Water Taxi, Waterbus, and Boat Transfers from Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE)

Water transport from Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), whether by cheap Alilaguna waterbus (vaporetto), shared shuttle boat, or private water taxi, is one of the most memorable ways to arrive in Venice. Crossing the lagoon by boat is slower and more expensive than using airport buses, but for many travelers, the experience is part of the attraction of visiting Venice itself.

Travelers arriving at Venice Marco Polo Airport may choose between cheap public waterbuses, shared water taxi shuttle services, and private luxury water taxis with direct hotel transfers. Prices, comfort levels, luggage handling, and travel times vary considerably, so it is worth comparing the different boat transfer options before booking. While regular airport buses and private car transfers only reach Piazzale Roma near Venice Santa Lucia railway station, many boat services continue much closer to hotels and major sights in Venice itself.

Boat Option from VCE	Typical Price	Best For
Alilaguna Waterbus	€18	Cheapest boat option
Shared Shuttle Boat	€39+	Best balance of price and comfort
Private Water Taxi	€220+	Direct hotel transfers

Boat Transfers from Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE)

Public bus transportation from Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) is surprisingly cheap (single ticket price €12), but taking a boat across the lagoon is a far more interesting and romantic experience. Travelers arriving at Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) may choose between cheap waterbuses (€18) operated by Alilaguna, various shared water taxi boat services, and luxury water taxis to travel to Venice and other islands in the lagoon.

It is a walk of just less than ten minutes from the baggage claim in the airport terminal at Venice Marco Polo Airport, along a covered moving walkway to the water taxi dock from where all boats depart from the airport to the city of Venice. Luggage trolleys may be used from the terminal to the docks.

It is often a bit of a long step or even jump from small boats to some landing jetties. Also, bear in mind that porter services are rarely included in transfers and are very expensive.

Waterbus, shuttle service, and water taxi passengers generally have to carry their own luggage once on land. Not all hotels have their own suitable private landing piers. Some water taxis offer premium service, which includes meeting at arrivals and assistance with extra luggage at a reasonable surcharge.

By Cheap Alilaguna Waterbus (Vaporetto) to Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE)

The cheapest way to travel by boat from Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) to central Venice is by waterbus (Vaporetto) operated by Alilaguna. Travel time from the airport to San Marco is around 70 minutes.

Alilaguna vaporetto routes from Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) to Venice stop most frequently at the islands of Murano, Lido, and San Marco (St Mark’s Basilica). The two main lines are:

• The blue line goes all the way to Ferrovia (train station) via Murano, Lido, San Marco, and Guidecca, while
• The orange line goes down the Grand Canal with stops at Rialto and St Mark’s, and
• The seasonal red line goes to the Lido.

A one-way ticket on the Alilaguna water bus from Lido or San Marco to Marco Polo Airport can be as cheap as €18 for tickets purchased in advance.

Alilaguna tickets bought on the boat itself carry a €1 surcharge — buy Alilaguna water bus tickets online, from vending machines, or ticket kiosks at any larger Vaporetto stop. Some luggage may incur a surcharge or additional fees.

As the Alilaguna waterbus service is operated by a private company, regular Venice ACTV transportation passes are generally not valid.

→ See Cheap Alilaguna Vaporetto Water Bus to Venice Marco Polo Airport for more details on routes and pricing.

By Shuttle Boat Service to Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE)

Various shuttle boat services are available for travel from Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) to Venetian hotels. It is important to compare rates and conditions as deals vary widely in price and additional services offered.

Shared transfer shuttle boats can be as cheap as €39 one-way for travel from Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) to hotels in central Venice. However, services differ in the number of passengers needed before boats depart, as well as where the boats stop in Venice.

Sometimes boats are available directly to hotels, but others stop at more central points in Venice, requiring passengers to walk to nearby hotels. Luggage, with or without wheels, is a pain in much of Venice, with all the steps and uneven surfaces.

For small groups, private luxury boat services are worth considering for the convenience of going directly to the hotel. Fares for private taxi boat transfer services vary but are around €220 for up to six people traveling to central Venice. Premium services are often a small surcharge that may include meeting at the arrivals hall at the airport and assistance with luggage.

Advance reservations are usually required, with return trips often giving a small discount.

By Private Water Taxi to Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE)

Water taxis are the most expensive and most convenient way to travel from Venice to Marco Polo Airport to Venice City. The starting fee for private water taxis will be at least €100, and the fare out to the airport is usually much more. A surcharge is added for water taxis ordered by phone, and the markup added by hotel concierges and some travel agents is even higher.

Always get full fare, all-included quotations in advance, and compare different prices. Advertising low fares for nearly unbookable rides is popular, with final prices sometimes much more expensive.

Is a Water Taxi Worth It in Venice?

If you can afford it, a water taxi is absolutely the best way to travel from Marco Polo Airport (VCE) to hotels in Venice. It is convenient to go directly to your hotel, especially at odd hours when traveling with family and heavy luggage. GetYourGuide gives an indication of prices and options, but do compare and read the small print to see exactly what services are included.

However, water taxis are expensive. A shared shuttle boat may be much cheaper while still offering much of the convenience of the private water taxi service.

It would be a pity not to arrive in Venice by boat, especially on a first visit. The waterbus (vaporetto) is only slightly more expensive than the regular bus and may even drop you off closer to your hotel.

Online skip-the-line tickets for top sights in Venice, such as the Doge’s Palace, the Basilica di San Marco, and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, are great time savers, while museum passes also allow for fast-track admissions and may give small savings.

FAQ: Venice Airport Boat Transfers

What is the cheapest boat transfer from Venice Marco Polo Airport?

The cheapest boat transfer from Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) is usually the Alilaguna waterbus (vaporetto), with advance tickets from around €18.

Are private water taxis worth it in Venice?

Private water taxis are expensive but are often the most convenient option, especially for families, groups, travelers with heavy luggage, or hotels with private docks.

How long does the Alilaguna waterbus take from Venice Marco Polo Airport to Venice?

Travel time on the Alilaguna waterbus from Venice Marco Polo Airport to central Venice is usually around 60 to 70 minutes, depending on the route and destination.

How far are the boat docks from Venice Marco Polo Airport terminal?

The boat docks at Venice Marco Polo Airport are around a 10-minute covered walk from the terminal building.

Do Venice water taxis go directly to hotels?

Many private water taxis and some shuttle boats can stop close to hotels in Venice, although not all hotels have private landing docks.