Early am flight out of Venice-How to do it safely

Marco Polo is a fairly small airport and frankly there is not a lot going on before 05:30. So if you manage to get there between 5 and 5:30 am, you should be ok. Staying in Venice would be my preference. Much more enjoyable than an airport hotel. You have basically three choice. Have your hotel arrange to a water taxi to the airport. They will pick you up and whisk you to the aiport. If you left by about 04:30, you would be fine. Problem is the price, probably in the 100-110 euro range. You could catch the Alilaguna shuttle boat, Linea Blu leaves San Marco at 03:40 and san Zaccaria at 03:44 and gets to the airport at 04:59. Cost is 13 euro. The last option would be to take the night vaporaetto to Piazzale Roma and the catch the ATVO bus at 05:00 getting you to the airport at 05:20. Cost 6.50 for the vaporetto and 3 euro for the bus. The vaporetto would leave around 04:00 and get to P le Roma around 04:30 I'd suggest the Alilaguna boat if you don't want to spend the (lots) extra for the private water taxi. Venice is a just barely waking up at those hours and it is a strangely wonderful experience wandering around then. I'd suggest a small flashlight if you don't already take on in your kit. I would have no qualms about safety and would also offer the same suggestions to my wife or daughter.

It's always nice to stay in Venice the last night before flying out. But, for a 7:00am flight, the $130 water taxi ride looms large. The $130 is for up to 6 people so if you are in a group of people, it might work. Travelers report that its a most wonderful experience to "James Bond" through the canals at dawn. The second choice of the night vaporetto and then the ATVO will also work. YOu should be able to clear security in time for your flight. Marco Polo is not that large. However, there are two other options. There are hotels very near the airport. The Courtyard by Marriott is just across the road from the airport entrance and you can almost walk in. There is also the Titian Inn & Residence. Here's the link for hotels in the immediate area as shown by www.tripadvisor.com. http://www.tripadvisor.com/HACSearch?geo=187870&q=Venice%2C+Italy&inDay=19&inMonth=05%2F2011&checkIn=5%2F19%2F2011&outDay=24&outMonth=05%2F2011&checkOut=5%2F24%2F2011&adults=2#02,1283096295882,bc_airports:S,bc_convention_centers:S,nameContains:S,map:-1,mc:S45.500692|12.327862,mz:-13,cb:Anear_1|near_3|near_8|near_13. Finally, you can sleep in the airport. Check out www.sleepinginairports.com for further information.

Thanks for the quick replies! The water taxi sounds like the perfect way to go, but that seems like a pricey option for one person. Is there a way to join up with others who would be needing one also? Is there any central place to do this - could I make a reservation aboard one that others will be sharing?

There is a new shared ride service for the water taxi, but the trips don't start until 07:00. Too late for your flight. You might be able to arrange something similar with guests at your hotel. You might want to inquire when you check in if anyone has asked about the taxi to the aiport and that you are interested in sharing. Otherwise take tha Alilaguna shuttle.