How to get to Venice

When planning a journey to Venice, you are setting off for a unique city on water, located in the north-eastern part of Italy. This famous historical centre and popular resort destination attracts millions of tourists with its architecture and romantic atmosphere. You can get here in a variety of ways: the international airport receives flights from all over the world, and a developed network of railways and highways connects the city with the rest of Europe.

The main air hub for tourists is the international Venice Marco Polo Airport, located on the shores of the lagoon. It receives the majority of scheduled flights and offers convenient connections to the historical centre, including by water. This is the most comfortable option for those who wish to arrive as close to their destination as possible.

Travellers choosing budget airlines often fly into Treviso Airport. It is located slightly further away but is actively used by European low-cost carriers and also has well-established transport links with the city of canals.

Travelling by rail is one of the most scenic ways to arrive in the region. Most trains, including those from neighbouring Padua, first stop at the mainland station Venice Mestre. This is a major transport hub, convenient for those who have decided to stay in hotels on the mainland.

However, for a true immersion into the magic of the city, it is worth booking a ticket to the final station, Venice Santa Lucia. The station is located directly in the historical part, and upon exiting, you will immediately find yourself facing the Grand Canal. Both regional commuter trains and high-speed trains from major cities in Italy arrive here.

Bus services connect the city with numerous settlements, offering a budget-friendly alternative to trains. The popular route from Padua, which is about 43 km long, takes on average 1.6 hours, allowing you to enjoy views of the Veneto region on the way to the lagoon.

There are also longer routes for travellers from more distant locations. For example, the journey from the town of Aviano (about 121 km) will take almost 4 hours. Tourists heading from the Slovenian resort of Portorož should be prepared for a long journey: the bus trip can last about 6.2 hours due to the route specifics and stops.

Travelling by car provides schedule flexibility but requires parking planning, as entry into the historical centre is prohibited. The road from Padua is very fast: a distance of about 39 km can be covered in just 35–40 minutes if there is no traffic.

It is also convenient to arrive from other cities: the journey from Aviano (94 km) will take just over an hour, while the trip from the resort of Portorož (about 198 km) will require approximately 2.2 hours. After leaving your car at the parking lots in Piazzale Roma or Tronchetto, you can continue your journey on foot or by vaporetto.

Venice is a city with a unique way of life, where water replaces roads and history is found at every step. To ensure your trip goes perfectly, make use of these practical tips.

1. Clothing and Essentials: The main rule is to wear maximally comfortable shoes, as you will have to walk a lot, often up and down bridges. In autumn and winter, "high water" (acqua alta) is possible, so rubber boots or special shoe covers sold locally may come in handy.
2. Transport: Cars and bicycles are prohibited in the historical part. The main public transport is the vaporetto water bus. It is recommended to purchase a travel pass for 24–72 hours; this is significantly better value than single tickets.
3. Finances: The official currency is the Euro (EUR). Bank cards are accepted almost everywhere, but a small amount of cash is useful for tips, paying for small souvenirs, or visiting public restrooms.
4. Health and Safety: Pharmacies are easily recognised by the green cross. The city is safe, but in crowded places (St. Mark's Square, Rialto Bridge), keep an eye on your bags and pockets.
5. Communication: The official language is Italian. In the tourism sector, staff speak excellent English, but a polite "Buongiorno" (Good day) or "Grazie" (Thank you) will always bring a smile to the locals.
6. Local Etiquette: When visiting cathedrals, shoulders and knees must be covered. In restaurants, a service charge (coperto) is usually automatically included in the bill.
7. What to Avoid: It is strictly forbidden to feed pigeons in St. Mark's Square, have picnics on the steps of monuments and bridges, or swim in the canals—hefty fines are issued for this.
8. Extra Tip: To see the true magic of the city without the crowds, go for a walk early in the morning (before 8:00) or late in the evening, when the day-trippers have already left.

Observing these simple rules will help you feel confident and enjoy the unique atmosphere of "La Serenissima" without unnecessary worries.