Wikimecum:How to get to Marco Polo Airport for an early flight
Since the regular boat lines stop running past midnight, and the airport closes for a few hours over night, it can be quite a challenge getting from Venice to Marco Polo Airport early in the morning. Additionally, lodging on the mainland can be expensive and excessive. It can be done, however!
Using Public Boats/Buses
There is the “N” (nocturna) ACTV line, which stops all around the city from midnight until the regular boats start running again.
There is a stop at the Piazzle Roma, where you should get off the boat. Depending on where you are getting on, you will want to allow for at least an hour on the boat. It makes quite a few stops, and usually waits a few minutes at each one.
From the Piazzle Roma, you can get to the airport a few different ways. The first option is the ATVO Bus 5, which goes to the airport every forty to fifty. Depending on what day of the week you are leaving and what time of the morning it is, Bus 5 may not be an option. It has different schedules for different days of the week. On Saturdays, the bus starts running from Venice at 5:00am, while on Sunday it doesn’t start running until 5:40am. The chart shows the timetables of the bus for every day of the week.
Tickets can be purchased on the bus, or at the ATVO/ACTV stand (only from the hours of 7:00am to 12:00am), and cost about 2€. If you have any other questions, you should contact the ATVO Information Office at: 0421 59 44.
If you need to get to the airport before the buses are running, there are still options! Taxis are available from the Piazzle Roma. Many times, the taxi drivers will hang out near the boat docks, right outside the ATVO/ACTV ticket stand. The taxi fare varies, but it will probably be around 30 euro, and will take about 20 minutes. To be safe, it might be smart to plan ahead by calling a taxi office and making a reservation. The number Marco Polo Airport gives is for Cooperativa artigiana radiotaxi, which is available 24 hours a day. The number for information and reservations is: 041 5416363; the 24 hour number is: 041 5952080.
Using a Water Taxi
If there is a big group trying to get to the airport for the same early morning flight, it might be worth it to take a water taxi to the airport. This may cost more money, but it may be easier than taking your luggage all over the city. Marco Polo Airport suggests the Consorzio Motoscafi Venezia. The 24 hour information and reservation phone number is: 041 5222303.
Things to Keep in Mind
The airport recommends that you get to the airport anywhere from an hour and a half to two hours before your flight is scheduled to leave. The boat ride and the bus/taxi ride may take longer than you expect, so its best to give yourself as much time as possible. Its better to be really early than right on time or late. Also, plan ahead. You can buy the bus tickets on the bus (or at the kiosk if it is open) but the boat kiosks aren’t open until 7:30 or 8:00am. So make sure to buy your tickets (if you don’t have a boat pass) the day before. If you still have questions, you can call the Marco Polo Tourist Office, and they can give you any further information you may need. Their number is: 041 5415887.