Flying into Venice from Denver by way of Atlanta in a couple weeks. How are things at the Venice airport? Is it as bad as the rest of the continent? Curious if anyone can share their experiences with customs, baggage claim, and departure wait times for check-in/security/etc.
Many thanks in advance.
It's not a big airport, therefore waits should not be long, although I have no experience with a flight direct from the US. The only issue is time of travel to/from a Venice hotel. If you depart from VCE, give yourself ample time unless you are willing to fork out 120 euro for a water taxi.
We flew out of Venice to Amsterdam in early June, so not the specific insight you are looking for. However, I will echo to allow yourself plenty of time to get from the airport to Venice. We took took the ATVO bus from the Piazzale Roma to Marco Polo, the bus was very nice and efficient; much cheaper than a water taxi or car. I would also suggest considering packing a carry-on suitcase and personal item (backpack), and not checking a bag. Our family of four were in Europe for three+ weeks (our daughter for a month) and that is how we travelled. It made everything easier (loading buses, trains, vaporettos, etc) and no worries as to whether or not our luggage made the trip with us.
Thank you both for your replies. We are returning to Venice by car from the Dolomites and will spend the night 1/2 mile from the airport before our flight the next morning. So we will not have to deal with the time to get from Venice proper to the airport. How much time did it take you from your arrival at Marco Polo to get through to your gate?
The luggage situation it a tough one for us this trip. Normally we can live comfortably out of backpacks for a few weeks, but we have several serious hikes planned that require a bit of equipment beyond what can fit in a carry-on. We are only in Venice 24 hours after arriving and will have the car the rest of the trip. Trying to see if anyone’s had any luck (or horror stories) with baggage at this specific airport.
We flew into Venice from Minneapolis via Paris, in mid June. Unfortunately, yes, chaos reigned supreme. Our checked in bags did not arrive on our flight. The airport lost/delayed baggage counters were packed with people in similar situation, and the process to get our situation filed was long and complicated. Took us close to two hours since our plane landed, before we were able to exit the airport with our carry on luggage. Our missing bags were delivered to us 3 days later, just before we were leaving Venice for our next stop.
The airport itself is relatively small. About a 10 minute walk on a covered walkway to get to the boat dock. Must say that the boat ride from the airport to the hotel (we had taken a private boat taxi) through the grand canal…..it just made our tiredness and frustration melt away!
The flying part in Europe is a mess currently. We had issue going in, and flying back from Rome too. Travel within Italy, on trains, boats and automobiles, seamless.
Good luck
This is super helpful, thank you. We are going to spring for the private taxi given our very limited time in the city. Looking forward to that as part of the experience.
Seems like we’re just going to have to risk it with the luggage, knowing we may shopping if we’re not so lucky. Appreciate everyone’s feedback very much.
Hi. We arrived in Venice from Philadelphia on July 5, and everything seemed fine. We moved here for a year, so we checked 4 huge bags, and they all arrived. Customs was also quick. I hope everything goes smoothly for you too.
Just want to thank everyone who took the time to reply to my original post. We’ve just returned and wanted to report that everything went as smoothly as it possibly could on travel days to and from Venice. All flights were on time, baggage arrived each leg, and customs was relatively easy and quick in both Venice and Atlanta. I know it’s generally a tough year for air travel, but for those of you with trips still upcoming, know there are still normal experiences and it will all be worth it in the end. Our time in Europe certainly was. Safe and happy travels to all.
We flew from Atlanta to Venice two days ago. The flight was fine, and we were processed quickly through Immigration (we were towards the front of the plane in Comfort Plus).
The luggage was just carry on, so I can’t comment about baggage claim.
The airport is a smaller international one, so the walk through the airport doesn’t take as long, also. I will also share that I always use the Aliguna boats - the orange line goes to the Hotel Ala vaporetto stop with no bridge steps needed. We were on the first boat as we waited in a short line - 15 Euro.
