For first-timers, cruise passengers, planners, and slightly nervous adventurers.
1. The Great Venetian Airport Dilemma
Picture this: You’ve finally hit “Book” on your dream trip to Venice. Maybe it’s your first time, maybe it’s been on your bucket list for decades. Either way, your heart’s already wandering along canals, past Renaissance palaces, imagining gondoliers singing under the moonlight. 🇮🇹✨
Then reality hits: your airline booking screen flashes two airport options — Venice Marco Polo (VCE) and Treviso (TSF).
Two airports, two different vibes, two very different arrival stories. Which one should you choose?
For many travelers, that decision sets the tone for their entire Venetian adventure. Arrive at Marco Polo, and you can literally float into the city like James Bond. Land in Treviso, and you’re in for a scenic little journey across the mainland first. Neither is “wrong,” but the experience is very different — especially if you’re a cruise passenger with two suitcases, or a nervous flyer who just wants things to go smoothly.
So, let’s break it down — but not like a dry guidebook. Think of this as your local friend in Venice (that’s me 😎) explaining the airports over a spritz. We’ll meet some imaginary travelers along the way — like Mary & John from Ohio, a nervous solo traveler named Julia, and a budget-savvy backpacker duo, Emily & Sam — and follow their arrivals step by step.
2. Marco Polo Airport: Venice’s Front Door 🏆
If Venice had a VIP entrance, it would be Marco Polo Airport (VCE). Located just 13 km (8 miles) north of the city, this is Venice’s main international hub. Most long-haul flights from the U.S., Canada, and major European cities land here. Think Delta, American Airlines, Air France, Emirates, Lufthansa — the big players.
The airport itself is modern, bright, and surprisingly easy to navigate. And most importantly? It sits right on the lagoon. That means you can literally step off your plane, collect your luggage, and within minutes be gliding toward Venice on a water taxi. Yes — on the water. 🌊
✈️ Mary & John’s Story: First-Timers from Ohio
Mary and John have just endured a red-eye from New York. They’re excited but slightly bleary-eyed. They’ve planned this trip for their 30th anniversary. Marco Polo is where their Venetian fairytale officially begins.
They clear customs, follow the signs for “Water Transport”, and walk down a long, covered passageway that smells faintly of sea air. At the end? A sleek pier, water taxis bobbing gently. A porter helps them with their luggage, they step aboard, and within seconds — engines hum, water splashes, the lagoon opens wide.
Fifteen minutes later, as the taxi glides past San Michele island, the skyline of Venice appears like a mirage. The domes of San Marco shimmer in the distance. Mary actually tears up. John does what Midwestern dads do best: pulls out his iPhone for a panoramic shot.
No shuttle buses. No mainland trains. No stress. Just pure, cinematic arrival. 🎬✨
3. Transfers from Marco Polo: Your Lagoon Choices
One of the best things about Marco Polo is the variety of easy, scenic ways to reach Venice. You have options depending on your budget, style, and luggage situation:
🚤 1. Private Water Taxi (The James Bond Entrance)
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Time: 20–30 minutes
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Cost: starting €120–€150 (per boat, not per person)
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Best for: First-timers, couples, cruise passengers with luggage, anyone wanting the moment.
You’ll walk to the dock via the covered walkway, meet your driver, and board your sleek wooden boat. These taxis can drop you directly at your hotel’s private pier or the nearest canal stop — meaning no bridges to cross with suitcases. It’s fast, luxurious, and unforgettable.
👉 Pro tip: Book in advance, especially during cruise season or summer weekends. TLV can organize these for you so your driver is waiting with a sign. No wandering around jet-lagged wondering where to go.
🚤 2. Alilaguna Public Water Bus
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Time: 45–60 minutes
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Cost: around €15 per person
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Best for: Budget travelers who still want to arrive on water.
Alilaguna boats run regular lines to major stops like San Marco, Rialto, and Zattere. It’s slower and sometimes crowded (especially with cruise passengers), but it’s scenic and straightforward. Think of it like a lagoon bus with a view.
🚕 3. Land Taxi or Bus to Piazzale Roma
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Time: 20–25 minutes
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Cost: €40–€50 for a taxi, €10 for bus
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Best for: Travelers staying near Piazzale Roma or Santa Lucia train station, or those who prefer wheels to waves.
You can grab a regular taxi or the ATVO bus just outside arrivals. Piazzale Roma is the last place in Venice where vehicles are allowed — from there, it’s boats or feet only.
👣 Nervous Traveler Julia’s Story
Julia is traveling solo. She’s a planner, a worrier, and has highlighted her itinerary in three different colors. She wants zero surprises. For her, a pre-booked private water taxi from Marco Polo is a game changer. She lands, finds her name on a sign, follows the driver, and is whisked straight to her hotel’s pier. No language stress. No dragging luggage over bridges.
Her WhatsApp to her sister reads:
“I’m literally arriving by boat 😍 Why didn’t I do this sooner?”
📝 Why Marco Polo is Ideal for Cruise Passengers
If you’re catching a cruise from Venice (or nearby terminals), Marco Polo is the airport you want. Private transfers can take you directly from the airport to the cruise terminal at Marittima, or to a nearby pier where a private boat meets you. Many cruise passengers also book a night or two in the city first — and Marco Polo makes that seamless.
Imagine landing in the morning, dropping bags at your hotel, sipping your first spritz by noon, and boarding your cruise the next day fully rested. Treviso simply can’t compete with that ease.
4. Treviso Airport: The Budget Challenger ✈️💸
If Marco Polo is Venice’s glamorous front door, Treviso Airport (TSF) is more like the side gate your thrifty cousin uses — less sparkle, a bit further away, but sometimes surprisingly clever.
Located about 40 km (25 miles) inland, Treviso serves mostly low-cost airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air. It’s technically called “Aeroporto di Treviso Antonio Canova,” but on airline websites, you’ll often see it marketed as “Venice–Treviso.” Let’s be honest: it’s not really Venice, but it gets you close enough… if you don’t mind a bus ride.
✈️ Emily & Sam’s Story: The Backpackers
Emily and Sam, both 24, are on a summer trip through Europe. They booked Ryanair months ago during a late-night “Let’s go to Italy!” moment. The tickets were ridiculously cheap — like “two pizzas and a bottle of wine” cheap.
Their flight lands in Treviso mid-morning. The airport is small and manageable, more like a provincial station than an international hub. Passport control is quick, luggage arrives in minutes.
Outside the terminal, they find the ATVO shuttle bus to Venice. Tickets are €12 one-way, buses leave roughly every 30 minutes, and the ride takes about 45–60 minutes depending on traffic. It’s not glamorous, but it’s direct: Treviso ➡ Piazzale Roma (the bus terminal in Venice).
As the bus crosses the lagoon causeway, Emily presses her forehead to the window. “There it is,” she whispers. Sam grins. Sure, they didn’t get the Bond-style boat entrance, but they saved enough for two extra nights in Venice. 🤑
5. Transfers from Treviso: How to Get to Venice
Treviso doesn’t offer water connections — it’s inland — so your arrival involves land transport first, then Venice magic later.
🚌 Shuttle Bus (ATVO / Barzi)
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Time: 45–60 minutes
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Cost: €12 one-way
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Best for: Budget travelers, planners who don’t mind an extra leg.
Both ATVO and Barzi operate regular shuttles from Treviso to Piazzale Roma. Tickets can be purchased online or at the airport kiosks. It’s a simple system, but keep in mind that buses can fill up quickly during peak times, so pre-booking is smart.
🚗 Private Transfer
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Time: 45–50 minutes
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Cost: Starting around €100 per car
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Best for: Cruise passengers with lots of luggage, families, nervous travelers landing late.
A private car can meet you at arrivals and take you straight to Venice’s Piazzale Roma (or Tronchetto for cruise terminals). From there, you’d switch to water taxi or vaporetto to reach your hotel.
🚉 Train Option (For the Adventurous)
Some travelers opt to take a taxi to Treviso train station (10 minutes) and then catch a regional train to Venice Santa Lucia. It’s cheap and works well if you’re traveling light and enjoy trains. But if you’re jet-lagged and managing four suitcases… maybe not.
6. Pros and Cons of Treviso vs Marco Polo
| Feature | Marco Polo (VCE) | Treviso (TSF) |
|---|---|---|
| 📍 Location | 13 km from Venice | 40 km from Venice |
| ✈️ Flights | Major international + European | Mainly low-cost airlines |
| ⏱ Transfer Time | 20–45 min | 45–60 min |
| 🚤 Lagoon Arrival | Yes (water taxis, Alilaguna) | No |
| 🧳 Luggage Convenience | Excellent (direct to hotel pier) | Less direct (bus/train + water transfer) |
| 💸 Price | Higher flights, pricier taxis | Cheaper flights, cheaper transfers |
| 🧭 Best For | First-timers, cruise, nervous travelers | Budget travelers, backpackers, planners |
In short:
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Marco Polo = Convenience, comfort, cinematic arrival
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Treviso = Savings, but with more steps
Neither airport is “bad.” It just depends on your priorities. If this is your once-in-a-lifetime Venetian honeymoon, go Marco Polo. If you’re on a Eurotrip with a backpack and Google Maps is your best friend, Treviso works just fine.
7. Special Traveler Scenarios 🧳🧠
Different types of travelers have different needs. Here’s the quick insider breakdown 👇
🛳 Cruise Passengers
Winner: Marco Polo
Why: Cruise terminals are on or near the water. Private transfers can whisk you straight from the airport to the ship. Treviso would involve bus ➡ water taxi — not fun with heavy luggage and a departure clock ticking.
😰 Nervous Travelers
Winner: Marco Polo
Why: Fewer steps. You can pre-book a private water taxi and skip all the guesswork. Treviso involves buses, possible delays, and more moving parts.
💼 Planners with Packed Itineraries
Winner: Marco Polo
Why: Time is money. With Marco Polo, you can be in your hotel room (or at your first spritz) within an hour of landing. Treviso adds an extra hour minimum.
👫 Romantic Couples / First Timers
Winner: Marco Polo
Why: There’s nothing more magical than entering Venice by water. Arriving via Treviso bus doesn’t quite have the same wow factor.
💸 Budget Travelers / Students
Winner: Treviso
Why: Flights are cheaper, and if you’re happy to hop on a bus, you can spend your savings on cicchetti and gelato.
🌄 Travelers Exploring Veneto Region
Winner: Treviso (maybe)
Why: If your itinerary includes Prosecco Hills, Dolomites, or cities like Treviso itself, landing at TSF can make sense. You can pick up a rental car or catch trains inland easily.
🌙 Late-Night Arrivals / Early Departures
Winner: Marco Polo
Why: There are more transfer options even late at night. Treviso buses may stop running depending on your flight time.
🧳 Families with Lots of Luggage
Winner: Marco Polo
Why: Private water taxi straight to your hotel pier = no bridge-dragging drama. From Treviso, that bus-train-water combo can turn into a logistical circus.
8. Frequently Asked Questions (Because Planners Gonna Plan 📝)
❓ Can I take a water taxi from Treviso Airport directly to Venice?
Nope. Treviso is inland — no lagoon in sight. You’ll need to take a bus or private car to Piazzale Roma, then switch to water transport. If water arrival is part of your Venice dream, Marco Polo is your airport.
❓ Which airport is closer to Venice?
Marco Polo, hands down. It’s about 13 km (8 miles) away. Treviso is roughly 40 km (25 miles), so expect a longer transfer.
❓ Is Treviso Airport far from Venice?
Not “far,” but not exactly next door. The bus takes around 45–60 minutes depending on traffic. Add time for water transfer after you reach Piazzale Roma.
❓ Can I arrive late at night at Treviso?
Technically yes, but transfer options are limited late at night. Buses might not run after certain hours, so you’d need to arrange a private transfer in advance. Marco Polo offers more flexibility for late-night arrivals.
❓ Which airport should I choose if I’m going on a cruise?
Marco Polo. It’s closer, easier, and cruise transfers can be seamless. Many cruise guests book private water taxis or organized pick-ups directly from the airport.
❓ I’m terrified of complicated arrivals. Which airport is better?
Marco Polo — every time. Pre-book a private water taxi, follow the signs, and relax. You’ll glide into Venice without touching a single bus timetable.
❓ Is Marco Polo worth the extra money?
If you value time, comfort, and a magical arrival, absolutely. The difference between landing at Marco Polo vs Treviso can feel like night and day — especially for first-timers.
9. Wrapping It All Up: Your Venetian Arrival Sets the Tone 🎬✨
So… Marco Polo vs Treviso. Two airports, two stories.
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✨ Marco Polo is the elegant front door — the one that opens straight onto the lagoon. It’s quick, scenic, and ideal for first-timers, cruisers, romantic couples, planners, and nervous travelers.
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💸 Treviso is the budget-friendly side gate — it takes a bit longer and involves more steps, but it can be a smart pick if you’re watching your wallet or exploring the Veneto region.
Think about your style of travel. Are you the “spritz in hand, no stress, cinematic arrival” type? Or the “give me a deal and I’ll figure it out” adventurer? Neither is wrong. But if this is your first time in Venice — or a special trip — Marco Polo makes everything smoother.
10. Your Smooth Landing Starts Here 🚤🇮🇹
No matter where you land, your first hour in Venice matters. That’s why many travelers — especially Americans — choose to have everything arranged before their flight touches down.
At Tour Leader Venice, we organize private water taxis, airport pick-ups, porter services, and tailored transfers so your arrival is as magical (and stress-free) as the rest of your trip. Whether you’re landing at Marco Polo or Treviso, we’ve got your back — and your bags.
Imagine stepping off the plane, seeing your name on a sign, and then floating straight toward your Venetian adventure without a single worry. That’s how it should be. ✨
👉 Book your arrival transfer with Tour Leader Venice and start your trip the Venetian way: effortlessly, beautifully, and with a story you’ll be telling for years.
11. Final Thought 🌊
Venice is not like other cities — it doesn’t have highways, taxis waiting at curbs, or subways rumbling beneath your feet. Here, the journey into the city is part of the magic. Whether you choose Marco Polo for its lagoon-side elegance or Treviso for its budget charm, planning your arrival is the smartest thing you can do.
So go ahead. Pick your airport, pack your bags, and get ready for that first moment when the canals come into view. Trust us — it’s unforgettable. 🛬➡🚤➡🏰
✍️ By Igor Scomparin & Tour Leader Venice
Local insights. Real stories. Venetian magic — delivered straight to your travel plans.
