Venice, the city floating on water, is not only intoxicatingly romantic but also steeped in unique history and culture. Every time I visit, I’m captivated by its charm—from the maze-like alleys to the winding canals, from the chimes of St. Mark’s Square to the scent of wine in tiny taverns. However, to truly enjoy a perfect trip to Venice, the first step—how to get there—is crucial.

After several trips to Venice, I’ve developed a reliable guide to choosing the most efficient and comfortable flight routes. I’ll explore direct flights, stopover options, airport transfers, best departure times, and airline recommendations to help you plan a seamless, romantic trip from the moment you leave home.

Main Airports in Venice

1. Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE)
This is the primary airport for travelers heading to Venice, located about 13 kilometers from the city center. Though not very large, it’s well-equipped and connected to almost all major European cities, along with some long-haul flights to the U.S. and UAE.

I highly recommend flying into Marco Polo Airport. After landing, you can take the Alilaguna water bus, the ATVO express bus, a taxi, or even a private water transfer to reach the main island. Especially the water bus ride—it feels like gliding straight from the sky into the heart of the lagoon city, setting the perfect tone for your visit.

2. Treviso Airport (TSF)
Located about 40 kilometers north of Venice, this smaller airport is mainly served by budget airlines such as Ryanair and Wizz Air. It’s a cost-effective option if you’re flying from other European cities.

There are shuttle buses that connect directly to Piazzale Roma in Venice, with a travel time of about 40 minutes to an hour. Be aware that flights tend to depart early in the morning or late in the evening, and the terminal is quite compact, so plan your ground transport in advance.

Recommended Routes from Major European Cities to Venice

For clarity, here are my top picks for routes I’ve tried or researched extensively, departing from key European cities like London, Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Zurich, and Vienna.

1. From London
Flights from London to Venice are among the most frequent, with over 10 direct flights daily. Departures are available from Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), Luton (LTN), and Stansted (STN).

  • British Airways: Departing from Heathrow, offering excellent service and flexible schedules.
  • EasyJet: Operating from Gatwick or Luton, budget-friendly and reliable.
  • Ryanair: Mainly from Stansted, flying into Treviso Airport—note the different airport location.
    If you have luggage or plan a longer stay, I suggest flying with British Airways or EasyJet for convenience and comfort.

2. From Paris
Flights depart from Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly (ORY), with a flight time of about 1 hour and 40 minutes.

  • Air France: Great for long-haul connections and dependable service.
  • Transavia or Vueling: Budget options with flexible timings and competitive pricing.
    I often opt for early morning flights from Paris to arrive in Venice by 10 a.m., giving me a full day to enjoy the city.

3. From Berlin
Since the opening of the new BER airport, flying to Venice has become more streamlined.

  • EasyJet: Multiple daily flights with great prices.
  • Lufthansa / Eurowings: Full-service carriers offering extra comfort.
    Choose a morning or midday flight to avoid rush hour and arrive in Venice by afternoon.

4. From Amsterdam
Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport (AMS) is a key hub with frequent flights to Venice.

  • KLM Royal Dutch Airlines: Excellent service and punctuality.
  • EasyJet / Transavia: Affordable and ideal for weekend trips.

5. From Barcelona
This is a popular route, especially in summer.

  • Vueling: Offers low fares and reliable service.
  • Ryanair: Check whether the flight lands in VCE or TSF, as it affects your ground transport options.

6. From Zurich and Vienna
These cities are geographically closer, with flights under one hour—perfect for short getaways.

  • Austrian Airlines: Almost hourly flights from Vienna.
  • SWISS International Air Lines: Zurich to Venice with top-tier service, ideal for business travelers.

Tips for Connecting Flights

If you’re flying from Asia, North or South America, or any other non-Schengen region, you’ll most likely need to connect at a major European hub before reaching Venice. It’s important to plan these connections carefully.

  1. Stick to the same airline alliance—this greatly improves the chances that your bags will be checked through and that you’ll receive assistance if delays occur. For example, book Lufthansa with other Star Alliance members, or Air France within SkyTeam.
  2. Leave enough time for layovers. Airports like Frankfurt, Paris CDG, and Amsterdam Schiphol are vast and often crowded. Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours to clear immigration, security, and get to your next gate.
  3. Check your visa requirements. Even if you’re just transiting, a valid Schengen visa is essential for entering Venice if you’re not from the EU or Schengen area. Failure to prepare this could mean being denied boarding at your departure airport.

Practical Tips for Choosing Flights

  • Be cautious with low-cost airlines. Their advertised prices often exclude extras like carry-on luggage, seat selection, or even airport check-in fees. Always calculate the final cost before booking.
  • Early morning or late-night flights can be cheaper and less crowded, but ensure your arrival or departure time aligns with available transportation in Venice—especially if you land after public services stop.
  • Use more than one search engine when comparing flights. Skyscanner, Google Flights, Kayak, and even Booking.com can show different rates or promotions. I often find better deals by checking across platforms.
  • Plan your return ahead of time, especially during summer or around holidays. Outbound flights from Venice often get booked quickly, and last-minute fares can be significantly higher.

Post-Arrival Transport in Venice

1. From VCE Airport to Venice Island

  • The Alilaguna Water Bus is the most scenic way to arrive. With three different lines (red, blue, and orange), it connects directly to major stops like Rialto and St. Mark’s Square. The journey takes around one hour and gives you a unique first view of the city.
  • The ATVO Express Bus offers a quick and comfortable ride to Piazzale Roma, the gateway to Venice’s historical core. It’s the most efficient option if you prefer land transport.
  • Taxi or water taxis provide private, direct service to your accommodation. Though more expensive, they’re ideal for groups, heavy luggage, or late-night arrivals.

2. From Treviso Airport to Venice

  • The Terravision and Barzi buses are timed with incoming flights and drop you directly at Piazzale Roma, with a travel time of about 45 to 70 minutes depending on traffic.
  • If buses don’t suit your schedule, consider the train route. First, take a shuttle or taxi to Treviso Centrale railway station, then hop on a regional train to Venezia Santa Lucia, which arrives at the heart of Venice. While less direct, this option can be more flexible and affordable during peak times.

Flight Recommendations Based on Traveler Type

Couples
For couples, evening flights that arrive at night offer a uniquely romantic start to your Venice adventure. Arriving after dark allows you to experience the magical atmosphere of Venice under the stars. A water bus ride from the airport to the city center feels even more enchanting as the city’s lights reflect off the water, making it a picture-perfect beginning to your getaway. The quiet and intimacy of the night-time arrival also allows you to settle into the romantic pace of the city without the rush of daytime crowds.

Families
For families traveling to Venice, direct flights with reliable service are the most convenient option. A direct flight eliminates the stress of layovers, making the trip smoother and quicker, especially with children in tow. It’s essential to book your seats well in advance to ensure your family can sit together and to avoid any last-minute surprises. Checking the airline’s baggage policies before booking helps avoid extra costs for larger suitcases, making the entire travel experience more seamless for parents and kids alike.

Backpackers or Students
For budget-conscious backpackers or students, low-cost carriers flying into Treviso Airport provide the best deal. While this option saves money, be sure to plan your city transfer ahead of time to avoid delays. Treviso is located further from the city, so relying on shuttle buses or trains to get to Venice can take up valuable time. It’s important to factor in the extra travel time and potential crowding during peak hours, but this affordable option is ideal for those on a tight budget.

Business Travelers
Business travelers who are looking to optimize their time should opt for early morning flights to Venice. This ensures they can attend meetings or events as soon as they land, maximizing their workday. For the return leg, evening or night flights are ideal, allowing them to work through the day without disruption. Airlines such as Alitalia, Air France, and KLM are known for their punctuality and efficiency, making them perfect choices for business trips where time management and reliability are key.

A Venetian Journey Begins in the Sky

Venice’s charm lies not just in its canals and reflections, but in the very moment you arrive. Choosing the right flight not only reduces stress but also immerses you in the city’s dreamy rhythm from the very first glimpse. Each time I peer out of the airplane window and see the lagoon shimmering below, I reach for my camera instinctively—because for me, that moment isn’t just the start of a trip. It’s the beginning of an encounter with history, beauty, and timeless romance.