How to get around Venice: a complete guide

Venice is a city like no other. Built on an intricate system of 118 islands connected by over 400 bridges and crossed by 150 canals, it is renowned for its timeless beauty and captivating scenery.

Due to its unique structure, getting around Venice can be a little more complex, especially if you are unfamiliar with the city’s geography and surroundings. Whether you are visiting for leisure, business or an event, knowing the best ways to navigate the city will help you save time and ensure a stress-free experience.

Here’s how to get to Venice by various means of transport, from public transport to premium chauffeur services and how to get around the city itself.

How to get to Venice

Located in the north-east of Italy, Venice is well connected both nationally and internationally. While there are several ways to get to the city, not all options offer the same level of comfort and reliability. Here are the main ways to get to Venice:

• By plane
• By train
• By bus
• By boat
• By Chauffeur Service
• By taxi

Let’s look at each option in more detail.

By plane

If you’re planning to travel by flight, Venice’s Marco Polo Airport is the main gateway to the city. Located just 13 kilometres (8 miles) from the historic centre, it provides convenient access to Venice. Once at the airport, you have several options for getting into the city:

• Public services: the Alilaguna Vaporetto connects the airport to the main points in Venice. Although cheap, this service is subject to timetables and can be overcrowded at peak times;
• Chauffeur services such as LimoLane: for maximum comfort and convenience, a chauffeur service is the ideal choice. The service will take you directly from the airport to Piazzale Roma, the main entrance to Venice’s pedestrian area, where you can easily continue your journey by water.

By train

Arriving by train puts you right in the heart of Venice. Santa Lucia railway station, located on the Grand Canal, is well connected to major Italian cities such as Milan, Florence and Rome, as well as international destinations.

You can navigate around Venice from the station:

• Vaporetto, a convenient way to get around Venice, with stops close to the main attractions;
• Water Chauffeur Service, a more exclusive solution for those seeking comfort and speed.

By bus

Travelling by bus is one of the cheapest ways to get to Venice, especially if you’re coming from nearby areas or airports such as Marco Polo or Treviso. All buses terminate at Piazzale Roma, the city’s main transport hub and the entrance to the historic centre.

• From Marco Polo airport, ACTV and ATVO buses run frequently to Piazzale Roma in 20-25 minutes.
• From Treviso airport, ATVO buses connect directly to Venice in about an hour.

If you’re travelling from cities such as Padua, Verona or Bologna, several bus companies offer direct services to Piazzale Roma.

By boat

The Port of Venice is an important arrival point for international cruises and ferries, with connections from Greece, Croatia and other Mediterranean destinations.

From the cruise terminal you can reach the city centre by:

• Vaporetto, an easy and inexpensive option;
• LimoLane Chauffeur Service, ideal for personalised transfers to nearby towns, airports or other destinations.

By Chauffeur Service

A Chauffeur Service is the perfect solution for those seeking comfort, reliability and punctuality when travelling to Venice. Whether you’re arriving from airports such as Marco Polo or Treviso, or from other Italian cities or regions, this option offers unparalleled convenience.

• For airport transfers: your chauffeur will meet you at the airport and monitor your flight to ensure you are picked up on time, even if there are delays.
• From other cities: whether you’re arriving from Milan, Florence or Trieste, a chauffeur service will ensure a stress-free journey to suit your schedule.

Once you reach the main access points to Venice, such as Piazzale Roma or Tronchetto, you can easily continue your journey with a water chauffeur service, vaporetto or other local options.

By taxi

Taking a taxi to Venice is an option, but not always the most convenient, especially if you’re planning a trip on a budget. Land taxis will only take you as far as Piazzale Roma or Tronchetto, from where you will need to continue by water to reach the city centre.

Consider:

• Uncertain costs: taxis are metered, so the final fare can vary considerably depending on traffic or route;
• Limited comfort: taxis may not offer the level of service and comfort of a chauffeur-driven car, especially for longer distances.

Moving around Venice

Getting around Venice requires a different approach to other cities: here, your main means of transport are your feet and the water. Let’s explore the best ways to get around the city.

Walking: the best way to explore Venice

Walking is the most practical way to explore Venice’s narrow streets and charming alleyways. The city is relatively compact and many of the main attractions, such as St Mark’s Square, the Rialto Bridge and the Jewish Ghetto, are within walking distance.

Tip: always carry a map or use a navigation app to avoid getting lost in Venice’s maze of streets and canals.

Getting around by Vaporetto: public transport in Venice

The vaporetto is Venice’s bus, a public water transport system that connects all the main areas of the city, from the nearby islands to the Grand Canal. 

There are two main lines:

• Line 1, which runs along the Grand Canal, stopping at all the main attractions;
• Line 2, a faster line that crosses the Grand Canal with fewer stops.

Vaporetto tickets are available on a single trip basis or in daily or weekly formulas (convenient if you plan to use it often).

They operate all day but, as with other public transport, there may be restrictions on public holidays and at night. 

Water Chauffeur Service: maximum convenience and flexibility

For the ultimate in convenience and flexibility, a water chauffeur service is ideal. With personalised itineraries and schedules, this premium option is perfect for groups or travellers with luggage. Modern, spacious vehicles ensure a smooth and comfortable ride.

Choose LimoLane and get around Venice with peace of mind

Venice is a unique city and to enjoy it to the full you need a transport service that meets your expectations. With LimoLane, every journey is simple, comfortable and perfectly organised.

Whether you are travelling to Venice for a business event or to discover the beauty of the city, we can offer you all the advantages of an impeccable chauffeur service:

• Plan your trips by choosing from a variety of vehicles in the LimoLane fleet, according to your preferences and schedule. You can select the date and time of the service and choose a business, luxury or green class car;
• Book your service conveniently in the app or via our web application;
• Manage payment directly through the app using your credit card and know the cost of the service in advance. Unlike traditional taxis, the price of the chauffeur service is not affected by traffic or the use of the taximeter, ensuring total transparency of the cost of the service.

Download our free web application and book your trip with LimoLane. If you have any doubts, questions or special requirements, please fill in the form.