Buses from Venice

Long-distance and regional buses arrive at Piazzale Roma, the only point in Venice accessible by road vehicles. From there you can walk into the historic center or transfer to vaporetto water buses to reach other parts of the city. The square has ticket offices, luggage storage, and direct vaporetto connections to San Marco and the Rialto area.

ACTV public buses and ATVO express coaches connect Marco Polo Airport to Piazzale Roma. The ATVO express runs a nonstop service and is generally quicker, while the ACTV local bus makes several stops along the way. Both drop you at Piazzale Roma, where you can continue into Venice on foot or by vaporetto. Check current fares at the airport ticket counters.

Several intercity coach operators run services from Piazzale Roma to destinations across Italy, including Milan, Florence, Rome, and Bologna. Travel times vary by distance and route. Coaches generally cost less than trains for the same route but take longer. Book through the operators' websites or at the Piazzale Roma ticket offices for current availability.

There are no road buses within Venice's historic island center, the streets are too narrow and there are no roads past Piazzale Roma. Local transport within the islands is by vaporetto (water bus) or on foot. However, ACTV land buses serve the mainland areas of Mestre and Marghera, which are technically part of the municipality of Venice.

Mestre is a common budget alternative to staying on the Venice islands. Frequent ACTV buses connect Mestre's train station and central area to Piazzale Roma, with the ride typically taking around fifteen to twenty minutes depending on traffic. Accommodation in Mestre tends to be considerably cheaper, though you trade convenience for the daily commute across the causeway.

Piazzale Roma has luggage storage facilities where you can leave bags for a fee while you explore. This is useful if you arrive by bus before your accommodation check-in time. Storage fills up during peak summer months, so arrive early if possible. There are also storage options near Santa Lucia train station, a short walk away.

Yes. On ACTV land buses serving the mainland, you must validate your ticket using the onboard machines when you board. An unvalidated ticket is treated the same as no ticket at all, and inspectors do issue fines. For intercity coaches, your ticket is typically checked at boarding so separate validation is not required. But confirm with the specific operator.