ACTV Line 5: The affordable way to get from the airport to Venice

The City of Venice’s public transit system (ACTV) offers an affordable way to get from Marco Polo Airport to the central transfer hub, Piazzale Roma, via Bus Line 5 (also known as the „Aerobus“). From there, you have direct access to the vaporetti (water buses), which will take you on to the historic center.

What You Should Know About Line 5

Unlike the ATVO Express Bus, Line 5 is a traditional city bus. This means:

• More stops: The bus stops at several stations on the way to Venice (e.g., in Tessera). As a result, the trip takes a little longer than the express service.
• Close to the city: You'll drive through populated areas and get your first glimpse of the Venetian mainland.

Comfort and Luggage

• Seating capacity: Since this is a regular bus, there are designated areas inside for luggage. Please note, however, that the bus can get quite crowded during rush hour (when many commuters and students are riding).
• Accessibility: The buses are generally low-floor buses, which makes it easier to board with wheeled suitcases or for passengers with limited mobility.

Important Tips for Seniors:

If you have a lot of luggage or want to avoid the hustle and bustle of a crowded city bus, you should check whether the ATVO Express Bus (which we described above) is the more relaxed option for you. Line 5 is ideal for travelers with light luggage or for those who want to stick to a tight budget.

Departure Times and Frequency of Line 5

Line 5 is known for its frequent service. This is especially convenient if you've just picked up your luggage and don't want to wait long for your next connection.

Frequency and Duration

• Departure interval: The bus usually runs every 15 minutes, so you'll never have to wait long for it to leave.
• Travel time: Allow about 30 minutes to get to Piazzale Roma.
• Note about the route: Since Line 5 also stops at local stops (e.g., in the town of Tessera), the trip takes about 10 minutes longer than on the direct express bus.

Where can I find the bus stop?

Just like with ATVO, the bus stop is located right in front of the exit of the Marco Polo Airport terminal. The walk is short and well-marked. Just look for the orange or white-and-green ACTV signs and the large number 5 on the bus.

Planning Tip

If you have an appointment (e.g., for a guided tour or a specific check-in time at your hotel), it’s best to allow the full 30 minutes plus some extra time to account for stops along the way and potential traffic.

Final Stop: Arrival at Piazzale Roma

Just like the express bus, the ACTV Line 5 also ends at Piazzale Roma. This is the furthest point in Venice that vehicles on wheels can reach. From here, your adventure in the lagoon city begins—whether by water or on foot.

The main transfer point

Piazzale Roma is very spacious but well-organized:

• Final stop: The No. 5 bus drops you off right at the large square. After a short break, it heads back to the airport.
• Continuing the journey by vaporetto: Just a few steps away are the large water bus landing docks. As you can see in the picture, you can transfer directly there to lines 1, 2, or the express lines, which will take you across the Grand Canal to your hotel.

Important Notice for Seniors

Since Line 5 is a city bus, many people often get off at the same time. Don't let anyone rush you!

• Luggage: Please take a moment to get your bearings. The path to the vaporetto ticket counters is at ground level and accessible without stairs.
• Orientation: Just follow the crowd toward the water. There you'll find the large yellow signs for the ACTV ticket booths.

The ACTV Ticket: Fares and Important Rules

To ensure a stress-free start to your trip in Venice, we also recommend purchasing tickets in advance for Line 5. That way, you won't have to figure out how to use the ticket machines at the airport right after you land.

Important Note Regarding Validity (Attention!)

As an IT trainer, you know that having the right license is crucial. With ACTV, there’s an important distinction that’s often overlooked:

• Bus only: The standard ticket for the airport transfer is valid only for the bus ride to Piazzale Roma.
• No water buses: This ticket is NOT valid for the vaporetto water buses in the city center. Once you transfer to a boat at Piazzale Roma, you will need a separate ticket or an appropriate pass (e.g., a 24-hour ticket).

Fares for Line 5

• One-way trip: 10,00 €
• Round trip: 18,00 €

Why book online?

Especially during peak season, the lines at the ACTV ticket counters at Marco Polo Airport can be very long.

Safety: You already have your travel documents with you—either digitally or as a printout—and don't have to worry about having the right change.

Time savings: With an online voucher, you can often go directly to the ticket validator or to the bus (depending on the type of ticket).

Fares and Terms for Line 5 (as of September 2026)

If your budget is a top priority when planning your trip, the ACTV bus is the right choice. Here, you'll find the absolute lowest price for ground transportation to Venice.

Costs at a Glance

Simple one-way airport transfer: €10.00.
Round-trip fare on the ACTV bus: 18.00 €.

An Honest Assessment to Help You Make Your Decision

It's important to weigh the facts so you don't run into any unpleasant surprises:

• The advantage: There's no other bus or boat that will take you from Marco Polo Airport directly into the city for a lower price.
• The downside: This is the most time-consuming option. Because of the many stops along the way, this route takes the longest, and at Piazzale Roma, you’ll have to transfer to a vaporetto or continue on foot to reach the heart of the city.

Here's the easiest way to get your ACTV ticket

On site: Just use the ticket machine right at the bus stop.

Online: Through the official Venezia Unica website or—our tip—as part of a Venice combo pass, if you plan to use the water buses anyway.