Mestre is the mainland part of Venice, about 8 km from the airport.

About Mestre (Mainland Venice)

Mestre is the practical, budget-friendly counterpart to Venice's romantic island. Connected to Venice by a 4 km causeway (road and rail), Mestre offers modern hotels at a fraction of Venice prices, free parking, and a growing restaurant scene. Piazza Ferretto, the pedestrian main square, is lined with cafes, shops, and the medieval Torre dell'Orologio clock tower.

While often dismissed as merely a Venice base camp, Mestre has its own identity as a functioning Italian city with local markets, everyday shops, and authentic trattorias serving Venetian cuisine without tourist markups. The train from Mestre to Venice Santa Lucia takes just 10 minutes with frequent departures throughout the day. Many savvy travelers, especially families and budget-conscious visitors, choose Mestre as a base and day-trip into Venice.

Nearby Landmarks

Piazza Ferretto Mestre Railway Station Forte Marghera Torre dell'Orologio

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $20-25
Time 15-20 min

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost $15-20
Time 15-20 min

Outside arrivals

Step-by-Step Directions

Take ACTV Bus 15 from outside arrivals to Mestre-Venezia train station.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $20-25 15-20 min Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare $15-20 15-20 min Budget-conscious, app users

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

ACTV bus 15 and ATVO buses to Mestre run until approximately midnight. Taxis are available 24/7 at the airport and cost about €20-25 to central Mestre. Trains from Mestre to Venice run until about 11:30 PM.

Luggage Tips

Buses to Mestre have luggage compartments. Mestre station has luggage storage lockers for those heading to Venice for the day. Hotels in Mestre often have free parking, useful for road trips combining Venice with other Italian destinations.

Accessibility

Mestre buses are accessible with low-floor boarding. Mestre railway station has elevator access to platforms. Mestre itself is flat and modern with good wheelchair accessibility on main streets and in hotels. Far more accessible than Venice island.