If you plan your dream escape to Venice, choosing between Treviso Airport and Marco Polo Airport can shape your trip. Marco Polo sits closest to Venice, giving you more direct, comfortable ways to reach the city. At the same time, Treviso, a bit farther out, is smaller but still efficient—especially if you’re hunting for the best airfare.
I’ve bounced between both airports over the years—sometimes I just want Marco Polo’s smooth private transfers, other times I can’t resist Treviso’s low-cost flights (even if it means a bit more travel into the city). It comes down to what you care about most: time or money, luxury or a more local feel.
Key Takeaways
- Marco Polo gets you into Venice quickly and with minimal fuss.
- Treviso is a budget-friendly choice with solid basics for travelers.
- Each airport lets you set your vibe for your Venetian trip, whether splurging or being savvy.
Overview of Treviso Airport and Marco Polo Airport
Venice has two main international airports, each with its perks. Picking Treviso or Marco Polo can mean hopping straight into a private water taxi or settling in for a cozy bus ride through the Veneto countryside.
Treviso Airport: Location and Highlights
Treviso Airport sits about 40 kilometers from Venice. It’s compact, so you’re through with your bags pretty fast. You’ll probably land here if you fly Ryanair or another budget airline.
The airport isn’t flashy, but Treviso’s charm hits you once you step outside. The town stays peaceful—quiet streets, small boutiques, locals eating gelato without the crowds.
Taxis and shuttle buses run regularly to Piazzale Roma in Venice, but you should budget 40–60 minutes for the journey. I usually bring a good book for that ride—public transport here can be unpredictable, especially late at night.
Treviso could be your pick if you enjoy smaller airports with shorter lines and a more personal vibe. You’ll lose the high-end lounge perks, but sometimes less chaos feels like a luxury.
Marco Polo Airport: Location and Highlights
Marco Polo Airport takes center stage for arrivals in Venice. It’s about 13 kilometers from the city, as close as possible. You can feel it, too. Step outside, and the blue lagoon is right there.
Facilities here are upmarket, with sleek lounges (I never skip a tiny Negroni before heading in) and VIP check-in counters. International airlines fly direct; if you’re used to arriving in style or want a seamless transfer to a private boat (my favorite move: book a water taxi straight from the airport pier for that film-star entrance), Marco Polo wins.
Transport options are plentiful and frequent. Water buses, taxis, and chauffeurs all wait to whisk you away. Also, the Club Lounge snacks are surprisingly good for an airport—worth a try.
Main Differences Between the Two Airports
Here’s a quick table to help you compare:
| Feature | Treviso Airport | Marco Polo Airport |
|---|---|---|
| Distance from Venice | ~40 km | ~13 km |
| Main Airlines | Ryanair, low-cost | Full-service, major |
| Airport Size | Small, easy | Large, modern |
| Transfer Options | Bus, taxi | Water taxi, bus, car |
| Lounge/VIP Services | Limited | Extensive |
If you want to arrive in Venice in comfort and style—or just appreciate a bit of pampering—Marco Polo makes it easy. Treviso is great if you want a simple experience, budget fares, or just love those quieter, more local moments.
I’ve zipped through both airports more times than I remember—the real trick is matching the airport to your travel style. Splurge on a water taxi if you feel like it, or save your euros for the perfect canal-side meal. Either way, you’re never far from Venetian magic.
Choosing the Best Airport for Your Trip
Picking between Venice, Treviso, and Marco Polo Airport isn’t just about the map. Consider travel time, convenience, and which airlines fly where you need.
Travel Time and Convenience
If Venice is your main destination, Marco Polo is the obvious pick. It’s less than 15 kilometers from the city, and you can grab a water taxi, bus, or arrange a private transfer to your hotel.
Treviso, though, is around 40 kilometers away. The trip from Treviso costs more in money and time—expect at least a 40-minute bus ride and some waiting.
For early morning flights or if you’re short on time, staying near Marco Polo just makes life easier. You skip the stress, long transfers, and those tight Italian train schedules—especially if you hope to connect to Milan or Florence later.
Packing light helps, too. Whether you land at Treviso or Marco Polo, those winding Venetian streets can turn rolling a suitcase into a mini workout. Marco Polo is your best bet if you care about luxury transfers or want the simplest flight options.
Flight Connections and Airlines
Airline choice matters. Marco Polo offers a wider range of carriers, including full-service airlines with business class (think more lounge access, less waiting around). You’ll find more direct international flights, too.
Treviso is Ryanair’s playground. If you’re focused on budget or planning a quick hop to London or elsewhere in Europe, Treviso shines—just be ready for simpler amenities and tighter seating. It’s not for everyone, but those savings are real.
A tip from experience: always double-check your flight time. Early Ryanair flights out of Treviso can be tricky if you’re not staying close by, since the first buses to the airport fill up fast.
If you want to connect to Florence or Milan by train after your flight, timing can get complicated. Planning saves a ton of hassle. I’ve missed trains by cutting it too close—don’t risk it if you’re on a tight schedule.
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Transportation Options from Each Airport to Venice
How you get from the airport to Venice sets the tone for your whole visit. Your choice—Treviso or Marco Polo—affects your transfer time, comfort, and that first magical view of the canals.
Bus Connections and Schedules
The ATVO Bus Express (line 351) is your best bet if you land at Treviso Airport. It goes straight to Piazzale Roma in about 40–70 minutes, depending on traffic and the season—Venetian summers can test your patience. You can buy tickets at machines outside arrivals, but grabbing one ahead of time is smart.
The buses are clean and, honestly, more punctual than you’d expect for Italy. I still remember a late October ride, warm croissant in hand, breezing past autumn fields toward the lagoon.
Marco Polo Airport gives you more options. The ATVO and ACTV buses run every 15–30 minutes, taking you to Piazzale Roma in about 20 minutes.
Last time, I was on the bus with my luggage within 10 minutes of landing—can’t complain about that. Want to arrive by water? The Alilaguna water buses offer scenic views, though the ride takes up to an hour. Either way, it’s an easy start to your Venetian adventure.
Pro tip: Both airports’ buses drop you at Piazzale Roma, the only place cars can reach in Venice. From there, you’ll hop on a vaporetto or water taxi. I always book my airport bus ticket online to skip the line.
Train Travel from Airports
Let’s be real: neither Treviso nor Marco Polo is right on a train line that makes rail travel to Venice a breeze. Still, if you love train journeys (I get it), you’ve got options, especially from Treviso.
Take a local bus or taxi from Treviso Airport to Treviso Centrale station—about 10 minutes away. Trains from there to Venezia Santa Lucia run often and show off some lovely Veneto scenery. It’s slower and adds a step, but it works if you’re headed to Mestre or want to dodge bus crowds.
Marco Polo isn’t directly connected to the rail network, though some people take the city bus to Mestre station (about 15 minutes). That’s only worth it if you’re staying on the mainland. For most, the bus-to-Venice route is simpler and more direct.
Quick advice: If you’ve got heavy bags or just landed on a red-eye, stick to the airport buses. Italian trains are charming, but with luggage and tight connections, convenience wins.
Private Transfers and Luxury Travel
In Venice, you can upgrade your journey with private transfers from Marco Polo and Treviso airports. Whether you want a water taxi, a chauffeured car, or a smooth ride, you can make it as polished or practical as you like.
Water Taxi and Alilaguna Services
At Marco Polo, you’re steps from the lagoon, and nothing feels cooler than stepping into a private water taxi. It’s a splurge, sure, but gliding past centuries-old palaces with your luggage tucked away—hard to beat that. Water taxis are fast, fit plenty of bags, and drop you at your hotel door (if your villa’s on a canal).
The Alilaguna water bus is a more affordable, still-pleasant option. Lines like Blu and Arancio connect Marco Polo to the main stops across Venice.
It’s public, so don’t expect privacy, but it’s reliable and charming. If you land in Treviso, you’ll need to take a coach to Piazzale Roma first—only then can you catch water transport, which adds a step but sometimes saves money.
Car Rental and Parking
Car rentals mostly suit travelers heading for Lake Garda or the Veneto countryside, not Venice. If you’ve ever tried parking near Piazzale Roma or Tronchetto on a busy Saturday… well, good luck. Still, if you book an upscale villa outside Venice—like in Treviso’s hills or along the Riviera del Brenta—a rental opens up charming villages and vineyards you’d otherwise miss.
Luxury rental companies (Mercedes, BMW, you know the type) operate at both airports. I once splurged on a convertible for the Valdobbiadene drive—prosecco country, unforgettable, though my wife still teases me about the GPS. Valet services and secure parking at Tronchetto make leaving your car behind less stressful, so you can enjoy Venice like a local—on foot or by vaporetto.
Taxi and Chauffeur Services
Private taxis and chauffeurs are classic, comfortable, and stress-free. Marco Polo has the edge here: you get picked up at arrivals and in town in about 15 minutes. Treviso takes a bit longer (usually 35–40 minutes), but staying north of Venice or in Treviso is worth it.
Chauffeur services like Blacklane and local providers offer Mercedes sedans, roomy vans for groups, even the occasional vintage Fiat. Drivers help with luggage and know the best detours around traffic, which is huge during high season.
Nothing beats a proper Italian car and driver if you’re juggling heavy bags or just want to make an entrance. It’s a pretty fabulous way to start your trip.
Ticketing, Prices, and Practical Tips
Choosing Treviso or Marco Polo isn’t just about flights—how you handle tickets, prices, and luggage can shape your trip. Here’s what I’ve learned about planning a fuss-free arrival in Venice.
Buying Tickets in Advance
Booking with Venice airports brings differences right from the start. If you’re after luxury, Marco Polo usually offers more premium airline choices—Emirates, Lufthansa, you name it. On the other hand, Treviso is Ryanair territory—great if you value price over pampering, though expect stricter terms.
No matter which airport, buy your airport transfer tickets early to save time and skip last-minute lines. Treviso’s express bus gets you to Piazzale Roma for about €10 each way, and yes, you can buy online before you fly. If you want to arrive via the lagoon, Marco Polo gives you more choices—shared water taxis, comfy cars, or even the ACTV vaporetto.
My move? I always get tickets in advance, preferably online. Nothing kills that first glass of Prosecco like waiting behind half a plane’s worth of tired travelers.
Luggage and Baggage Considerations
Luggage can make or break your arrival. Marco Polo is better for bigger bags and luxury service. Baggage claims run more efficiently, and you’ll find services for oversized luggage, porters (on request), and even left luggage counters for a detour to Murano or Burano without dragging your bags.
Treviso, as charming as it is, wasn’t built for grand tours of Louis Vuitton trunks. Carry-on only? No problem at all. But with checked bags, expect longer waits or crowded claim areas—Ryanair is famously strict with bag policies and fees, so measure your suitcase carefully.
For both airports, always double-check baggage rules when booking. I cringe whenever I see someone hit with surprise fees or forced to repack on the airport floor—Venetian stone looks lovely, but not as a spot for reorganizing socks.
Accommodation and Where to Stay
Finding the right place to stay depends on your priorities—do you want convenience, easy transport, or luxury touches near Venice or Treviso? Both areas offer flavor, from lively city settings to peaceful retreats outside the bustle.
Best Areas for Convenience
If you land at Marco Polo, staying in Mestre makes sense—especially if you want quick commutes between the airport, Venice, and beyond. Mestre hotels are usually cheaper than those in Venice proper, stretching your budget for more memorable moments. Trains and buses connect you to airports and central Venice in about 10–20 minutes.
For pure convenience, check out hotels around Piazzale Roma in Venice. It’s the main land entry, so you get the Venice feel without dragging your suitcase over bridges. Early departure or late arrival? Airport hotels—like the Courtyard by Marriott at Marco Polo—get you from bed to terminal quickly.
Treviso travelers find practical spots near the train station or book cozy stays outside town for a quieter vibe. For a quick look at the best options, check the latest hotel deals in Venice.
Luxury and Boutique Hotel Recommendations
Venice feels like a living museum—marble halls, lush gardens, painted ceilings everywhere. For five-star indulgence, you can’t beat the Gritti Palace on the Grand Canal or the Aman Venice, with its frescoes, silk walls, and private gardens that make you sigh. Both are pure “La Dolce Vita.”
Want a boutique experience? Try Ca’ Pisani, an arty, luxurious spot in Dorsoduro. For lagoon views and top-notch service, Bauer Il Palazzo is another favorite—you feel like you’re in a secret palazzo. Near Marco Polo, Annia Park Hotel is the go-to for restful luxury near the runway—and the soundproofing works.
In Treviso, look for charming villa hotels just outside the city; many have sprawling gardens and that northern Italian serenity you can’t fake. Sometimes, the best luxury is a glass of prosecco under old trees.
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Dining, Shopping, and Local Experiences
Food and shopping say a lot about a place. You’ll notice the difference as soon as you land, whether at Treviso or Marco Polo.
Cuisine and Where to Eat
Arriving in Treviso, you’re surrounded by real Venetian flavors and plenty of family-run trattorias. This area takes food seriously.
Local spots serve creamy risotto, cicchetti (Venetian snacks), and prosecco from vineyards you can almost see. Try a place like Borgoluce for rustic meals—fresh cheese and house-made salumi, often right at the source.
Marco Polo’s location makes it easy to immediately jump into Venice’s wild food scene. If you’re not heading straight into town, you’ll find modern cafés, pizzerias, and easy bites near the airport. For authentic experiences, don’t settle for the first touristy place you spot.
Join a street food tour or book a private dining experience in someone’s home for honest Venetian flavors and conversation. If you’re curious, you can book local food tours for a deeper dive.
Shopping Near the Airports
Treviso Airport keeps shopping simple; expect newsstands, bakeries, and maybe a few local treats for gifts (tempting if you love wine or chocolate). In Treviso town, though, it’s a treat: real boutiques line the streets, and markets brim with Italian staples. I once found gorgeous leather goods and handmade stationery—those small luxuries you stumble on in a relaxed Italian town.
Marco Polo steps up the shopping game. You can find big-name Italian brands: leather, fashion, and Venetian glass.
It’s not the full Venice shopping experience, but handy for last-minute buys. The real fun starts when you head into Venice, where window-shopping is practically an art. For savvy shoppers, I always recommend booking a guided shopping tour to skip tourist traps and find artisans, some of the best silks and masks I’ve ever seen. You just need to know where to look.
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Weather Considerations and Seasonal Tips
Weather plays a bigger role in your luxury experience than you might think. Northern Italy’s climate can surprise you, especially if you don’t check the forecast.
Treviso feels more like a small town, tucked inland. Summers get warm and humid, but nights cool off more than in Venice. I always wear a light linen blazer for those long summer dinners outdoors—it keeps you sharp and fends off the evening chill.
Marco Polo, closer to the lagoon, brings a bit more moisture. Sometimes you get a coastal breeze, which feels great after a long day.
I remember running to a concert in Venice last May—umbrella in hand, because rain can show up without warning. Pack a thin waterproof layer if splurging on a vaporetto or private transfer. You’ll thank yourself if you step off the boat into a sudden drizzle.
Here’s a quick look at key weather factors:
| Treviso | Marco Polo (Venice) | |
|---|---|---|
| Summer | Warm, less humid | Warm, more humid |
| Winter | Chilly, drier | Damp, chance of fog |
| Best Gear | Linen, jacket | Waterproof layers |
| Peak Sun | June-August | June-August |
Aim for late spring or early autumn if you love terrace breakfasts and sunny afternoons like I do. The crowds thin out, but the weather stays comfortably luxurious. And don’t forget stylish sunglasses—Italians notice these things!
