Early International Flight in Venice
Mar 14th, 2005, 11:52 AM
#22
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,049
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The early morning flights from Venice have been scheduled that way for years. The bus and Alilaguna schedules have been that way for years, and I'm sure they know when the planes leave. We take the Alilaguna and it is always packed. Thousands upon thousands of people have done this before you.
Have you ever heard anyone complain that they were late for their flight?
Have you ever heard anyone complain that they were late for their flight?
Mar 15th, 2005, 08:43 AM
#23
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,437
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm not Willtravel, but I've taken the ATVO airport express. There's only one terminal at Marco Polo, and the bus drops you off right by the front door. There's a luggage compartment at the bottom of the bus, so you don't have to drag luggage upstairs into the seating area.
At that hour, the ATVO doesn't run frequently, so the next one after the 5:00 is at 5:50. I think that the ACTV bus, which is a regular city bus, runs more often-- you can look on www.actv.it.
ATVO costs 3 Euros, and ACTV is less. I've bought the ticket before boarding at the ATVO office in Piazzale Roma. Don't know if it's open that early. If not I'd imagine you can pay on the bus (or maybe buy a ticket at the newsstand at Piazzale Roma), but I don't know.
At that hour, the ATVO doesn't run frequently, so the next one after the 5:00 is at 5:50. I think that the ACTV bus, which is a regular city bus, runs more often-- you can look on www.actv.it.
ATVO costs 3 Euros, and ACTV is less. I've bought the ticket before boarding at the ATVO office in Piazzale Roma. Don't know if it's open that early. If not I'd imagine you can pay on the bus (or maybe buy a ticket at the newsstand at Piazzale Roma), but I don't know.
Mar 16th, 2005, 08:39 AM
#25
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 225
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
KT/Willtravel - thanks for the info - yeah I did read that somewhere - that the ticket offices do not open that early - so I am sure they will let you pay on the bus or something (will have to look into it when we get there).
RufusTFirefly - no on a normal day being stranded in paris for 3 days would be great - but when you have already been travelling and away for 3 weeks, have spent more than enough time in paris, were looking to get back home, are missing work days because of it, are stuck in an airport hotel since they keep asking you to check back the next day for open seats adn are told "nope all booked", and you go back to the crummy airport hotel - it is definitely a bad thing.
RufusTFirefly - no on a normal day being stranded in paris for 3 days would be great - but when you have already been travelling and away for 3 weeks, have spent more than enough time in paris, were looking to get back home, are missing work days because of it, are stuck in an airport hotel since they keep asking you to check back the next day for open seats adn are told "nope all booked", and you go back to the crummy airport hotel - it is definitely a bad thing.
Mar 18th, 2005, 04:18 PM
#26
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,602
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Ok Hawaiihoneymoon- I am just back from bella Venezia and I can answer your questions, since I did the trip to Marco Polo Airport (VCE) from the San Marco Alilaguna water bus stop less than 24 hours ago. So here are my suggestions, in no particular order:
You DO NOT have to be at the small, new and well-designed VCE airport 3 hours before-it is a domestic flight, so you will only have to be there for check-in an hour before, and I can also advise you they will not check you in at VCE for a domestic flight before 2 hours, (at least not on Lufthansa). If you go to the Venice Airport site, as LoveItaly suggested, you will see the opening check-in hours for flights, and the earliest check-in is from 5:30 on Alitalia to 6:00 for Air France, Delta and Lufthansa, so planning your arrival time for around 6:00am will coincide perfectly with the opening check-in hours for the air carriers in question.
Now, Venezia is not the easiest place to depart from, people who have never been there should know this before leaving and plan, as you are, what method of transportation you are going to use, and how close your hotel is to your outbound transportation plans. You need to think about your luggage, those purchases you will make, and walking with purchases and luggage in hand around on the calle of Venice-however everyone does it, and because you're leaving so early in the morning you should have the distinct advantage of being able to roll your luggage along almost deserted streets, which will make things much easier.
I don't know where you are staying in Venice, but if is nearer the train station, (vaporetto stop: Ferrovia) i.e., around Rialto or other parts of Canneregio, then I would take the vaporetto to Ple. Roma and then take the ACTV bus, which as WT points out, takes around 30 min., give or take a few. As long as you get to VCE by around 6am, don't have a lot of luggage to check, etc. you should be FINE-and with the bus you should get to the airport by around 5:30am, which really should be the earliest that you arrive-as the airport is just opening at that time.
Now, if you are staying in the San Marco/Castello area, then I would strongly recommend you take the Alilaguna. Why? Because at that hour of the morning there shouldn't be that many people on the Alilaguna water bus (if you will be there in the height of the spring/summer season that might be different-but at any rate, you can take the 4:30 shuttle, it will take you exactly 70 minutes (I timed it yesterday and when I arrived a week ago) and it will let you off at the landing point adjacent to where the private motoscafi let you off, the only difference being you will be paying some 70E LESS per person, as Alilaguna one-way is 10E. This is not at all difficult, and quite a relaxing way to arrive at the airport, particularly when you think of how much money you've saved by taking the Alilaguna over the private motoscafi.
Now, your other question is about the airport shuttle bus from the water taxi landing area to the airport. I did not use this shuttle bus, either leaving from the airport to Venice, nor yesterday morning from Venice going to the airport. Why? Because it's not necessary! It is AT MOST a 5-7 min. walk with luggage, the way is marked-something like "way to airport" (and from the airport, there are well marked signs to the Alilaguna water taxi area) you get off the boat, walk up to the road, and start walking TO THE RIGHT, around the buildings, on the sidewalk, cross the little road, you're now at the outer walkway of the airport-walk up this sidewalk right up to the airport, follow the entry sign that says "departures" go in that door (and not the first entrance door you see) get on the escalator to the ticketing counters, and that's it! All the Venetians who do this jaunt regularly are already walking themselves and their luggage to the airport, so you can just follow them. Nothing difficult or complicated about it-it's actually a nice little walk.
I am one who much prefers to get to the airport early as possible. I left San Marco yesterday am on the 6:50 water bus and after arriving at around 8:00am, and doing the short walk to the airport I arrived at the ticketing counter right around 8:10am. LH did not permit me to check-in for my FRA flight until 2 hours before scheduled departure-however, for your 7:20 departure, the carrier would not allow check-in until 6:00, and they let people check-in as late as 40 min. before departure.
I now have in my hands the "Orario" (timetable) for Alilaguna that I got just yesterday. As I stated earlier, the first Alilaguna water bus leaves at 4:35 from San Marco, and if you are staying near Zattere your Alilaguna will leave from there at 4:20, and go on to San Marco for the 4:35am trip.
If I were you, I'd just get myself to San Marco Alilaguna stop for the 4:35 departure-that will put you in at around 5:55am, walk 6 min. or so, and you'll be at the airport right around 6am, which will be practically deserted at that hour (it was very quiet even at 8:00am yesterday, as a matter of fact).
So in sum, HawaiiHoneymoon-I DO NOT think you need to stay in Mestre at all-and would suggest that you either take the bus from Ple. Roma (but note of caution: you really need to calculate vaporetto time to Piazzale Roma relative to where your hotel is located-for example, from the Rialto vaporetto stop, there are some 6 stops before reaching Pzle. Roma, so this should take some time as well-it could be 10 minutes or a bit longer-check www.actv.it for vaporetto stops on lines 1 and 82, both of which run the length of the Grand Canal to Ple. Roma).
You're absolutely right to do your transportation planning well ahead of time, as it will make things so much easier for you once you get there.
You DO NOT have to be at the small, new and well-designed VCE airport 3 hours before-it is a domestic flight, so you will only have to be there for check-in an hour before, and I can also advise you they will not check you in at VCE for a domestic flight before 2 hours, (at least not on Lufthansa). If you go to the Venice Airport site, as LoveItaly suggested, you will see the opening check-in hours for flights, and the earliest check-in is from 5:30 on Alitalia to 6:00 for Air France, Delta and Lufthansa, so planning your arrival time for around 6:00am will coincide perfectly with the opening check-in hours for the air carriers in question.
Now, Venezia is not the easiest place to depart from, people who have never been there should know this before leaving and plan, as you are, what method of transportation you are going to use, and how close your hotel is to your outbound transportation plans. You need to think about your luggage, those purchases you will make, and walking with purchases and luggage in hand around on the calle of Venice-however everyone does it, and because you're leaving so early in the morning you should have the distinct advantage of being able to roll your luggage along almost deserted streets, which will make things much easier.
I don't know where you are staying in Venice, but if is nearer the train station, (vaporetto stop: Ferrovia) i.e., around Rialto or other parts of Canneregio, then I would take the vaporetto to Ple. Roma and then take the ACTV bus, which as WT points out, takes around 30 min., give or take a few. As long as you get to VCE by around 6am, don't have a lot of luggage to check, etc. you should be FINE-and with the bus you should get to the airport by around 5:30am, which really should be the earliest that you arrive-as the airport is just opening at that time.
Now, if you are staying in the San Marco/Castello area, then I would strongly recommend you take the Alilaguna. Why? Because at that hour of the morning there shouldn't be that many people on the Alilaguna water bus (if you will be there in the height of the spring/summer season that might be different-but at any rate, you can take the 4:30 shuttle, it will take you exactly 70 minutes (I timed it yesterday and when I arrived a week ago) and it will let you off at the landing point adjacent to where the private motoscafi let you off, the only difference being you will be paying some 70E LESS per person, as Alilaguna one-way is 10E. This is not at all difficult, and quite a relaxing way to arrive at the airport, particularly when you think of how much money you've saved by taking the Alilaguna over the private motoscafi.
Now, your other question is about the airport shuttle bus from the water taxi landing area to the airport. I did not use this shuttle bus, either leaving from the airport to Venice, nor yesterday morning from Venice going to the airport. Why? Because it's not necessary! It is AT MOST a 5-7 min. walk with luggage, the way is marked-something like "way to airport" (and from the airport, there are well marked signs to the Alilaguna water taxi area) you get off the boat, walk up to the road, and start walking TO THE RIGHT, around the buildings, on the sidewalk, cross the little road, you're now at the outer walkway of the airport-walk up this sidewalk right up to the airport, follow the entry sign that says "departures" go in that door (and not the first entrance door you see) get on the escalator to the ticketing counters, and that's it! All the Venetians who do this jaunt regularly are already walking themselves and their luggage to the airport, so you can just follow them. Nothing difficult or complicated about it-it's actually a nice little walk.
I am one who much prefers to get to the airport early as possible. I left San Marco yesterday am on the 6:50 water bus and after arriving at around 8:00am, and doing the short walk to the airport I arrived at the ticketing counter right around 8:10am. LH did not permit me to check-in for my FRA flight until 2 hours before scheduled departure-however, for your 7:20 departure, the carrier would not allow check-in until 6:00, and they let people check-in as late as 40 min. before departure.
I now have in my hands the "Orario" (timetable) for Alilaguna that I got just yesterday. As I stated earlier, the first Alilaguna water bus leaves at 4:35 from San Marco, and if you are staying near Zattere your Alilaguna will leave from there at 4:20, and go on to San Marco for the 4:35am trip.
If I were you, I'd just get myself to San Marco Alilaguna stop for the 4:35 departure-that will put you in at around 5:55am, walk 6 min. or so, and you'll be at the airport right around 6am, which will be practically deserted at that hour (it was very quiet even at 8:00am yesterday, as a matter of fact).
So in sum, HawaiiHoneymoon-I DO NOT think you need to stay in Mestre at all-and would suggest that you either take the bus from Ple. Roma (but note of caution: you really need to calculate vaporetto time to Piazzale Roma relative to where your hotel is located-for example, from the Rialto vaporetto stop, there are some 6 stops before reaching Pzle. Roma, so this should take some time as well-it could be 10 minutes or a bit longer-check www.actv.it for vaporetto stops on lines 1 and 82, both of which run the length of the Grand Canal to Ple. Roma).
You're absolutely right to do your transportation planning well ahead of time, as it will make things so much easier for you once you get there.
Mar 18th, 2005, 05:55 PM
#28
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,602
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
No, not per person on the motoscafi. For the number of persons in your party, for 7-10 persons, I believe, it should run somewhere around 105-115E total, depending on whether you're going to Venice proper or the Lido.
Mar 19th, 2005, 04:13 AM
#29
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,602
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
And for all those out there who will be taking the Alilaguna water bus in the early morning from Venice....I hesitate to say this, because I know there will be those who might be afraid to take it at all after reading what I'm about to write, (which you shouldn't be-necessarily) but I'm talking about a fog situation now. If the lagoon is socked in with pea soup fog, as it very often is in the early morning, before the sun has had a chance to burn through it, well, you might want to reconsider...what happened Thursday morning was, um, a bit scary, to say the least.
I'm still thinking it over...how close we came to a terrible accident...not once, but twice...I got queasy, not from being on the wster either...we could see nothing of course, in this fog, but this is an ancient maritime city, its watermen must surely know this area backwards and forwards, in fog or no. Or so I thought... I kept looking out the window, feeling a vague sense of uneasiness-the watermen had their disco music playing full blast-which, was ok, I thought, I mean, whatever gets you started in the morning, right?
Then suddenly, there was a terrible blast of very loud fog horns and ALL the windows on the opposite side of the water bus from where I was sitting running the length of the bus were suddenly red...the red side of a large tanker was not 5 inches away...all along the length of the boat going in the opposite direction, or was it the same direction?...although there were life vests right next to me, ready to grab, had we smashed into it, as we very nearly did, we could not have survived more than a few minutes, as the water temp was probably no more than 30 degrees. I let out an OH MY GOD! The Italians on board were too shocked to say a word...they were sitting there with huge eyes and open mouths, gasping...
And then, I swear, it happened again. Not 5 minutes later, it seemed, but this time, it was another water bus, our "operator" slammed on the brakes, we were thrown forward, just a bit, and then there was screaming from the other waterbus as IT crossed in front of our waterbus not inches away (there were no passengers on the other waterbus I think) -it had to be inches, because I could see everyone on it-it was then that I began to think I was going to throw up... but we were suddenly there a few minutes later...shaken and stirred, but alive and in one piece.
Maybe I'll be able to be amused by this little "event" at some point...I sure hope so-after I got into the airport, I went over to the Cafe and promptly ordered a "caffe coretto" -espresso with a shot of grappa. It did in fact help to chase away the queasiness-ah yes, yet another travel adventure in la Repubblica!
And by the way, our trip INTO Venice on Alilaguna was just fine, thanks, really quite beautiful...as it was a lovely blue sky sunny day- and the view from the airplane coming into Marco Polo, with this wide angle view of the lagoon communities of the Veneto in the clear morning sunshine, was just stunning.
And yes, I will take Alilaguna again, but, like I said, probably not in the fog...
I'm still thinking it over...how close we came to a terrible accident...not once, but twice...I got queasy, not from being on the wster either...we could see nothing of course, in this fog, but this is an ancient maritime city, its watermen must surely know this area backwards and forwards, in fog or no. Or so I thought... I kept looking out the window, feeling a vague sense of uneasiness-the watermen had their disco music playing full blast-which, was ok, I thought, I mean, whatever gets you started in the morning, right?
Then suddenly, there was a terrible blast of very loud fog horns and ALL the windows on the opposite side of the water bus from where I was sitting running the length of the bus were suddenly red...the red side of a large tanker was not 5 inches away...all along the length of the boat going in the opposite direction, or was it the same direction?...although there were life vests right next to me, ready to grab, had we smashed into it, as we very nearly did, we could not have survived more than a few minutes, as the water temp was probably no more than 30 degrees. I let out an OH MY GOD! The Italians on board were too shocked to say a word...they were sitting there with huge eyes and open mouths, gasping...
And then, I swear, it happened again. Not 5 minutes later, it seemed, but this time, it was another water bus, our "operator" slammed on the brakes, we were thrown forward, just a bit, and then there was screaming from the other waterbus as IT crossed in front of our waterbus not inches away (there were no passengers on the other waterbus I think) -it had to be inches, because I could see everyone on it-it was then that I began to think I was going to throw up... but we were suddenly there a few minutes later...shaken and stirred, but alive and in one piece.
Maybe I'll be able to be amused by this little "event" at some point...I sure hope so-after I got into the airport, I went over to the Cafe and promptly ordered a "caffe coretto" -espresso with a shot of grappa. It did in fact help to chase away the queasiness-ah yes, yet another travel adventure in la Repubblica!
And by the way, our trip INTO Venice on Alilaguna was just fine, thanks, really quite beautiful...as it was a lovely blue sky sunny day- and the view from the airplane coming into Marco Polo, with this wide angle view of the lagoon communities of the Veneto in the clear morning sunshine, was just stunning.
And yes, I will take Alilaguna again, but, like I said, probably not in the fog...
Mar 20th, 2005, 10:06 AM
#30
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,040
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Spygirl, Scary, very scary scenario. I've taken the Alilaguna to-and-from the train station on a prior trip. With young grandchildren in tow, I prefer to "cut my losses" and spend the extra money for a water taxi. My husband would agree.
However, doesn't the fog affect every type of watercraft, not just the Alilaguna in a fog situation?
However, doesn't the fog affect every type of watercraft, not just the Alilaguna in a fog situation?
Mar 20th, 2005, 11:21 AM
#31
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 14,748
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Indeed the fog does affect every sort of craft. For an early morning flight out of Venezia, we had ordered a water taxi at 4:30.
They came to our hotel, which had a landing, but left us off at Piazzale Roma because the fog was too thick to take us to the airport.
The scene at Piazzale Roma was chaotic. It was still dark out, and the fog made things worse. No one knew quite what to do: everyone was trying to get to the airport, but no boats were running.
Our of the fog, a bus pulled up, tons of people with luggage piled on, many stood, and off we went to the airport.
I don't think we even had tickets, but this was in 99 and it is hard to remember all the details.
However, despite getting to the airport later than we planned, we were still there in plenty of time, because the heavy fog delayed our flight departure.
I think we just made our connection in Rome, back to the US.
It isn't easy getting out of V. but it seems that everyone makes it!
They came to our hotel, which had a landing, but left us off at Piazzale Roma because the fog was too thick to take us to the airport.
The scene at Piazzale Roma was chaotic. It was still dark out, and the fog made things worse. No one knew quite what to do: everyone was trying to get to the airport, but no boats were running.
Our of the fog, a bus pulled up, tons of people with luggage piled on, many stood, and off we went to the airport.
I don't think we even had tickets, but this was in 99 and it is hard to remember all the details.
However, despite getting to the airport later than we planned, we were still there in plenty of time, because the heavy fog delayed our flight departure.
I think we just made our connection in Rome, back to the US.
It isn't easy getting out of V. but it seems that everyone makes it!
Mar 20th, 2005, 11:55 AM
#32
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 45,322
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Speaking of fog, and yes Venice can and does get terrible fog at times, do keep this in mind if your Venice flight is taking you elsewhere to change flights to get home to the US.
I have almost missed flights twice because the departing flight in Venice was delayed in takeoff due to fog conditions.
Consequently I would prefer more time before the second flight even if it means hanging around the airport longer (in my case Amsterdam) then missing my plane home to SFO.
I have almost missed flights twice because the departing flight in Venice was delayed in takeoff due to fog conditions.
Consequently I would prefer more time before the second flight even if it means hanging around the airport longer (in my case Amsterdam) then missing my plane home to SFO.
Mar 20th, 2005, 05:10 PM
#33
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,040
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sometimes it's all about details.
Tuscanlifeedit, I can picture this scene you describe in my head, and it's not something to look forward to at the end of two weeks. It could, however, be good weather and smooth sailing (so to speak).
LoveItaly, Good point. The connection back to JFK cannot be tight. The pressure would cause a lot of stress if we were running late getting out of Venice.
Tuscanlifeedit, I can picture this scene you describe in my head, and it's not something to look forward to at the end of two weeks. It could, however, be good weather and smooth sailing (so to speak).
LoveItaly, Good point. The connection back to JFK cannot be tight. The pressure would cause a lot of stress if we were running late getting out of Venice.
Mar 20th, 2005, 05:55 PM
#34
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 45,322
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi i_am_kane, yes the details! I think that is what is so wonderful about the Fodor's Boards, we constantly get reminded of things and details that we do not think about due to the pressure and time restraints with life.
I have gotten a bit lax these last years about details regarding travel. And I sure do not want to be uptight but reading these threads do remind us to be alert to potential problems and to be prepared for flight delays, cancellations, strikes etc.
Although what dear Spygirl went through is something we cannot be prepared for. Frankly I am shocked about her incident. And having boated for years I find her experience horrifying.
BTW, the fog is why I will not fly into Venice during the winter months. Amsterdam has this problem too. So does Milan (Milpensa and Linarte airport).
And in northern Italy tremendous auto accidents happen every year, 30 to 40 plus cars pile up on the autostrada due to the fog.
It is rather like the tule fog we get here in the Sacramento Valley.
Fog can be a wicked enemy.
Safe travels everyone!
I have gotten a bit lax these last years about details regarding travel. And I sure do not want to be uptight but reading these threads do remind us to be alert to potential problems and to be prepared for flight delays, cancellations, strikes etc.
Although what dear Spygirl went through is something we cannot be prepared for. Frankly I am shocked about her incident. And having boated for years I find her experience horrifying.
BTW, the fog is why I will not fly into Venice during the winter months. Amsterdam has this problem too. So does Milan (Milpensa and Linarte airport).
And in northern Italy tremendous auto accidents happen every year, 30 to 40 plus cars pile up on the autostrada due to the fog.
It is rather like the tule fog we get here in the Sacramento Valley.
Fog can be a wicked enemy.
Safe travels everyone!
Mar 20th, 2005, 06:07 PM
#35
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 12,188
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I was considering taking KLM/NWA flights that would leave Venice and go through Amsterdam. Sometimes it is possible to get a reasonably-priced flight that leaves Venice in mid-afternoon, and then has an overnight stopover in Amsterdam, before flying back to the US. If I were to do this, that's the approach I might try to take, using Priceline for a good 3* or 4* hotel near the airport in Amsterdam or else staying at Ibis Amsterdam Airport.
I have read of one person on this board who said she did get in the check-in line at the earliest possible moment for a 6:30 AM flight or so, after waiting for someone to show up, but was still not allowed to check in because she was too late - sort of Catch 22 situation. It would seem most people here haven't had that experience, but it seems that it's not impossible.
For my next trip, I got travel insurance which covers various eventualities, but it does require that you make a reasonable effort to get to the airport 2 hours in advance (or 4 hours in advance if it's a separate ticket).
I have read of one person on this board who said she did get in the check-in line at the earliest possible moment for a 6:30 AM flight or so, after waiting for someone to show up, but was still not allowed to check in because she was too late - sort of Catch 22 situation. It would seem most people here haven't had that experience, but it seems that it's not impossible.
For my next trip, I got travel insurance which covers various eventualities, but it does require that you make a reasonable effort to get to the airport 2 hours in advance (or 4 hours in advance if it's a separate ticket).
Mar 20th, 2005, 06:27 PM
#36
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 45,322
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi WillTravel, I am not the person you are referring to but - I would love to have an afternoon flight out of Venice and stay overnight at the hotel in Amsterdam before I fly back to SFO. That would be wonderful.
Next trip I will check into this. It would cut down on stress (catching the KLM in Amsterdam) plus a good nights sleep would be wonderful as I never get any sleep the night before I leave the MarcoPolo airport.
Again, so many good thoughts and ideas pop up on Fodors.
Next trip I will check into this. It would cut down on stress (catching the KLM in Amsterdam) plus a good nights sleep would be wonderful as I never get any sleep the night before I leave the MarcoPolo airport.
Again, so many good thoughts and ideas pop up on Fodors.
Mar 21st, 2005, 07:40 AM
#38
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 215
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We took a private taxi to the airport for a 7:20 flight out of Venice. The concierge at our hotel called the night before to make arrangements for the taxi to be at the landing by our hotel at a little before 6:00am. (We were right by the Accadamia bridge.)Riding in the taxi made us feel like rock stars! They are very cool. It cost about 85Euros - but the concierge said not to tip the driver, because the driver owns the boat and makes lots of money on the fare. When we arrived at the airport landing, we didn't see a shuttle, so we walked to the terminal (maybe a 5-10 minute walk).
Mar 21st, 2005, 07:46 AM
#39
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,049
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I would think that the alilaguna would be the safest of water transports, as each that I have been on has had radar and a full complement of navigational instruments, which I don't recall seeing on any water taxi.
As to Spygirl's report of a near accident, I think it is rife with exaggeration. Granted, the waterways around Venice are crowded, and the vessels do come close to each other, but the Venetians enjoy a reputation as skilled mariners, and accidents are very rare.
As to Spygirl's report of a near accident, I think it is rife with exaggeration. Granted, the waterways around Venice are crowded, and the vessels do come close to each other, but the Venetians enjoy a reputation as skilled mariners, and accidents are very rare.
Mar 21st, 2005, 01:39 PM
#40
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We flew back from Venice yesterday. We had a 10:15am flight. This is what we did:
- Took the vaporetto from our stop to Pizzale Roma. We caught it at 6:33am from the Accadamia stop and arrived a little after 7am.
- The bus (no 5 - local...I heard there's a non-stop but this is the only one we could figure out) doesn't leave very often on Sunday! It was scheduled at 7:40am and left at 7:44am.
- We arrived at the airport just before 8am.
- The check-in desk didn't open until 8:15am for our 10:15am flight.
I think the trick for peace of mind is finding out the schedule for the vaporetto (must less frequent before 7am) and bus.
- Took the vaporetto from our stop to Pizzale Roma. We caught it at 6:33am from the Accadamia stop and arrived a little after 7am.
- The bus (no 5 - local...I heard there's a non-stop but this is the only one we could figure out) doesn't leave very often on Sunday! It was scheduled at 7:40am and left at 7:44am.
- We arrived at the airport just before 8am.
- The check-in desk didn't open until 8:15am for our 10:15am flight.
I think the trick for peace of mind is finding out the schedule for the vaporetto (must less frequent before 7am) and bus.
