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Venice Marco Polo Layover Guide (VCE)

What are you looking for in VCE?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Venice Airport (VCE) is an international airport located in Tessera, Italy. It’s situated about 13 km (8 miles) from Venice’s historic city center. The airport officially opened in 1960. Venice is one of Italy’s most iconic cities, known for its romantic canals, historic architecture, and vibrant culture. It’s also considered a top tourist destination, offering rich art, cuisine, and unique experiences through its maze of islands and scenic waterways.

Can you leave Venice Airport (VCE) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
You can leave Venice Airport during a layover, regardless of duration, if you possess a valid Schengen visa or hold visa-exempt status. Passengers from visa-required countries must secure one beforehand; visa-free travellers can enter without a visa. Carry passport, boarding pass. No separate transit visa exists. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• St. Mark’s Basilica Discover stunning Byzantine architecture, gilded interiors in Venice’s iconic cathedral. Admire its majestic domes, walk through opulent chambers and enjoy daily panoramic views from the terraces overlooking St. Mark’s Square. (Time required: 1–1½ hours. / Airport to here: approx. 1 hour by Alilaguna Blue water bus from Marco Polo Airport.)
• Doge’s Palace Step into palatial grandeur at Doge’s Palace, former seat of Venetian government featuring ornate chambers, gilded ceilings, and the Bridge of Sighs. Guided tours reveal centuries of political, artistic heritage. (Time required: 1½–2 hours. / Airport to here: approx. 1 hour by Alilaguna Blue water bus from Marco Polo Airport.)
• Rialto Bridge Stroll across the iconic Rialto Bridge spanning the Grand Canal, admire bustling market stalls, ornate balustrades and panoramic waterway views. Photo opportunities abound amid the lively atmosphere of historic Venice. (Time required: 30–45 minutes. / Airport to here: approx. 1 hour by Alilaguna Blue water bus to Rialto stop.)
• Grand Canal Gondola Ride Glide along the enchanting Grand Canal in a traditional gondola, guided by a singing gondolier. Pass under historic bridges, admire palazzo facades and experience Venice’s unique timeless romantic charm firsthand. (Time required: 30–40 minutes. / Airport to here: approx. 1 hour by Alilaguna Blue water bus to San Marco, then 5 min walk.)
• Murano Glass Factory Tour Take a vaporetto to Murano island and witness master glassblowers shaping molten glass into beautiful intricate art pieces. Tour historic furnaces, browse showrooms and shop for authentic Venetian glass souvenirs. (Time required: 2–2½ hours. / Airport to here: approx. 50 min by Alilaguna to Murano Faro stop.)
• Burano Colorful Houses Hop on a vaporetto to Burano island, famed for its vibrant candy-colored houses and tranquil canals. Wander charming streets, visit lace workshops and savor local seafood specialties at canal-side trattorias. (Time required: 2–2½ hours. / Airport to here: approx. 1 h 15 min by Alilaguna to Burano stop.)
• Peggy Guggenheim Collection Explore modern masterpieces at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, housed in the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni on the Grand Canal. View works by Picasso, Pollock and Dalí in an intimate setting. (Time required: 1–1½ hours. / Airport to here: approx. 1 hour by Alilaguna Blue water bus to Guggenheim stop.)
• Caffè Florian Step into Caffè Florian in St. Mark’s Square, one of Europe’s oldest cafés established in 1720. Sip Venetian coffee amid elegant impressive décor, live atmospheric music and timeless historic charm. (Time required: 45–60 minutes. / Airport to here: approx. 1 hour by Alilaguna Blue water bus to San Marco, then 2 min walk.)

Things to Do in Venice Airport (VCE)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Venice Marco Polo Airport’s “Marco Polo” Lounge features a buffet of sweet and savoury refreshments, fast WiFi, shower facilities and a relaxation area. Entry is complimentary for First and Business Class guests of partner airlines; other passengers can purchase access online or via the Milione Club app. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Venice Marco Polo Airport doesn’t have an on-site hotel, but nearby properties such as the Hilton Garden Inn Venezia Mestre and Nautilus Hotel offer comfortable rooms, breakfast service and a complimentary shuttle to the terminal. Ideal for catching early flights or resting between connections, they combine convenience with reliable amenities. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Inside the terminal, passengers can relax in quiet zones equipped with charging points and comfortable benches. Though there are no dedicated sleeping pods, travellers often use seating areas near gates for short naps. For more privacy and showers, booking the Marco Polo Lounge provides a peaceful retreat and wash facilities.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Complimentary WiFi covers all public areas of Venice Marco Polo Airport. Simply select the “Venezia Airport Free WiFi” network to access unlimited internet at gates, lounges, cafés and shops. No registration or password is required, and speeds accommodate browsing, messaging and video streaming, keeping travellers connected from check-in through boarding.

SIM/eSIM Card: After arrival, passengers will find kiosks near baggage claim selling prepaid SIM cards from TIM, Vodafone and WindTre. Physical SIMs offer local data bundles, while eSIM plans can be purchased online before travel for instant activation on compatible devices. Both options ensure reliable connectivity across Italy without roaming fees. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Licensed taxis wait 24/7 outside the arrivals terminal at Venice Marco Polo Airport. Cooperativa Artigiana Radiotaxi provides fixed-rate journeys to Venice city centre and Piazzale Roma, typically costing around €40. Vehicles accommodate luggage and accept cash or card. Drivers speak basic English and can recommend efficient routes for the transfer.

Train: As there is no direct rail link yet, passengers can reach Venice Mestre or Santa Lucia stations via ACTV bus Line 15 or the ATVO shuttle in about 20–30 minutes. From there, Trenitalia trains serve Milan, Rome and other destinations. (more info)

Bus: Direct buses link Venice Marco Polo Airport with Piazzale Roma and Mestre station. ATVO’s Airport Express (Line 35) and ACTV urban Line 5 depart every 20–30 minutes from early morning until midnight. Tickets are available at counters, vending machines or on board. (more info)

Shuttle: Alilaguna water shuttles depart from the lagoon dock at Venice Marco Polo Airport, providing vaporetto services to Venice’s islands, including Piazza San Marco, Murano, Burano and Lido. Frequencies vary by line, running every 20–60 minutes. Tickets must be purchased online or at the Alilaguna kiosk before boarding each connection.

Car rentals: Car rental desks are situated on the ground floor near Entrance 1 of the terminal. Providers Hertz, Europcar and Sixt operate here, offering compact cars to SUVs. Reservations can be made online or at the desk. A free shuttle transfers customers to pick up vehicles parked in dedicated airport lanes. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Over 6,000 parking spaces at Venice Marco Polo Airport span multi-storey and surface lots labeled P1, P2 and P3, with covered options in P1 and P2. Short-term, long-stay and dedicated accessible spaces are available. Online reservation secures discounted rates and guaranteed proximity to the terminal; all lots provide 24/7 access.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

A staffed left-luggage office is located on the ground floor near Entrance 1. Open daily from 5 am to 10 pm, it offers secure storage for a fee per bag per day. Bookings can be arranged via phone or email. Porter services are available to assist with heavy or oversized items. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Venice Airport (VCE) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks