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Transportation to Venice from Airport during film festival

I'm arriving at Marco Polo around 11am on September 7th, and only going to Venice for one night before heading to the Dolomites. I've heard that the usual water taxis may be totally booked because of the film festival. Is that true? Any advice on how to get to Venice if that's the case, and also, one that gets you there in a reasonable amount of time. Willing to do a shared water taxi, but don't really want to pay for a private taxi. How much is the bus, and is it a reasonable option? Is Venice Link reliable? We're staying near the Rialto bridge at Rialto Suite 707. Will have a bit of luggage, but not too awfully much. Thanks!

Also, it looks like some of the water taxis have a bag limit. I'll have a small rolling bag, a backpack, and a cpap. Is that going to be a problem when they say no more than 2 bags per person? This was through the Venice Link page. Thanks!

Posted by
5648 posts

Perhaps also ask your lodging regarding the transfer options and the demands of the Festival.

Posted by
33992 posts

I, like many, would simply take the bus from right next to the door of the airport terminal, quick, cheap, frequent, to Piazzale Roma, the last place that land vehicles can go to, a really short walk to the vaporetto number 1 dock, then romantic ride down the Grand Canal to the second stop right after going under the white Rialto bridge, and get off at San Silvestro, a short walk from the 707.

Check with the hotel but especially if the water taxis will be busy that gives you the likely easiest, definitely the cheapest, the way locals do it way to get to your destination.

Posted by
1255 posts

I would follow Nigel's plan. I have done similar in the past (different hotel), successfully.

Posted by
372 posts

If we were to be arriving during the film festival, we would first check with the shared taxi desk inside the terminal…we’ve used them three times and will be again in a month. If that doesn’t work, the next thing would be everything Nigel said :).

A few years ago, because we had friends with us, we made the HUGE mistake of thinking that we could just go down to the docks and get a private, not shared taxi. This was the day before the festival officially opened. Every single one was reserved for passengers coming from flights that were apparently late. So every taxi operator was angry…it was awful. Somehow a private taxi captain took pity on the four of us, and four more…we were able to get to our hotel. He muttered to himself alllll the way in, and I might have learned new words if I spoke Italian. That said, the shared taxi desk and experience has worked seamlessly for our other visits.