Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE)

About Venice Marco Polo Airport

Venice is famous for its canals, but that doesn't mean you have to reach the city by boat. Located on the mainland five miles north of the city and its lagoon, Venice Marco Polo is an international airport and the fourth busiest in Italy. More than 11 million passengers use the airport every year.

Marco Polo airport has grown fast. The airport didn't even exist until 1960. To build it, the Italian government had to embark on a major landfill project to fill up the lagoon and create the land the airport is built on. However, by the time the airport was built, Venice was already very much on the radar of international tourists. So the airport became popular from its inception. Over the years, it has grown steadily to keep up with increasing demand. A brand-new terminal was opened in 2002 but is already at full capacity.

Fittingly named after famed Venetian explorer Marco Polo, the airport is the gateway to one of the world's most beautiful cities. Flights across Europe and all over the world land at Venice Marco Polo every day to bring travelers to this unique place.

Things to do near Venice Marco Polo Airport

The airport may not be an attraction by itself, but its proximity to the city means you won't have to go far to find some interesting things to do. Whether you're in Venice on a layover or for a longer trip, you’ll be able to experience what the city has to offer.

• Get the perfect photo opportunity at Burano. Close to the airport and a little off the regular tourist trail, this group of islands is known for the brightly painted houses that seem almost too colorful to be real.

• Stretch your legs at San Giuliano Park. Located in Mestre, the mainland-based modern town of Venice, this park offers views over the lagoon and the city itself and is a great place to get some exercise between flights.

• Treat yourself to the ultimate Venice experience with a gondola ride. Yes, it's a tourist cliché. But it's also the most enchanting way to see this city of bridges and canals. Gondola rides aren't cheap, but they are an unforgettable experience.

• Take in the vibrant St. Mark's Square. The traditional heart of Venice, this massive city square is home to the beautiful building of St. Mark's Basilica and is the bustling center of the city. Treat yourself to some gelato or even a meal and enjoy the atmosphere.

• Ride a vaporetto along the Grand Canal. These boats serve as Venice's public transportation system, and so they are a cheap way to get out on the water. Make sure to get a spot near the side of the boat for some fantastic photo opportunities as you cruise.

Transit options at Venice Marco Polo Airport

• Bus routes 15 and 45 connect the airport to Mestre Train station. From there, trains travel on a bridge over the water to the old town of Venice.

• Bus route 5 runs from the airport to Piazzale Roma, the main bus station in Venice which occupies the last island before the road stops altogether. From there, you can explore the whole city on foot, or cross a single bridge to a vaporetto stop that will take you anywhere in the city you need to go.

• Alilaguna water taxis travel direct from the airport to the city. The Gold Line will take you straight to Piazza San Marco, while other lines will take you to other destinations in Venice.

Luggage storage at Venice Marco Polo Airport

Venice's watery location is what makes the city so charming, but it can also make it difficult to get around. Venice's old town has no roads, and the canals serve the same function that streets would in other cities. No matter what you plan to do in Venice, you'll find yourself doing plenty of walking along the narrow cobbled alleyways between the ancient buildings.

Make your trip easier on yourself by dropping your heavy bags off at a Bounce luggage storage locker near Venice Marco Polo Airport. No matter how many bags you have or how long you need them stored for, you won’t need to give your luggage a second thought until you’re ready to pick it up.

Activities and attractions near Venice Marco Polo Airport

• Murano: Explore a quieter side of Venice in the Murano district. Famous for its blown glass, you can visit the workshops here and see the exquisite glass being made before buying some to take home. Murano is just as full of canals, restaurants, bars, and quaint shops as Venice is, but it's often far less crowded with tourists. It's a great place to visit to see a quieter side of the region. Just remember to leave your heavy bags behind at a Venice luggage storage service before taking the boat out to these islands.

• Beach day: It's normally the city people think of when it comes to Venice, not the beach. But the truth is, Venice has been a beach destination for over a hundred years. Venice's main beach, the Lido di Venezia, is full of hotels and restaurants ready to serve beachgoers. The many islands in the lagoon have beaches to suit all tastes. Leave your bags behind at a luggage storage facility in Venice and treat yourself to a beach day under the Italian sun.

• San Giorgio Maggiore: Get an astonishing — and underappreciated — view of the city from San Giorgio Maggiore. This little-known island can be reached by vaporetto from Venice, and is worth visiting for its famous monastery and church. But best of all, it has a tall campanile or belltower very similar to the one in St. Mark's Square, except without the long lines to climb it. Plus, climbing this tower gives you a view of the city from across the lagoon that's perfect for photos.