Why Rent a Car at Venice Marco Polo Airport?
Venice is unique — a city of canals where cars don’t exist. So why rent a car at Marco Polo Airport (VCE)? Because the Veneto region beyond Venice is spectacular: Verona of Shakespearean fame, the Prosecco hills of Valdobbiadene, the Dolomite mountains, the walled towns of Treviso and Padua, and the Palladian villas along the Brenta Canal. Renting a car at Venice Airport positions you for both the city of canals and the countryside most visitors never see.
The trick is timing. Venice itself is pedestrian-only (and boat-accessible). Do Venice first or last, without a car. Pick up your rental when you’re ready to explore the Veneto, and return it before heading back into the city. The airport is well-positioned for both — on the mainland, with direct motorway access.
Arriving at Venice Marco Polo Airport
Venice Airport sits on the mainland, about 13 kilometres from Venice proper. It’s named after the explorer Marco Polo, and handles flights from across Europe and beyond. Terminal is modern, and car rental desks are clearly signed in arrivals. Pre-booking is essential in summer when demand peaks.
The airport has two options for Venice: water bus (Alilaguna) to the city (60-90 minutes) or bus to Piazzale Roma (30 minutes). If you’re picking up a car, you drive straight from the airport onto the motorway network.
Driving from Venice — What to Know
Venice is on an island. You cannot drive into the city — Piazzale Roma is the last point where cars can go, and from there you’re walking or taking boats. The airport is on the mainland with direct motorway access.
Italian driving: Assertive but manageable. Stay right (except for overtaking), use indicators, and expect faster drivers to tailgate. Speed limits: 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on secondary roads, 130 km/h on motorways.
Tolls: Italian motorways (autostrade) are tolled. Take a ticket on entry, pay on exit. Credit cards accepted at most lanes.
Where to Go from Venice Airport
Venice (Venezia)
Not by car. Park at Piazzale Roma or Tronchetto and walk or take boats. The city is entirely pedestrian — canals, bridges, squares. St Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, the Rialto Bridge, the Bridge of Sighs. Getting lost is part of the experience.
Verona
1.5 hours west via A4. The city of Romeo and Juliet — though the balcony is a tourist invention, the Roman arena is genuine and hosts opera performances. The medieval centre is walkable and atmospheric. Less crowded than Venice, equally beautiful.
Treviso
30 minutes north. A walled medieval town with canals, frescoed buildings, and far fewer tourists than Venice. The centro storico is walkable. Famous for tiramisu (allegedly invented here) and prosecco production nearby.
Padua (Padova)
40 minutes west. A university city with the Scrovegni Chapel (Giotto’s frescoes, book ahead), the Basilica of St Anthony, and Europe’s oldest botanical garden. The student atmosphere makes it livelier than pure tourist cities.
Vicenza
1 hour west. The city of Palladio — Renaissance architect whose villas dot the Veneto. The Teatro Olimpico is stunning. Less visited than Verona, elegant and authentic.
Dolomites
1.5-2 hours north. The Italian Alps are dramatic — jagged peaks, alpine meadows, ski resorts. Cortina d’Ampezzo is the glamour resort. Great for hiking in summer, skiing in winter. The drive from Venice through the valleys is beautiful.
Prosecco Region
45 minutes north. The hills between Valdobbiadene and Conegliano produce Italy’s most famous sparkling wine. Visit wineries, taste, and enjoy the rolling landscape. Better than a standard vineyard tour because it’s less crowded than Tuscany.
Trieste and the Coast
1.5 hours east. A Habsburg city with a different feel — Viennese architecture, a grand waterfront, and proximity to Slovenia. The surrounding coast is dramatic, with the castle of Miramare overlooking the sea.
Practical Tips for Venice Car Rental
Timing: Pick up your car after you’ve visited Venice, or return it before entering the city. There’s no point having a car while you’re staying in Venice proper.
ZTL zones: Italian city centres often have Limited Traffic Zones. Check before driving into historic centres.
Documents: EU licences accepted. Others usually need an International Driving Permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive into Venice?
No. Venice is on an island accessible only by boat or foot. Park at Piazzale Roma or Tronchetto and walk or take boats.
How far is Verona from Venice Airport?
About 1.5 hours via A4 motorway. Easy drive, well-signed.
Should I rent a car for Venice?
Only for exploring the Veneto region. Rent after you’ve visited Venice or return it before going into the city.
How far are the Dolomites?
1.5-2 hours depending on your destination. Cortina is about 2 hours via the winding pass roads.
Book Your Venice Marco Polo Airport Car Hire
Ready to explore the Veneto beyond Venice? We work with trusted rental companies at Venice Marco Polo to bring you competitive rates with no hidden fees. The price you see includes essentials. Compare vehicles, book online, and discover Verona, the Dolomites, and the Prosecco hills at your own pace.