Marco Polo Airport water taxi: shared, private or Alilaguna?
Updated October 11, 2026 · 5 min read
For most couples, a shared water taxi is the useful middle ground: more direct than Alilaguna and far cheaper than booking a private boat alone. Choose Alilaguna when your accommodation is near one of its stops and price matters most. Choose a private taxi for a group, substantial luggage or an address that makes the final walk difficult.
Compare the three options
| Option | Best for | Main drawback |
|---|---|---|
| Alilaguna | Lowest-cost boat connection near a listed stop | Scheduled route with intermediate stops |
| Shared water taxi | Couples wanting a more direct transfer | Waiting and sharing are possible |
| Private water taxi | Group or door-nearest practical arrival | Highest total price |
The shared Marco Polo Airport water-taxi transfer starts at €39 per person. A private water-taxi transfer starts at €215 per boat for up to six passengers. Compare the total for your group, not just the headline per-person figure, and check whether the boat reaches a hotel landing or the nearest usable pier.
Alilaguna is public airport water transport, not an ACTV vaporetto. Venice Airport lists connections to Venice, Murano, Burano and Lido, while Alilaguna’s current network includes several lines and stops. It is not direct: the airport FAQ explicitly says boats make the scheduled intermediate stops. A one-way ticket is for one continuous journey, not hop-on, hop-off travel.
The detail that changes the answer
Your hotel location matters more than the romantic idea of arriving by boat. From a convenient Alilaguna stop, public transport can win easily. From a remote pier with heavy cases, a cheaper ticket can leave an awkward final walk over bridges. Shared transfers may also involve waiting for other passengers.
Follow the airport’s “Water Transport” signs to the dock and allow time for the covered route from the terminal. Confirm luggage limits, late-arrival arrangements and the precise drop-off before paying. Compare current transfer choices among the Venice attraction and transport tickets.