Getting around Venice, from Marco Polo VCE airport to Venice and to and from San Sevolo
Venice's public ferry system, called the Vaporetto, functions like a city bus, using canals for routes within the city and to nearby islands. A single ticket is valid for 75 minutes and costs around €9.50, while multi-day passes are available for frequent use and can be a better value. Before boarding, you must validate your ticket by scanning it at the docks, and it's crucial to know your route and direction of travel to avoid getting on the wrong boat.
How to use the Vaporetto
Get a ticket: Purchase single-use tickets or passes (24-hour, 48-hour, etc.) from ticket counters, machines, or online. A daily pass can be cost-effective if you plan to ride more than a couple of times.
Scan your ticket: Before boarding any Vaporetto, you must validate your ticket by scanning it at the electronic scan point at the dock.
Find the right route: Determine your correct route and direction by checking the maps posted at the stops or using a tool like Google Maps.
Board the boat: When the Vaporetto arrives, board and find a seat. The back of the boat is often a good spot for outside views.
Listen for stops: Listen for announcements of upcoming stops, which are usually made in both Italian and English.
Prepare to disembark:
As you approach your destination, move towards the front of the boat to be ready to exit.
Other options and tips
Inter-island travel: The Vaporetto is essential for visiting islands like Murano and Burano.
International ferries: The main port of Venice also has ferries that connect to other countries, such as Greece, Croatia, and Slovenia.
Reduced mobility: Special discounted tickets are available for those with reduced mobility.
Lost tickets: If you lose your ticket, you will need to purchase a new one.
To view Videos of how the Venice Vaporetto system works, click here.
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Transfers from VCE to San Servolo
To travel from Marco Polo Airport (VCE) to San Servolo, take a direct water bus (Alilaguna) to San Zaccaria, followed by a short local water bus ride on Line 20 to the island. The entire journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Water Bus from Airport to San Zaccaria
Purchase a ticket for the Alilaguna public water bus (the Blue Line or Red Line, depending on the season) from the airport dock.
The Stop: Ride the boat to the San Zaccaria stop in Venice's historic center.
Details: The Alilaguna trip from the airport to San Zaccaria takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Local Water Bus from San Zaccaria to San Servolo
Walk to the San Zaccaria - Monumento/MVE boat pier.
Catch Line 20, an ACTV public water bus (vaporetto).
Ride this to the San Servolo island stop.
The Line 20 trip only takes about 8 to 10 minutes.
Alternative Options
By Bus & Water Bus (Land + Sea):
Take a land bus (ACTV line 5 or ATVO) or a land taxi from Marco Polo Airport to Piazzale Roma (20 mins).
From Piazzale Roma, transfer to a public water bus to San Zaccaria, then catch Line 20 to San Servolo.
Private Water Taxi:
The fastest and most direct option is taking a Shuttle Direct water taxi directly from the airport to San Servolo, though this typically costs around €100+.
