Venice Marco Polo International Airport (VCE/LIPZ) – Northern Italy’s Global Gateway
Venice Marco Polo International Airport (VCE) is the premier international gateway to the romantic city of Venice and the entire rich Veneto region of Northern Italy. Named after the famous Venetian explorer, the airport is strategically situated in Tessera, just 8 km (5 miles) from Venice’s historic heart and easily accessible to iconic landmarks like St. Mark’s Square and the islands of Murano and Burano. VCE serves as a vital connecting point for both leisure tourists flocking to the canals and business travellers utilizing the region’s strong industrial base.
Overview and Market Position
VCE is managed by SAVE S.p.A. and has established itself as one of Italy’s most significant and fastest-growing hubs. Its traffic profile is distinctly international, with a strong focus on high-value intercontinental routes, reflecting its role as a global tourism magnet.
| Feature | Details |
| IATA / ICAO Code | VCE / LIPZ |
| Location | Tessera (Venezia), Italy |
| Operating Company | SAVE S.p.A. |
| Record Passenger Traffic (2024) | 11.6 million passengers (a historic high, exceeding pre-pandemic levels) |
| H1 Passenger Traffic (2025) | Over 3.2 million passengers (3.8% growth year-on-year) |
| Intercontinental Traffic | Represents approximately 21% of total traffic |
| Currency | Euro (€) |
Terminal Infrastructure and Major Development
Venice Marco Polo Airport operates a single, modern passenger terminal designed to efficiently handle a diverse mix of domestic, European, and long-haul flights. The terminal is currently the subject of a comprehensive expansion program designed to enhance passenger experience and capacity.
Future-Proofing the Terminal
VCE is aggressively pursuing a development plan to accommodate over 15 million passengers by 2030 and potentially 20 million by 2037.
- Terminal 2A Expansion: The first section of the new Terminal 2A expansion, adding 14,300 square meters and 10 new boarding gates, is scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2025. The entire expansion work, which will feature four levels overlooking the lagoon, is slated for completion by May 2026.
- New Rail Connection: A crucial project is underway to link the airport to Italy’s national railway network. The new “Venice – Airport” station, featuring two underground platforms connected to the terminal, is expected to be completed by December 2025. This will optimize train-air intermodality, particularly ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Passenger Facilities
- Lounges: Premium facilities include the recently opened Aspire Executive Lounge (active since September 2025), offering a comfortable pre-flight environment.
- Retail and Dining: A vast selection of high-end Italian and international brands in the duty-free area, alongside numerous restaurants and bars.
- Connectivity: Free and accessible Wi-Fi is provided throughout the terminal building.
- Hotels: Convenient accommodation is available nearby, including the Courtyard by Marriott and Annia Park Hotel.
Global Connectivity and Key Airlines
VCE is a vital gateway for intercontinental travel, connecting Northern Italy with North America, the Middle East, and Asia.
Major Operators
The airport is served by a robust roster of airlines, including ITA Airways, major low-cost carriers like Ryanair and Wizz Air, and numerous international flag carriers such as Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, British Airways, Emirates, and Qatar Airways.
New and Enhanced Routes (2025/2026)
- North America Focus: Connectivity to the US has been significantly boosted. American Airlines launched its new seasonal connection to Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), and United Airlines has added a direct route to Washington D.C..
- Middle East Links: Saudia has expanded its network with new flights to Riyadh and Jeddah (starting June 2025). Qatar Airways has resumed daily flights to Doha, complementing Emirates’ daily service to Dubai.
- European Growth: Low-cost carrier Wizz Air continues to strengthen its base with new routes, including connections to Bordeaux, Kutaisi, and Valencia. Turkish Airlines has also increased its flight capacity to Istanbul for 2025.
Transportation: Getting to Venice and the Mainland
Venice Marco Polo offers unique and efficient multi-modal transport options, including water connections, which are essential for reaching the island city.
| Mode of Transport | Destination | Duration (approx.) | Estimated Cost (EUR) | Key Information |
| Vaporetto (Water Bus) | Venice (City Center / St. Mark’s) | ~1 hour 15 minutes | €15–€27 | Operated by Alilaguna. The scenic way to reach the city’s main docks. |
| Bus | Piazzale Roma (Venice) / Mestre Railway Station | ~20–30 minutes | €8–€10 | Express bus services by ATVO and local buses by ACTV are the fastest land connection to Venice’s bus hub. |
| Taxi (Land) | Piazzale Roma / Mestre | ~20 minutes | €40–€50 | Standard taxi service. Recommended to confirm the fare beforehand. |
| Water Taxi | Venice (Individual Hotel Dock) | ~30 minutes | €110+ | Private, direct, and luxurious transfer to your exact destination on the canals. |
| Train | Various (via new station) | TBD | TBD | The new rail link is expected to be fully operational by December 2025, connecting the terminal to Italy’s national rail network. |
Airport Development, Sustainability, and Traveller Information
Sustainability Commitment
VCE is deeply committed to environmental stewardship, aligning its ambitious growth plans with ecological goals. The airport’s declared target is to achieve Carbon Neutrality by 2030. Initiatives include partnerships with programs like “Too Good To Go” to significantly reduce food waste within the commercial areas.
New Border Management System
For non-EU citizens, the new European Union border management system, the Entry/Exit System (EES), became active at Venice Airport for incoming flights on October 20, 2025. Passengers travelling from outside the Schengen area should be aware of the new registration and validation procedures at border control.
Contact Details
For the most accurate flight status and detailed service information, travellers should consult the official airport channels.
- Address: Viale G Galilei 30/1, I-30030 Tessera (Venezia), ITALY
- Telephone: +39 041 2609260
- Official Website: www.veniceairport.it