Arriving at Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) and continuing your journey by train can be slightly confusing at first.

Unlike many European cities, Venice has two important railway stations that serve different purposes:

• Venezia Santa Lucia — the main station on Venice Island, closest to the historic centre.
• Venezia Mestre — the mainland station, often used for long-distance connections.

So before choosing your transport, the first question is:

Which Venice train station do you actually need?

For most visitors staying in Venice itself, the answer is Venezia Santa Lucia. If you are continuing to cities such as Milan, Florence or Rome, either station may be relevant depending on your route.

This guide explains how to get from Venice Airport to Venice train station, which option works best, and what to consider before your next train journey.

Search European train routes and tickets with the eutrain app.

Venice Airport to Venice Train Station: Quick Overview

The right route depends mainly on whether you are entering Venice Island or connecting to another train.

Which Venice train station should you choose?

This is the most important decision before leaving the airport.

Choose Venezia Santa Lucia if you are:

• staying in Venice Island;
• visiting the historic centre;
• travelling with luggage to your hotel near the canals;
• starting your trip in Venice.

Santa Lucia is the unique station where trains arrive directly beside the Venetian canals.

From here, you can continue by:

• walking;
• vaporetto (water bus);
• water taxi.

Choose Venezia Mestre if you are:

• staying on the mainland;
• taking a hotel near Mestre;
• connecting to another European train route;
• looking for more frequent mainland connections.

Mestre is often used by travellers continuing to:

• Milan;
• Florence;
• Rome;
• Bologna.

Before booking your train, check the station name carefully.

Choosing the wrong station can add unnecessary transfers and travel time.

How to get from Venice Airport to Venezia Santa Lucia Train Station

There are several ways to reach Venice Santa Lucia from Marco Polo Airport.

The most common options are:

Option 1: Airport Bus + Train Station Connection

The airport bus is one of the simplest choices for many travellers.

Route:

Venice Marco Polo Airport → Piazzale Roma → Venezia Santa Lucia

From Piazzale Roma, Santa Lucia station is only a short walk away.

Advantages:

• affordable;
• simple;
• suitable for most visitors;
• easy with normal luggage.

This option works well if you want to reach the main Venice train station without using water transport.

Option 2: Water Bus (Alilaguna)

The Alilaguna water bus connects Venice Airport with Venice Island.

Advantages:

• arrives directly in Venice;
• offers a typical Venetian travel experience;
• useful if your accommodation is near a water stop.

However:

• journey time is usually longer;
• luggage handling may be less convenient.

This option is better for travellers who want to arrive directly into Venice rather than only reach the railway station.

Option 3: Taxi or Private Transfer

A taxi can take you from Marco Polo Airport to Piazzale Roma.

From there, you continue to Venice Santa Lucia on foot.

This can be convenient for:

• families;
• groups;
• travellers with heavy luggage.

However, because Venice Island has no normal road access, taxis cannot drive directly to most hotels inside the historic centre.

How long does Venice Airport to Venice Train Station take?

Travel time depends on your chosen route.

Approximate journey times:

Remember that Venice travel involves more walking than many European cities.

If you have a train connection after arriving, allow extra time for:

• airport arrival;
• luggage collection;
• transport waiting time;
• walking inside Venice.

Is there a train from Venice Airport to Venice train station?

No.

Venice Marco Polo Airport does not have a direct railway station.

Unlike airports such as Milan Malpensa or Rome Fiumicino, travellers need to connect to the railway network by:

• bus;
• water transport;
• taxi.

After reaching Venezia Santa Lucia or Venezia Mestre, you can continue your train journey across Italy and Europe.

For general European train booking advice:

How to Book Train Tickets in Europe

Venice Airport to Venezia Mestre Station

If your destination is Venezia Mestre instead of Santa Lucia, the journey is usually simpler.

Mestre is located on the mainland and has direct road connections from the airport.

This station is useful when:

• you are catching a high-speed train;
• your accommodation is in Mestre;
• you are travelling onward to another Italian city.

Popular routes from Mestre include:

• Venice to Milan;
• Venice to Florence;
• Venice to Rome.

When booking your train, always check whether your ticket says:

• Venezia Mestre
• Venezia Santa Lucia

They are different stations.

How early should you arrive at Venice train station?

If you are connecting from the airport, avoid planning a very tight transfer.

Allow time for:

• airport arrival;
• transport delays;
• finding the correct platform;
• luggage movement.

For high-speed trains, it is better to arrive early rather than risk missing your departure.

If your trip involves several European train journeys, planning connections in advance can help.

See:

How Far in Advance to Book Train Tickets in Europe

Continuing from Venice by train

Venice is one of Italy’s best-connected railway cities.

From Venezia Santa Lucia or Venezia Mestre, travellers can continue to:

Florence

A popular route for travellers exploring Italy’s main cities.

Milan

Useful for northern Italy connections and international journeys.

Rome

Connected by frequent high-speed trains.

For more Italy route planning:

Italy Train Travel Guide

Venice Airport transfer mistakes to avoid

Choosing the wrong train station

Santa Lucia and Mestre serve different purposes.

Always check your ticket before travelling.

Assuming Venice has a normal airport train

Marco Polo Airport does not connect directly to the railway network.

Booking a train connection too soon

Airport arrival times can change because of:

• flight delays;
• baggage collection;
• transport waiting.

Carrying unsuitable luggage

Venice involves bridges, stairs and walking.

Consider your luggage before choosing water transport.

Best option from Venice Airport depends on your trip

There is no single “best” way to travel from Venice Airport to Venice train station.

Choose based on your plan:

Staying in Venice Island

Best choice:

• Venezia Santa Lucia
• Bus or water transport

Taking a long-distance train

Best choice:

• Check whether Santa Lucia or Mestre fits your route

Travelling with heavy luggage

Best choice:

• Taxi or simpler ground transport

The right choice depends on where you are going next.

FAQ

How do I get from Venice Airport to Venice train station?

There is no direct train from Marco Polo Airport. Most travellers use airport bus, water transport or taxi connections to reach Venezia Santa Lucia or Venezia Mestre.

Is Venice Santa Lucia the main train station?

Yes. Venezia Santa Lucia is the main railway station on Venice Island.

Should I use Venezia Mestre or Santa Lucia?

Use Santa Lucia if you are visiting Venice Island. Use Mestre if you are staying on the mainland or connecting through mainland rail routes.

How far is Venice Airport from Santa Lucia Station?

The airport is around 10–13 km from Venice’s main railway stations, depending on the route.

Can I take a train directly from Venice Airport?

No. You need to first travel from the airport to the railway network.

How early should I leave Venice Airport for my train?

Allow enough time for arrival procedures, transport, walking and possible delays. Avoid scheduling a very tight connection.

Start your Venice train journey

Getting from Venice Airport to Venice train station is simple once you understand the difference between Santa Lucia and Mestre.

For most visitors, the key decision is choosing the correct station before booking the next train.

Once you reach the railway network, Venice connects easily with destinations across Italy and Europe.

Plan your route, compare train options and manage your journey with the eutrain app.