunset, and pink haze over the water.

I was told that you have to validate your ticket before travelling, but found out that the conductor does this on the boat - by making a rip in the ticket! - (Check the procedure as it might be different when it's very busy, and inspectors can issue fines for non validated tickets)

The vaporetta soon filled with a mix of tourists and locals- many bearing bags bulging with brightly wrapped Christmas presents.

The journey passed quite quickly, and although it was too dark to see much, it was quite exciting to see the bright lights and Christmas decorations at each place we stopped at.
As we neared San Marco, there was even a fairground. (see my things to do tip)

I really enjoy arriving in a new place at night, especially by boat. This was even more special as within a few steps you are in the bustle of night time Saint Marks Piazzo.

Mode: TO

Other Contact: nfo@alilaguna.it

Phone: +39/041-2401 701

Type: Ship/Boat

Website: http://alilaguna.it/en

Treviso Airport to/from Venice By plane (and then into Venice) Review

I flew into Treviso by Ryanair from East Midlands Airport. On arrival at Treviso you can purchase tickets for the bus to Venice from a machine in the baggage claim hall - as there was a queue, I walked into the arrivals hall, where there is a desk (look for the yellow boarding) to purchase my ticket for the direct bus to Mestre (30 minutes) and then Venice Pl. Roma(40 minutes).
5 Euros single/9 Euros return. I purchased a single as I was returning to Treviso by train, and had the day to look around.There were 2 express buses waiting, with helpful drivers pointing passengers onto the correct one.
Remember to validate your ticket before boarding the bus to Venice.

Train to Treviso Centrale from Venice Santa Lucia cost 2.75 Euros - I purchased my ticket from a machine to avoid the long queues at the ticket office. Be careful when purchasing your ticket, as some gave credit notes instead of change. Payment by coins/notes or card - again check the machine as some accepted one method only.
Local bus #6 from outside the train station to the airport cost 1 Euro. I purchased my ticket from the tobacco/confectionary shop in the train station. The ticket is validated on the bus.

pics and details to follow

Mode: TO

Type: Bus

Train travel to and from Venice By train (Santa Lucia station) Review

I travelled by train from Mestre to Padua - then later from Peschiera (Lake Garda) to Venice Santa Lucia (Ferrovia) station.

It was quite an experience to alight at Santa Lucia, and walk through the doors to the view of the Grand Canal in all its glory!(pic 2)

The Italian State Railway (Ferrovie dello Stato, or FS) prides itself on an extensive and efficient service - the trains are usually punctual and reasonably priced.

There are various trains to each destination, with different lengths and prices.

I was pleasantly surprised to find it only cost me 2.20 euros to travel from Mestre to Padua (20 minutes) and 7.50 euros from Lake Garda (Peschiera) to Venice!

Tickets can be purchased from the ticket offices or from automatic machines. Instructions are in 6 languages. Travel agents also offer a free booking service .

Eurail and InterRail passes are valid on the FS services. There is a supplement for the high speed Italian Eurostar.
The Italy Rail card and Italy flexi Rail Card are available to non residents for unlimited travel for a determined period. The web site gives info about tickets, timetables etc.

For a journey of less than 200kms, the biglietto a fasce chilometriche (short range ticket) may be issued - the destination is printed on the ticket, and this must be validated before boarding the train, by punching it in machines which are near the platforms.

Leaving Peschiera, my train to Venice was about to leave - there was a queue at the machine, so I decided 'to risk not validating my ticket'.

2 ticket inspectors boarded the train. I had a few minutes panicking that I was going to be charged a hefty fine.

Luckily the young officials spoke good english -I explained what had happened, and they said it was ok, they'd validate my ticket (by writing on it) - Pheeeew!

If You find that You've not validated Your ticket, it's best to admit this sooner rather than later! - same on the Vaporettos etc, if You've not a ticket - find the conductor and explain - cheaper in the long run.

Outside the station, you'll find Vaporetto stations (pic 3) where you can buy tickets and get a free map of the waterbus routes.

Mode: TO

Type: Train

Website: http://www.fs-on-line.com

East Midlands Airport to Marco Polo Venice By plane (and then into Venice) Review

I travelled by Easyjet from East Midlands Airport to Marco Polo airport, Venice. I'd particularly wanted to arrive here rather than Treviso as I'd been told about the Vaporetta journey from the airport to San Marco. It sounded so romantic arriving in Venice on Christmas Eve by boat (even if it was just me on my own)

www.easyjet.com or www.skyscanner.com for flight details, prices etc.

I was lucky to get a bargain 24th to 27th December 06, return flight for just over £70.
The flight times are quite good -depart EMA at 13.10, arriving MPA at 16.25. Depart MPA 16.55 arriving EMA 18.15

As I had only Hand luggage, I was soon on my way to the Alilaguna waterbus stop for my journey to San Marco.

Luggage trolleys (50cent, 1 or 2 euro piece is needed to release the trolley, remember to retrieve this when you reach the Vaporetta)

Marco Polo is a pleasant airport with plenty of shops, cafes, restaurants etc.
Exchange bureau, ATM's, car hire, hotel booking etc.

The walk to the buses, water buses, water taxis etc is well sign posted, it takes about 7 minutes to walk.

Taxis stop outside the airport exit.

UPDATE - I'm afraid that from January 2010, Easyjet no longer operate from East Midlands airport. We had already booked for 10 of us to travel this route at the end of January 2010-and had to travel from Gatwick.

Ryanair now fly East Midlands to Treviso, which I don't mind - (I've flown into Treviso before, and the transfer by train or bus is not much longer than the Marco Polo to Venice by Water bus route)

Mode: TO

Type: Airplane

Water Taxi from Airport to Hotel By water taxi (& private boats) Review

Normally I travel from Marco Polo airport to Venice by bus or Waterbus. This time, as there were 10 of us travelling, we decided that the Water Taxi was the way to travel! Normally, as a solo traveller, this would be way out of my budget! (Although I had been lucky enough to experience a free water taxi ride from Sant' Erasmo to Fondamente Nova a few years ago

As I was in Venice a few weeks prior to this trip, I made enquiries at the Consorzio Motoscafi Venezia - water taxi desk in Marco Polo Airport. The man on reception was very helpful, he advised booking online, and gave me a 10% discount card.

The site was quite easy to use. Our return trip was 270 Euros (27 Euros each, which was about £23)
I booked this online, and received a receipt, and instructions of where to meet etc. As there were 10 of us, we'd been advised to bring small cases only, as space would be limited.
I made a few 'phone calls, before booking, and the staff were very helpful.

On arrival at Marco Polo, I checked at the desk in arrivals, that our taxi was arranged, then we walked to the quayside, where our craft was waiting for us. Boarding it caused some hilarity amongst my friends, but the driver, assisted us, and loaded our luggage.

Speeding across the lagoon was to provide even more laughs, as we bumped across the waves - I think the more Patsy screamed, the faster our driver went!

We entered a canal at the northern end of Venice, and as we got nearer to the Grand Canal, the taxi stopped, and the driver instructed us to pull back part of the roof, so we could stand up and enjoy the next part of our trip, as we entered the Grand Canal, and made our way to the landing stage by the Scalzi bridge, near to our hotel. A magical way to arrive, for me, who'd been to Venice a few times, and for my friends who it was their first time.

On our return, the hotel 'phoned the company to check that we would be picked up at the allotted time, to get us back to Marco Polo in time for our flight.

This time, our driver wasn't as friendly, and there was quite a strong smell of fumes from the engine seeping into the cabin. I was sat at the back outside, so I wasn't as aware of this.

Company address - Consorzio Motoscafi Venezia San Marco 4179 - 30124 - Venezia

Mode: AROUND

Other Contact: nfo@motoscafivenezia.it

Phone: +39) 041 240 6711 - Fax. (+39

Type: Other

Website: http://www.motoscafivenezia.it

Left Luggage at Sant Lucia Station

I've used the left luggage (DEPOSITO BAGAGLI) service here twice. Both times I'd checked out of my hotel, then left my bags here, so I could spend my last few hours exploring Venice unhindered, retrieving my bags before catching the bus back to Marco Polo airport. (There is a left luggage office at Piazzale Roma, which I think is opposite the ACTV ticket office, I'm afraid that I don't know the opening times or tariffs - also at the Maritime station and Marco Polo airport)


THe left luggage office is located on Platform 1 (just past the toilets).
On entering the station, head forward to the platforms then Platform 1 is the furthest Right.

Open Daily
06.00- 23.50 hours

For each item of luggage it is 4 Euros for the first 5 hours
then, 6-12 hours........ 0.60 cents per hour
13 hours plus..... 0.20 cents per hour

This visit I had to show ID-(my passport), which was photo-copied and handed back. I was given a ticket, to reclaim my case.

You hand your case over to the staff - some are friendlier than others! and it is stored on shelving racks in the room behind the counter.

Mode: AROUND

Phone: 041 785531 for delivery

Type: Other

Website: http://www.grandistazioni.it

Bus from Marco Polo Airport to Piazza Roma By plane (and then into Venice) Review

On my previous visits to Venice I've travelled to/from the airport by the Alilaguna waterbus service. This time I wanted to get there as quickly as possible as I was hoping to visit the Christmas Market in Santo Stefano. The quickest option would have been by water taxi, but far too expensive, so the bus was the way to go.

I purchased a tourist travel ticket for unlimited travel for 72 hours from the tourist info desk at Marco Polo airport for 30 euros. (Tickets are also available for 24, 36 and 48 hours). This gave me unlimited travel on the ACTV waterbuses (vaporettos), local buses and trains.

The No 5 bus was nearly ready to leave from outside the airport, so I just had time to validate my ticket at a nearby machine, and jump on board.

Just over 20 minutes later, I Jumped off the bus in Piazzale Roma and headed to the vaporetto stop at nearby Ferrovia - taking in the view over the Grand Canal, and the atmosphere!

My return journey wasn't as smooth running I'm afraid. Partly my own fault for lingering too long in Plazza San Marco, savouring my last few minutes, before dashing to get the vaporetto to Ca'd'Ora so I could get my case from my hotel, then get another vaporetto to P. Roma. These journeys seemed to take forever (It was Christmas, so there are often less vaporettos).

Once I got to P.Roma, I headed for the stop where the airport bus had stopped the day I arrived. There wasn't anything to indicate an airport bus stop. I realised that others were wandering around looking as lost and anxious as myself. I then spotted a sign D2 with a queue that looked promising. Eventually a bus stopped and the driver announced that it would be going to the airport. I checked it was Marco Polo, and not Treviso, and showed him my ticket - I'd had to purchase another travel ticket as my stay was longer than 72 hours.

Apparently this wasn't valid for this bus, and I was directed to their office across the other side of the bus station to purchase a ticket for 3 Euros. Luckily there wasn't a queue. Others had the same problem and there was a steady stream of passengers going to the ticket office.

Warning - It's quite a shock having to negotiate through moving traffic after having spent the last few days wandering around the traffic free streets of Venice!

I later realised that this bus was run by the ATVO company. (not ACTV which my ticket would have been valid for)

ATVO buses run every 30 mins to/ from the airport.
ACTV bus No 5 is cheaper - I think 1 Euro One way and roughly every 30 minutes too.

UPDATE- 2009 I purchased a return ticket (pic 4) for 5 Euros from the Tourist Info desk in the Arrivals Hall of MPA for the No 5 bus ACTV bus- This time I validated my ticket on board (pic 3). Setting off, we headed towards Mestre, then after leaving Mestre, headed towards an industrial area- I was wondering If I'd jumped onto the wrong bus, when I recognised that we were approaching the Ponte Libertie - Pheew.
On my return, a bus was waiting to depart for the airport - not an ACTV , but it was a direct service. It was 3 Euros- pay the driver, and he validated it.

Mode: TO

Phone: ATVO 041 5205530

Type: Bus

Website: http://www.actv.it

Marco Polo Airport to San Marco By plane (and then into Venice) Review

Forum question and my reply.

Buonogiorno, We want to catch the Alilaguna into Venice after we arrive at the airport with the direction of St Mark's Square. Does anyone know how far the Alilaguna boat pier from the airport is in walking time? I've heard its a bit of a mission/walk to find it? Going on the official site it says there is a stop called Rialto - is this the Rialto Bridge? Coz thats the one we want? Also, for the water buses -is the stop Ferrovvia Scalzi the correct stop for St Lucia train station? Thanks :)

Hi- Yes, its a 7 minute walk from Marco Polo Airport to the Alilaguna pier. Well sign posted along a paved route. There are shuttle buses apparently that run this short route, but I've not seen one, and I'm not sure how often they run

At the pier are ticket offices, to purchase your ticket. My last trip by this route was in June 07 and it cost 12 euros return.
I found the staff were very helpful, in recommending the best route to take, and how long you have to wait til the next departure.
There is a bar/cafe nearby to grab a drink or snack, if you have to wait a while.

The Alilaguna route to San Marco takes just over an hour stopping at the Lido, then Murano before reaching San Zaccariah then San Marco.

My first trip to Venice for Christmas 06, I travelled this way, and it was exciting arriving at night in San Marco.

However, this Christmas, I opted for the quicker and cheaper option of getting a bus from the airport to Piazzo Roma. In just over 30 minutes from leaving the airport, I was heading along the Grand Canal to my hotel.

Rialto is 6 stops from P. Roma on Route 1.

From San Marco routes 1, 3 and 82 take You to Rialto

I purchased a tourist travel ticket from the Tourist info office at the airport, which gave me unlimited travel on the bus, ACTV waterbuses and local trains.You can purchase these at the Vaporetto stations also.

Yes, You're correct - Ferrovia Stazione is the vaporetto stop for St Lucia train station. Scalzi is the name of the church next to the station.

Have A Great trip! Please feel free to contact me if You have any further questions. On my Venice transport tips there are some photos and more info about the Alilugana service, vaporettos etc.

Best Wishes,
Sue

Mode: AROUND

Type: Other

Treviso airport to Venice By plane (and then into Venice) Review

December 2008, I found it was cheaper for me to travel to Venice by flying to Treviso (from Liverpool) by Ryanair, instead of my usual flight by Easyjet from East Midlands to Marco Polo airport.

Planes depart from Liverpool (aka John Lennon or Speke) airport ;
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 17.15 and arrive at Treviso at 20.30 hours.
Treviso to Liverpool departs at 20.55 arriving at 22.15
www.Ryanair.com for more info
Check in at least 2 hours prior to flight time.

Treviso airport, formerly known as Sant' Angelo di Treviso, Aeroporto di Treviso Antonio Canova (named after the local hero sculptor) serves mainly Ryanair flights from the UK and Europe.

http://www.trevisoairport.it for all airport info -Italian and English

Although Ryanair advertise it as Venice (Treviso), Venice is 19 miles away. The airport is about 3km from Treviso centre.

Padua, Vicenza, Asolo are within easy reach of Treviso. Verona is 2 hours away by train.
Terravision run a service to the Dolomites ( Cortina, Dobbiaco and Brunico -17 euro one way)

Outside the airport are taxis and buses. Taxis in Treviso are considered to be reasonably priced.

ATVO run bus services to Venices Piazzale Roma bus station (40 - 70 minutes, depending on traffic volume) which co-incide with the Ryanair flights - if the flight's delayed the coach waits.
http://www.atvo.it/orari/pdf_airport/Ryanair.pdf. for timetables etc.
At peak times, there is often an extra bus put on to accommodate large numbers of passengers.

Return tickets are valid for 7 days. Buy in the arrivals hall. You must validate your ticket prior to boarding.
There is an ATVO office in Piazzale Roma to purchase tickets. You can't buy tickets from the driver.
D2 is the stop to look for when returning.
Some services stop in Mestre, others go direct to Pz Roma.

Local bus service (ACTT) run buses into Treviso and Treviso train station ( #6 service takes about 10-15 minutes). www.actt.it.

As I was staying overnight in Treviso, I bought a ticket in the arrivals hall for 1 euro (2 euros from the driver) and validated it on the bus. The ticket is valid for 70 minutes.

I caught the number 6 bus to the train station from just outside the airport (From the exit turn right, and the bus shelter is the first to your right on Via Noalise) -
This bus continues to Piazza Duoma after the train station)

Regular trains run to Venice (about 30 minutes) for about 2.5 euros. The last train is just after 23.30

If you're planning to look around Treviso on the way too/ from Venice etc the left luggage office in the train station charges 3 euros for each item. The centre is within easy walking from the train station.
I stayed overnight in Treviso, spent a few pleasant hours exploring Treviso, before catching the train to Venice S. Lucia.
My Treviso page is under construction!

On my return , I caught the train from Venice San Lucia, then a taxi from the train station to Treviso airport for 15 euros

The airport itself was updated in 2007, with a new terminal building.
There is a small duty free shop with a limited selection of perfumes, spirits, wines, cigarettes and gifts, but not a lot to do while waiting.

I quite enjoyed a bowl of pasta from the cafe before going through security. It was cooked in front of me!- Later I enjoyed a coffee from a stand near passport control.

My only quibble was the long time waiting at the gate for departure, luckily I managed to grab one of the few seats available. It was quite a crush under the stairwell, where we had to wait. I had to laugh when I noticed that one of the passengers standing in the queue had a copy of 'War and Peace'- I couldn't resist sneaking a quick photo- errr no, he didn't finish it before we boarded- but it WAS a long wait!

I'd certainly consider using this route again.

Mode: TO

Phone: 0039+0422.315111

Type: Airplane

Website: http://www.trevisoairport.it

Vaporetto Stops Vaporetto Review

This was an answer to a forum question re. 'Announcing approach to Vaporetto Stops

Some of the newer vaporettos on the #1 route have a recorded message announcing each destination in Italian and English (interspersed with a message to 'Keep Venice Tidy')!
At each vaporetto stop there is a map and a line diagram of each stop on that route. Free vaporetto maps are available from the ticket booths.
Each vaporetto station is clearly marked, so you should be able to identify each one as you approach.
The main problem is in identifying the correct direction. The popular stops have 2 'stations' 1 each for the direction you are to travel, so check before you board that you are going in the right direction - it could be the difference between a 10 minute or 50 minute journey!

Mode: AROUND

Type: Other