Transportation from Venice Airport

We've done the combination bus and vap. ride to our hotel many times and never found it to be that bad or intolerably long. In all probability you are going to get a vap. pass anyway so why not just add a bus fare (one or two way) to the vap. pass? A water taxi MIGHT be quicker, but to us it is just not worth the money. And besides, the vap. ride down the grand canal really helps us shrug off any jet lag and come alive for the city.

I've used the Alilguna several times and have been pleased with it. The advantage is that it is just one mode of transportation without having to change from the bus to the vaporetto. It is not very expensive and you enter Venice by water - which seem fitting to me. Of course, a private taxi would be the most spectacular but I've never been willing to spend the money. One downside to the Aliliguna is that it travels very slowly and you don't see a lot due to the structure of the boats. But, after the many hour flight from the States, I don't have to think very much - so it works for me.

I have always enjoyed entering the city by vaporetto ride down the grand canal, even though the vaporetto can be crowded. I would not particularly expect the airport bus to be crowded, easy 20 or 30-minute ride, and they go to Piazzale Roma, not to the actual train station.

I used the Private Taxi service, it was great to stand in the back, just the two of us, and clyde through the Grand Canal to our hotel. Did the the same for the flight home, due to leaving our hotel at 4 in the morning.http://www.motoscafivenezia.it

We took a private water taxi and it was well worth it. The 45 minute boat ride was beautiful and the fresh air and sunshine helped beat jet lag. We stayed at the Hilton on Guidecca Island, so it took a little longer to get there than most lodging in Venice.

The advantage of the bus is that it picks up right at the airport door. If you go by Alilaguna or water taxi, it is 600 yard walk to the dock.

We used the Alilaguna boat service from the airport to our stop-Fondamente Nove. It cost 15 euros (14 if you book online). There was a walk to the boat dock that took about 5 minutes, but once there, we didn't have to switch, and got off a short walk from our hotel. It worked well for us. However, look at the route maps. If your hotel is up the Grand Canal a ways from San Marco, it could be a lengthy trip.

Used the Alliguana - ditto that it was a bit of a walk- mainly because we had envisioned it shoter and we are not blessed with patience. Our hotel was near San Marco and it worked beautifully. Would not want to deal with bus/train, plus entering by water just sets the right tone!!!
Enjoy

Another option is a shared water taxi. While private water taxis are expensive, a shared water taxis is a relatively affordable option. I've used the following link to arrange transportation from VCE to the vaporette stop nearest to my hotel (venicelink.com).
They'll make a few intermediate stops to drop off other passengers, but since the space is limited they usually don't make more than two or three stops, and you have a minimum hassle with luggage.
http://www.venicelink.com/index.php?page=shop.browse&category_id=10&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=43&lang=english&vmcchk=1&Itemid=43

Steven: How much did that one way via private water taxi cost?

We took the bus in and it was efficient, cheap, and quick. However, it was standing room only and no AC. It was hot, crowded and a bit wobbly (swaying around corners). My younger daughter, who is prone to car sickness, quickly turned green. Luckily, we had a ziploc bag handy so no one else was inconvenienced. Could have been a disaster. Next time, we'll take the boat, mostly for the fresh air.

@ Novice. figure about 100 euro to a hotel in central Venice. That is for every one in your party about 6 people. A bit more for more than 6. About 9 people max with luggage.