The public transit system in the region east of Venice (ATVO – Azienda Trasporti Veneto Orientale) offers one of the fastest and most reliable connections between Marco Polo Airport and the city of Venice. This bus line goes to Piazzale Roma, the central transportation hub where you can easily transfer to the city’s vaporetti (water buses).
How can I tell which bus is the right one?
As you can see in the picture, ATVO uses a variety of vehicle types. Sometimes you'll see a classic blue one, other times a modern white or gray one. Don't let that confuse you:
- The key is the imprint: Just look for the large ATVO logo on the sides or front of the bus.
- Destination display: In addition, the bus usually has „Venezia – Piazzale Roma“ clearly marked on it.
Special Amenities for Seniors
- Luggage service included: Unlike regular buses, ATVO express buses have large luggage compartments in the lower part of the vehicle. This means you don't have to take your suitcase into the passenger compartment. The staff or drivers are often willing to help you load your luggage.
- Good seating options: The buses are modern, air-conditioned, and offer plenty of seating for a relaxing ride (about 20–25 minutes).
- Accessible Transfer: Once you arrive at Piazzale Roma, it's just a few meters on level ground to the main water bus stops.
Short distances:
The ATVO bus stop at Marco Polo Airport
After you have collected your luggage and left the airport building, you will find the ATVO bus stop directly across the street. The routes are short and easy to follow.
Fast and direct, with no detours
A major advantage of the ATVO express bus is its route. While the regular ACTV bus often loses time due to long detours and numerous stops in the Mestre district, the ATVO bus takes a direct route to Venice.
- Frequency: Buses generally run every 20 minutes.
- Travel time: It takes only about 20 minutes to reach Piazzale Roma.
- Efficiency: Since there are no stops in Mestre, this is the fastest bus route to the lagoon city.
Convenience Benefits for Seniors
- No crowding: Since ATVO buses are built to coach standards, the ride is much smoother and less hectic than on a regular public bus, which is often very crowded with commuters and students.
- A safe seat: You'll almost always find a comfortable seat on the express buses, which makes the short ride very pleasant.
Arrival in Venice: Transfer at Piazzale Roma
Piazzale Roma is the „Gateway to Venice“ and also the main transportation hub on the northern outskirts of the city. This is where the journey ends for all motorized vehicles—including the ATVO express bus.
From the bus to the ship
As soon as you get off the bus, you'll find yourself at the farthest point in the city accessible to motor vehicles. From here on, the journey continues in classic Venetian style:
- On foot: If your hotel is located nearby (in the Santa Croce district), you can often walk there in just a few minutes.
- By vaporetto: As you can see in the picture, the water bus stops are located right on the Grand Canal, just a few meters from the bus parking lot. The vaporetti will take you safely and comfortably to your destination (e.g., Rialto, San Marco, or Lido).
Tip for Seniors: Short Distances at Piazzale Roma
Piazzale Roma is paved at street level, which makes it easier to roll suitcases. Still, the square is large.
- Orientation: After getting off, just head toward the water (Canal Grande). There you'll find the ticket counters and the docks for the ACTV water buses.
- Luggage: If your hotel is farther away, we recommend taking a vaporetto right from Piazzale Roma so you don't have to carry heavy suitcases across Venice's many bridges.
Your Benefits: Why Choose ATVO Express?
The ATVO bus is the top choice for travelers who value efficiency and comfort. It combines the speed of a taxi with the predictability of a scheduled bus service.
State-of-the-art comfort
Unlike conventional city buses, ATVO vehicles are designed as tour buses. For you, this means:
- Pleasant climate: All buses are fully air-conditioned, which is a real relief, especially during the warm summer months in the lagoon.
- Free Wi-Fi: Use your travel time to plan your arrival or let your loved ones at home know you're on your way—free Wi-Fi is available on board.
- Comfortable seating: The seats are comfortable and offer significantly more space than on regular scheduled service.
Time Savings Through Nonstop Service
The biggest advantage, however, is the route's efficiency:
- Direct link: The bus runs from Marco Polo Airport to Piazzale Roma without any stops.
- No rush at the bus stops: Since no one gets on or off along the way, the bus remains pleasantly quiet. You can sit back and relax while your luggage is safely stowed in the lower deck.
Fares and Ticket Purchases for the ATVO Express
The ATVO bus fare structure is transparent and fair. A major advantage for travelers with suitcases: One piece of luggage is already included in the fare, so there are no hidden additional costs.
Current Prices at a Glance (as of 2026)
Includes one standard piece of luggage per person.
It's that easy to buy your ticket
There are two convenient ways to reserve your seat on the bus:
- In-store purchase: Simply exit the airport building at ground level through the exit. The blue or white-and-gray buses are waiting directly across the way. You can easily pay for your ticket when you board—either directly to the staff or at the ticket machine or counter in front of the buses.
- Online booking (Recommended): If you don't want to waste time buying a ticket right after landing, you can book your transfer online in advance. This saves you stress, and you'll already have your documents ready to go.
Tip for Seniors: Accessibility
The route from the baggage carousel to the bus at Marco Polo Airport is completely accessible and kept short. Since the ATVO bus is a tour bus, the staff or drivers are often Help with loading—use the large luggage compartments beneath the passenger compartment so you can enjoy the 20-minute ride with plenty of legroom.
Secure your ticket in advance with peace of mind
Why wait in line at the ticket machine after you land when there's an easier way? We recommend that you book your ATVO ticket online before your trip. That way, you can start your vacation in Venice without any unnecessary waiting.
The benefits of booking online:
- Same price: When you pay online, you pay exactly the same price as you would at the counter or at an on-site ticket machine.
- Direct access: With your digital ticket on your smartphone or printed out in hand, you can go straight to the bus.
- Less stress: Especially when several planes are landing at the same time, avoid the lines at the ticket counters.
Our tip: It's best to book your round-trip ticket right away. That way, you won't have to worry about a thing at the end of your vacation in Venice and can enjoy your final ride to the airport at your leisure.