Venice Airport Terminal
Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) stands as the principal international gateway to Venice and the Veneto region, welcoming millions of travelers each year to one of the world’s most unique cities. Located in Tessera, just north of Venice’s historic center, the airport is named after the famed Venetian explorer Marco Polo and is managed by SAVE S.p.A., a company partially owned by local authorities.
Historical Overview
The origins of air travel in Venice date back to 1915 with a military base on the Lido, which evolved into Aeroporto Nicelli in 1935, serving glamorous arrivals for the Venice Film Festival and early European routes. However, as demand grew, the need for a larger, modern facility led to the construction of Marco Polo Airport on reclaimed land from the lagoon, opening in 1960. The current terminal, inaugurated in 2002, was designed to accommodate increasing passenger numbers and has since undergone several expansions to meet 21st-century standards. The most recent extension, completed in 2017, added a striking glass gallery forecourt and improved connectivity to the city’s iconic waterways.
Terminal Layout and Zones
The airport features a single, modern terminal building spread over three main levels:
Ground Level – Arrivals
- Arrivals and Baggage Claim: All passengers arriving at VCE are processed here.
- Check-in Areas: Access to check-in area A (desks 101–139) and area E (desks 92–99).
- Ground Transportation: Direct access to taxis, buses, water shuttles, and car rentals.
- Services: Food and drink concessions, retail shops, police, lost & found, left luggage, ATMs, Poste Italiane cash machine, internet points, travel agency, power chargers, postbox, hospitality/welcome desk, and restrooms
If you’re connecting to Venice’s city center, consider taking the Alilaguna water shuttle for a scenic arrival by boat—tickets can be purchased in the arrivals hall.
First Level – Departures and Check-in
- Departures Hall: Houses 70 check-in desks and centralized security screening.
- Security for US Flights: Dedicated area for direct flights to the United States.
- Shops and Services: Cafés, stores, internet points, police, mailbox, power charging points, baby changing rooms, ATMs, tax refund counters, ticket desks, tour operators, and restrooms.
- Boarding Gates: Gates are clearly marked and separated between Schengen and non-Schengen flights for smooth processing. Escalators provide quick access to gates 9–64
Security checks can get busy during peak hours—arrive early and use online check-in to save time.
Boarding Area
- Facilities: Internet points, power charging stations, ATMs, tax refund, restrooms, stores, wheelchair service, food and drink concessions, and baby care rooms.
- VIP Lounges:
- - Tintoretto Lounge (SkyTeam passengers)
- - Marco Polo Room (all other passengers)
The Marco Polo Room offers a quiet space with complimentary snacks, drinks, and Wi-Fi—consider booking access if you have a long layover.
Second Level – Services
- Amenities: Smoking lounge, toilets, power charging points, ATMs, and VIP lounges.
- Offices: Airline and airport administration offices are located here
Detailed Map
Shopping and Dining
Venice Marco Polo Airport offers a selection of bars, cafés, and restaurants, including classic Italian espresso bars and a self-service restaurant. Most shops are located in the departures area and feature duty-free boutiques (for non-EU travelers), fashion, gifts, and local Venetian specialties such as Murano glass and gourmet foods
Try a Venetian-style coffee or pick up local delicacies as souvenirs—shops often open by 5:30 am and close around 10 pm
Airlines, Popular Routes, and Flight Durations
VCE is a focus city for easyJet, Ryanair, Wizz Air, and Volotea, and is served by major international airlines including Emirates, British Airways, Air France, Lufthansa, KLM, Delta, American Airlines, and Qatar Airways.
Most popular routes and approximate flight durations:
| Route | Airline(s) | Duration (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| London (LHR, LGW, STN) | British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair | 2h 10m – 2h 30m |
| Paris (CDG, ORY) | Air France, easyJet, Vueling | 1h 45m – 2h |
| Amsterdam (AMS) | KLM, easyJet | 1h 55m |
| Frankfurt (FRA) | Lufthansa | 1h 20m |
| New York (JFK, EWR) | Delta, United | 9h – 9h 30m |
| Dubai (DXB) | Emirates | 6h 10m |
| Doha (DOH) | Qatar Airways | 5h 40m |
| Madrid (MAD) | Iberia, Air Europa, Ryanair | 2h 30m |
| Rome (FCO) | ITA Airways, Ryanair | 1h 5m |
For the best fares and seat selection, book flights well in advance, especially during Venice’s peak tourist seasons (spring and autumn).
Lounges
Marco Polo Club: Second level. Open from 05:00 am to 00:00 am. Services: Premium food, Snacks, Alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi, Showers, Flight monitors, Newspapers, Magazines, TV, Internet terminals.
Purchase your pass to Venice Marco Polo Airport lounges