Venice historic center (San Marco, Rialto) is about 12 km across the lagoon.

About Venice Historic Center

Venice's Historic Center is a car-free labyrinth of 118 islands connected by over 400 bridges, where boats replace cars and canals serve as streets. The Grand Canal, the city's main waterway, curves through the center past Gothic and Renaissance palaces to San Marco Basin, where the Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Basilica, and the Campanile bell tower create one of the world's most recognizable skylines.

Beyond Piazza San Marco, Venice reveals quiet neighborhoods (sestieri) where laundry hangs between buildings, local osterie serve cicchetti (Venetian tapas) with spritz cocktails, and artisan workshops produce Murano glass and Burano lace. The Rialto Bridge and its bustling fish market, the Accademia galleries, and the Peggy Guggenheim Collection are essential stops. Despite overtourism concerns, Venice retains an otherworldly beauty—especially in early morning light or late evening when day-trippers depart.

Nearby Landmarks

Piazza San Marco Rialto Bridge Doge's Palace Grand Canal Murano Island

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $45-55 (land) / $120-150 (water taxi)
Time 20-30 min (land) / 30 min (water)

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

Step-by-Step Directions

Option 1: Alilaguna water bus from airport dock to Venice. Option 2: ATVO bus to Piazzale Roma then vaporetto.

Alilaguna Water Bus

Cost $15
Time 60-90 min
Frequency Every 30-60 minutes

Airport water dock, follow blue signs

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $45-55 (land) / $120-150 (water taxi) 20-30 min (land) / 30 min (water) Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Bus/Shuttle $15 60-90 min Cheapest option

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Alilaguna water buses run until approximately 12:15 AM (Blue and Orange lines). After that, private water taxis operate 24/7 but are expensive (€100-130 for a night trip to San Marco). The ATVO bus to Piazzale Roma runs until about 1:30 AM.

Luggage Tips

Venice has no wheeled vehicle access—you will carry luggage over bridges with steps. Minimize bags and use soft-sided luggage. Water taxis deliver you directly to hotel docks, avoiding bridge climbing. Porters (facchini) can be hired at Piazzale Roma and San Marco.

Accessibility

Venice is notoriously difficult for wheelchair users due to hundreds of stepped bridges. Some major routes have been fitted with ramps (marked on accessible Venice maps). Water taxis offer step-free boarding at many hotels. The Alilaguna has accessible boarding at the airport dock.