Venice, Italy, is a unique and historic city known for its intricate canal system, rich cultural heritage, and stunning architecture.

Drive to Mestre

Mestre is the closest mainland city to Venice and is well-connected by road. Major highways like the A4 and A27 lead to Mestre.

Cross the Bridge to Venice

From Mestre, drive across the Ponte della Libertà (Bridge of Liberty). This is the only road bridge connecting the mainland to Venice. The bridge is about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) long.

Park in Venice

Since Venice itself is car-free, you’ll need to park your car in one of the designated parking areas at the end of the Ponte della Libertà. Popular options include:

• • • • Piazzale Roma: This is the main parking area and the closest you can get to the historic center by car. Parking costs around €45 per day and is exclusively for cars, not for buses or campers. From here, you can walk to the center in less than 30 minutes or take the water bus.
      • Tronchetto Parking Garage: Located on an artificial island to the west of Piazzale Roma, it’s a large, multi-story parking facility. The cost is cheaper than Piazzale Roma, and you can park vans, campers, or even buses here. You can take the water bus from Tronchetto to get to the center.

 Transfer to Venice Proper

From Piazzale Roma or Tronchetto, you can reach Venice’s historic center by:

• • • • • Walking: It’s a short walk from Piazzale Roma.
        • Vaporetto (Water Bus): Regular services run from both Piazzale Roma and Tronchetto to various points in Venice.
        • People Mover: A short monorail that connects Tronchetto with Piazzale Roma and the cruise terminal.

OR

Leave your car at Mestre

Alternatively, for a cheaper option (most parking is below €10), you can leave your car in Mestre and take a bus, train, or tram to Piazzale Roma (a 10-minute ride). From Piazzale Roma, you can continue to the center by walking or taking a water bus.

Did You Know?

Did you know there are 417 bridges in Venice, and 72 of them are private? Plus, the city has 177 canals winding through it.

Here’s a surprising fact: Venice’s population has dropped from 120,000 to 60,000 in the last 50 years. Some experts even predict that by 2030, Venice might become a ghost town, with only tourists visiting during the day. So, if you haven’t explored Venice yet, now’s the perfect time!

HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU NEED?

• If you’re short on time, you can still get a taste of Venice’s charm even in a day.
• Focus on visiting the major landmarks like St. Mark’s Square, Doge’s Palace, and Rialto Bridge.
• Take a leisurely stroll through the narrow streets and picturesque canals.
• Enjoy a gondola ride or a vaporetto tour to experience Venice from the water.
• Sample some Venetian cuisine at local cafes and restaurants.

main ATTRACTIONS 

Venice’s new entry fee, introduced in fall 2023, entails a 5-euro charge for day visitors on select days throughout the year. The fee applies to individuals aged 14 and above, visiting between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., with exceptions for residents, property owners, university students, and Venice-based employees.

To facilitate payment, visitors must access http://cda.ve.it to acquire a QR code, which serves as proof of payment or exemption. Hotel guests, already subject to a nightly tourist tax, are exempt but must register online in advance or obtain a QR code from their hotel. This QR code must be kept handy for potential verification by authorities during their visit to Venice.

Venice’s 2024 entry fee dates

• April 25–30
• May 1–5, 11–12, 18–19, 25–26
• June 8–9, 15–16, 22–23, 29–30
• July 6–7, 13–14

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