Venice Marco Polo Airport

Marco Polo Airport (VCE) is not merely a transport hub, but a true gateway to the romantic charm of Venice. Named after the great traveller, it is situated on the banks of the lagoon, offering passengers a unique experience: shortly after disembarking from the plane, you can transfer to a boat and head to the city via water. The modern terminal combines Italian elegance with functionality, and the views of winding canals and islands during takeoff and landing are considered some of the most picturesque in Europe.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

The main highlight of Marco Polo Airport is its water terminal (Darsena). A special covered walkway with moving walkways connects the terminal building to the pier, from where Alilaguna vaporettos (water buses) and private water taxis depart. This allows you to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Venice just 10–15 minutes after collecting your luggage.

The airport terminal consists of a single spacious building with three levels, making navigation intuitively clear. The area features a wide selection of boutiques with famous Italian brands, as well as cafes where you can enjoy your first cup of authentic Italian coffee or a refreshing beverage. Thanks to its location on the mainland (in Tessera), it is also easy to reach the city from here by regular buses or taxis to Piazzale Roma.

• Official Website: www.veniceairport.it
• Information Desk Phone: +39 041 2609260 (for flight and service information)
• Address: Viale Galileo Galilei, 30, 30173 Tessera, Venezia VE, Italy
• Email: A direct email address for general inquiries is not provided. It is recommended to use the special contact form on the airport's official website.
• Social Media: You can follow news and receive updates on the airport's official pages on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram.
• Lost & Found: If you have lost items within the airport, contact the tracing service at +39 041 2609222. For issues regarding lost checked baggage, please contact your airline directly or their representative at the airport.
• Customer Support: The primary channel for communication is the information desk phone. Additionally, the airport website has a detailed FAQ section where answers to most questions can be found.

Getting to Marco Polo Airport from Venice is a small adventure in itself. The choice of transport depends directly on your location: whether you are in the historic heart of the city on the water or on the mainland. Travellers have access to both classic land and unique water routes, turning the trip to the airport into an integral part of the Venetian experience.

Public Transport is the most economical and popular way to get to the terminal. Options are available for every taste and budget.

• Buses. From Piazzale Roma, the main transport hub of Venice, ATVO express buses and ACTV city buses operate. This is the fastest land route, taking only 20-25 minutes. The ticket cost is around 8-10 euros. An excellent choice if you are staying on the mainland or can easily reach the bus station.
• Water Bus (Alilaguna). To feel the city's atmosphere until the very last minute, choose the water route. Alilaguna boats depart from key piers, including the famous Piazza San Marco, and deliver passengers directly to the airport's water terminal. The journey is longer, about 1 hour 15 minutes, but in return, you get farewell panoramic views of the lagoon. A ticket costs approximately 15 euros.

For those who value comfort and privacy, taxis or private transfers are ideal. A land taxi from the same Piazzale Roma will get you to the airport in 15-20 minutes, with the trip costing about 40-50 euros. If your budget allows, you can choose a truly luxurious option — a water taxi. This is a private boat that can pick you up from your hotel (if there is water access) and whisk you to the airport in 30-40 minutes. Prices for such exclusive service start from 110-130 euros, but it is an unforgettable experience, especially if you are travelling in a small group.

If travelling around Italy by rental car, you will easily reach Marco Polo Airport, which is conveniently located near major highways. The airport grounds feature various parking zones, from short-term to long-term, where you can leave your car. It is important to remember that driving cars into the island part of Venice is prohibited, so this method is relevant for those driving from other regions or staying on the mainland in Mestre.

When planning your departure, be sure to check the information on your flight ticket. Although Marco Polo is the city's main airport, some airlines, especially budget ones, use the nearby Treviso Airport (TSF). Checking this will help avoid unpleasant surprises on the day of departure.

Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) is distinguished by a well-thought-out and passenger-friendly structure. It consists of one main passenger terminal that serves all flights — both domestic and international. This significantly simplifies navigation, as passengers do not need to move between separate buildings.

The terminal is a modern three-storey building where the flows of arriving and departing passengers are smartly separated. The structure is as follows:

• Ground Floor (Piano Terra) — This is the Arrivals area. Passengers arrive here after disembarking from the plane. Baggage claim belts, customs control counters, and the exit to the public hall are located here.
• First Floor (Primo Piano) — The Check-in area. Airline counters and baggage drop-off points are located here. After check-in, passengers proceed to the next level for security control.
• Second Floor (Secondo Piano) — This is the spacious Departures area after security screening. Boarding gates, duty-free shops, and numerous cafes and restaurants are concentrated here.

The Departures area on the second floor is divided into two parts: for flights to Schengen Agreement countries and for non-Schengen destinations. Flights outside the Schengen zone will require additional passport control, so please allow extra time for this. Navigation within the terminal is intuitive thanks to clear signs in Italian and English.

The time required to complete formalities depends heavily on the season and airport workload. During summer months and holidays, queues can be longer. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before a Schengen flight and 3 hours before an international flight. This will allow you to complete all procedures without haste and enjoy the atmosphere before your flight.

Elevators and escalators are provided for easy movement between floors. A unique feature of the airport is the covered walkway leading from the terminal building to the pier (Darsena), from where water buses and taxis depart for Venice. This is the most scenic way to begin your journey through the city.

The history of Marco Polo Airport is inextricably linked with the spirit of travel and commerce that has defined the destiny of Venice for centuries. Named after the great Venetian merchant and explorer, the airport reflects the modern continuation of this unique city's traditions. Although the first flights in the Lido area took place as early as the beginning of the 20th century, the modern airport on the mainland, in Tessera, began full operations in the 1960s, replacing the old airfield.

The rapid growth of tourist traffic to Italy in the post-war years made the need for a larger and more modern transport hub obvious. The original terminal quickly ceased to cope with the load. A key moment in the airport's history was the massive reconstruction and construction of a new passenger terminal, which opened its doors in 2002. This project was designed taking into account the city's unique heritage: spacious halls, an abundance of glass and light create a sense of lightness, and architectural solutions subtly echo Venetian motifs.

One of the most unique features of Marco Polo Airport is its direct connection to the water transport system. Directly from the terminal, you can access the pier where water taxis and Alilaguna boats depart, delivering passengers straight to the historic centre of Venice or the islands of Murano and Burano. This is not just a convenient transfer, but the true beginning of a Venetian adventure immediately after landing.

Today, Marco Polo Airport is one of the busiest in the country, serving millions of passengers annually and offering flights around the world. It is constantly being modernised to meet growing demands and ensure a high level of comfort for travellers arriving in one of the most magical cities on the planet.

Marco Polo Airport in Venice offers passengers a wide range of services to make waiting for a flight as comfortable and productive as possible. In the terminal, you will find numerous restaurants, cafes, and dining outlets to suit every taste: from establishments offering traditional Italian cuisine, where you can enjoy a final espresso or a portion of pasta, to fast-food points. For shopping enthusiasts, there is a Duty-Free zone, as well as boutiques offering souvenirs, local delicacies, and goods from famous global brands.

For those who value enhanced comfort, the airport features the Marco Polo Club VIP Lounge, where you can relax in a quiet atmosphere, enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages, and work. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and special stands and sockets located in waiting lounges and near boarding gates are provided for charging electronic devices.

Financial matters can be easily resolved at the airport: ATMs and currency exchange points are at your service. In case of unforeseen health issues, a first aid station operates in the terminal, ready to promptly assist passengers.

Travellers with children will appreciate the presence of nursery rooms equipped with everything necessary for baby care. The airport is also fully adapted for passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps, elevators, and specially equipped restrooms. If necessary, assistance services can be booked in advance through the airline.

If you have an early departure or late arrival, several hotels are located near the airport, reachable on foot or by shuttle. For business travellers, business services and conference rooms are available, allowing you to hold a meeting or work in silence right before your flight.

Marco Polo Airport provides passengers with an excellent opportunity to enjoy the flavours of Venice and all of Italy right before departure. Here you can drink a cup of aromatic espresso, eat a slice of authentic pizza, or simply have a snack while immersing yourself in the region's gastronomic atmosphere.

The main concentration of cafes and restaurants is in the Departures area, after passing security control (airside). Here, travellers will find options for every taste: from quick-service establishments to restaurants with full menus. You can order classic pasta, fresh pizza, or traditional panini. For those wanting to experience local colour, we recommend visiting the bars styled like Venetian "bacari", serving *cicchetti* — famous local snacks.

In the public area (landside), before passport control and screening, the selection is more modest. However, there are several cosy cafes here that are perfect for those meeting passengers or arriving at the airport early. This is a wonderful opportunity to have a cappuccino and a fresh croissant (in Italy called a cornetto) before heading to check-in.

For passengers with specific dietary preferences, vegetarian dishes, such as salads or pasta with vegetables, can be found in most establishments. Gluten-free and vegan options are also gradually appearing on menus, though it is recommended to clarify ingredients with the staff. While specific Halal certification may vary, many seafood and vegetarian options provide suitable alternatives. Prices at the airport are expectedly higher than in the city but correspond to the level of major European transport hubs. Most cafes and restaurants are open from early morning until late evening, aligned with the flight schedule.

To ensure your journey through Marco Polo Airport goes as smoothly as possible, we have compiled several useful tips. Knowing these nuances will help save time, nerves, and even money, making the start or end of your visit to Venice more comfortable.

Arrival Time at the Airport. Venice Airport can be very busy, especially in the summer months and during the Carnival. We recommend arriving 2.5-3 hours before international flights and approximately 2 hours before flights within the Schengen zone. If you need to process Tax-Free or check in luggage, it is better to allow extra time.

Check-in and Security Control. To avoid queues, use online check-in, which is offered by almost all airlines. Remember standard security rules: liquids in containers up to 100 ml must be packed in a transparent bag, and laptops and other large electronics will need to be removed from your bag. Be prepared that screening may take some time.

Seat Selection on the Plane. If you want to enjoy a farewell view of the Venetian Lagoon upon takeoff, choose a window seat. Depending on the runway and flight path, the best views may open from different sides of the aircraft. It is sometimes worth clarifying this with staff at the check-in counter if possible.

Hand Luggage. Besides standard restrictions on liquids and sharp objects, be sure to check the hand luggage allowance specifically for your airline — they may differ in weight and dimensions. It is useful to bring a portable charger, as there may not be enough free sockets in the waiting lounges for everyone.

For Transfer Passengers. If you have a connecting flight, clarify at check-in whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage. The transit area of Marco Polo Airport has shops and cafes. With a long layover, you might consider a trip to the city, but realistically assess the time for the round trip and passing security control again.

Customs Control. When arriving from a country outside the EU, follow the "Green" channel if you have nothing to declare, or the "Red" channel if you are carrying goods exceeding the allowance. Customs officers may conduct random checks, so it is better to familiarise yourself with the customs regulations of Italy in advance.

How to Save. The simplest way to save time is to travel light and check in online. To save money, bring an empty water bottle and fill it at drinking fountains after passing security. Prices for food and drinks at the airport are traditionally high. Transfers to the city are also best planned in advance: buses are the most budget-friendly option.

In Case of Flight Delay. Monitor information on the departure boards and in your airline's app. If your flight is delayed and you are flying from the EU or with a European airline, you may be entitled to refreshments, meals, and for long delays, hotel accommodation according to EU Regulation 261/2004. Do not hesitate to ask your airline representatives for clarification.