Hello. We have a 7:45AM flight out of Venice, and are looking for best recommendations, on how to get from Campo Santa Maria Formosa, to Marko Polo Airport, with enough time. There's 3 of us (one, a 9 year old), each with a bag.
Does anyone have recommendations on how (am thinking taxi from Piazzale Roma), and at what time to leave, to get to the airport safely?
Scott,
The first express bus from P. Roma to Marco Polo is at 0420 and it takes about 20 minutes. You can see the schedule here. It's probably the cheapest way to get to the airport - MUCH cheaper than a taxi or water-taxi.
What about getting from Campo Santa Maria Formosa to P. Roma? Is that simply a vaparetto from the Rialto bridge?
Scott,
The night vaporetto runs about every 30 minutes (here). I would plan on picking up the vaporetto at Rialto, But, then again, you should be able to walk to Piazzale Roma in about the same amount of time assuming you don't have too large of bags.
By the way, you might want to contact your airline as to inquire how early before the flight their ticket counter actually opens. My last experience flying out of Marco Polo, the airline didn't even start checking people in at the counter until 90 minutes prior to the flight. This information might help you decide the timing of your transportation.
Scott, we stayed recently at a hotel in Campo Santa Maria Formosa and had a morning flight out of VCE.
We just told our hotel the flight time and they arranged a water taxi to pick us up at the proper time, very easy and relaxing way to end or time in Venice.
For a party of 3 (which we were as well) I didn't think the water taxi was overpriced for the service it provides and is truly a luxury ride.
You do have a bit of a walk where the taxi drops you off to reach the airport terminal, but it is an obvious and flat walk on pavement.
The taxi can come to the edge of the campo you are staying in so a couple hundred yards from your hotel you can be picked up.
Making your family take a vapporetto or long walk to Piazzale Roma so early in the morning and then go to the airport on public transit from there all before waiting on lines and going on a long flight is one bad way to start the morning. Pay the extra expense and be comfortable, the family will thank you for it. May even get some good sunrise photos from the boat as you leave town.
We recently had a 7:45 flight out of Venice on British Airways. Taking the ATVO express bus (blue in color) from Piazzale Roma at 4:20 was easy, but I suggest you purchase your ticket in advance. The ACTV also has buses but they are not express, meaning they makes stops along the way. Having said that, the British Airways counter didn't even start getting itself organized until 5:00 a.m. and didn't actually start checking people in until 5:20. Other airlines were well ahead of BA, so it really does depend on the airline. We were not impressed with BA at all, either in the airport or during our flights. Enjoy Venice!
Of course, the third option is the Alilaguna Linea Blu for about 15 euros per person. The earliest departures from San Zaccaria can get you to the airport dock at 5:10 or 6:10.
