Long lines at Venice Marco Polo Airport

ABOVE: In January, we stood in this line at VCE for three hours to report a suitcase that hadn't shown up on an Air France flight.

We hate to be seen as nattering nobobs of negativism, but the truth must be told: Venice's Marco Polo Airport is too cramped and understaffed for the crowds of tourists and locals who use it, at least during weekends and holiday periods.

For years, we've put up with annoyances at VCE, but our worst experience at the airport came last January when we stood in line for three hours--on a quiet Saturday afternoon, when the arrivals area was otherwise mostly deserted--to report a suitcase that had missed a Delta-Air France connection in Paris. (The lost-and-found office had one clerk representing a dozen or so airlines, and the clerk had to fill in a lengthy online questionnaire for each person with a missing bag.)

A recent 5:30 a.m. check-in wasn't much better: Even before sunrise, the airport's departure lobby was jammed with people, and the woman who was turning people away from the long line for Air France's check-in counters had the personality and demeanor of a dyspeptic prison guard. (We were traveling with our dog and couldn't check in with the automatic kiosks, and we might still be trying to storm Air France's barricades if a more helpful airline employee hadn't come to our aid.)

Our advice:

• If you're flying out of Marco Polo Airport, avoid peak travel times (such as Friday evening or Saturday morning).

• If you need to check in at a counter, or if you're planning to check luggage, allow time for a long wait in line. (Even if you don't have luggage to check, you may have to wait in line, because the major airlines don't have enough automated check-in kiosks for travelers at peak times.)

Comments

[Truth be told]

air france ALWAYS LOSES YOUR BAGGAGE IN THE PARIS CHARLES DE GAULLE CONNECTIONS. AVOID AIR FRANCE AT ALL COST. RATE OF LOST BAGS WITH AIR FRANCE IS THE HIGHEST IN ANY AIRLINE IN THE WORLD.

[Carmen]

First of all thank you for this most informative blog. I have found the information very valuable. I have a question on getting to marco polo airport from Marittima cruise port. We are two adults and one ten year old child arriving in Venice by cruise on November 12. What would you hsuggest the easiest way to get to the airport for a 12:30 flight? Thank you

[Durant Imboden]

Getting from the cruise port to the airport is easy. (See our cruise transportation article at Venice for Visitors; typing "veniceforcruisers.com" into your browser will get you to our Venice cruising section.)

Your biggest challenge may be in getting off the cruise ship in time to make your flight. If you book the very expensive transfers from your cruise line, you should be okay, but otherwise you might want to book a private car ahead of time to whisk you directly from the ship to the airport.

[Sarah]

Hello, This site has by far given me the most information on Venice. Thanks for maintaining this site. We are 2 adults and a 6 yr old kid flying into Marco polo on Dec 23rd. Our flight lands in the evening at 6.45 pm. Our hotel is on the Central Venice (Best Western Ala) What is the easiest and economical way to get to the hotel? Since it will be atleast 7.30pm or later by the time we clear customs and get out of the terminal, will there be any transportation to the island at that time?

[Durant Imboden]

Yes, there's plenty of transportation from Marco Polo Airport to Venice's historic center at 7:30 p.m. For the Hotel Ala, I'd guess that the Alilaguna boat would be most convenient(unless you feel like springing for an expensive water taxi). For specific directions, see the location or "how to reach us" page on the hotel's Web site.

[MG]

How far ahead would you suggest we get to VCE for an 11:30am Delta flight on a Tuesday, Dec 13 to be exact? We will be taking a water taxi from a hotel near the Arsenale stop.

[Durant Imboden]

I'd suggest getting there three hours early (which is when check-in begins). It's better to be safe than sorry, especially at VCE.

[MG]

Thanks, 3 hours is what I've been thinking. Your web pages have been very informative during our current stay here. Going to do some island hopping next!

[Roya]

I wish, I would find your blog earlier. I booked @ hotel columbia in the middle of city. I travel with my two teenager. I wanted them to see every part of this city. The hotel was very expensive and I guess bcs we will be there April 5th and 6th. My other mistake is leaving Venice on Saturday April seventh early in the morning. I don't want to take the taxi bcs it is two expensive for three of us but in the other hand I am not sure if I can find the airport on time with the local transportation. Do you think I can do it and get there on time????
Thank you again,
ROya

[a dunn]

hi ,
i need to get my 20year college student from the venice airport to siena. what would be your advice for the easiest way with large luggage?

[Durant Imboden]

We've never gone from Venice Marco Polo airport to Siena, so we aren't the best people to ask. You could try the Mestre Airport bus to Venezia Mestre station, followed by a train to Florence with a connection by train or bus to Siena. (Siena's railroad station is on the outskirts of town, while buses stop close to the city center.)

Probably your best bet would be to ask your daughter's school or hosts in Siena what they recommend.

[A Facebook User]

First...THANKS for this site! I have already cut and pasted numerous tips and have growled at my husband for "not enough time" spent in Venice! We're not staying in one of your recommended hotels...we had points and are staying free at the Molino-Stucky, the trade-off being the hotel's water taxi vs accommodations price :0). We will only be in town for a couple of days :0( March 7-9, and would appreciate any suggestions as to cafes/restaurants at which to eat any/ALL meals! Since we don't have many meals we want each to count! Thanks!

[APP]

We have a 06:50 flight out of VCE next August. How much time should we allow for check in? What is the criteria for auto-check in?

[Durant Imboden]

APP: The answers to those questions depend on your destination and the airline. Check the airline's Web site.