Venice is the most beautiful city in the world. Seeing it and experiencing it – even just once in a lifetime – is everyone’s desire and the privilege of many. The medieval splendor of a city that “floats” on the water and offers immense churches, golden palaces, fairy-tale bridges and narrow streets lined with sleepy canals… all this splendor is just waiting for you. And you will get there thanks to the landing points that connect Venice directly to the world. We are talking, in particular, about its airport and its railway stations.
AIRPORTS
Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE)
Built in the late 1950s, Venice-Marco Polo International Airport (VCE) started operating in 1961 soon becoming the first airport in region Veneto and one of the busiest in north-east Italy. When you land at Marco Polo, with its two large runways and a single, very big terminal, you already feel the magic of Venice city – though it is 13 km away.
The terminal is divided into 3 floors and many different areas. But the map is well planned and it is very easy to navigate through the structure. Travelers (12 million per year) can use many services such as: restaurants, cafes, shops, duty-free shops, banks, assistance, police station, luggage services, vehicle rentals, large parking areas (up to 6000 cars!) and so on.
The airport is very well connected to the territory: local buses, taxis, private transfers and also a railway line (a brand new one is under construction) allow you to easily move to and from the city.
TRAIN STATIONS
If you already are in Italy, or if you arrive from Europe, you can decide to get to Venice by train. The “Serenissima” city is well connected to the main European railways and it is served by two large stations: a modern one, in the twin city of Mestre, and the historical Santa Lucia, overlooking the Grand Canal!
Venezia Mestre Station
Built in 1909 in order to serve the tradings of the small town of Mestre, in the municipal district of Venice, the station was expanded and modernized in the 1960s . The aim was to help Venice with railway tourism and it soon became the main station of the city. Here arrive the trains from all over Europe, before going their last stop – Venice Santa Lucia. This is still a commercial station, though the main cargo trains now stop at Porto Marghera station.
Mestre stations boasts many services (restaurants, shops, police points, banks, relax halls) and many connections thanks to its 14 tracks.
Venezia Santa Lucia Station
Built in 1861, Venice Santa Lucia station today has 23 tracks, plus 2 more tracks with no platforms, and is the historical terminal railway station of Venice. It takes its name from the church dedicated to Saint Lucy (Venice’s patron saint) which is next to the station.
At Santa Lucia you shall find: cafes, restaurants, shops, a supermarket, police point, first aid point, banks, ticket services, tourist information. There is a very efficient assistance service for people with walking problems. You will not find a car rental service, here, because… there is no street outside!
As you walk out of the station’s main door you are already facing the beautiful main water canal of Venice, and you will find – right in front of you – the ferry service and the many “gondolieri” ready to take you wherever you need to go.