Hi Everyone - Can't believe I am leaving tomorrow!! I fly into Venice and land at 10AM on Thursday. I'm staying in Dorsoduro close to the Accademia Bridge (Hotel American)- I think Zattere is the closest waterbus stop?? And the hotel is a 2 minute walk from there. What's the best way to get from the airport to the hotel? Thanks for your help everyone!

www.alilaguna.it

Boat departures are hourly and cost 10 Euros.

Take a land taxi from the front of the airport to the vaporetto station at Piazzale Roma. Take the vaporetto down the Grand Canal to Accademia stop. Here's the hotel's directions:
http://www.hotelamerican.com/eng/location/index.html

There are also buses from the airport to P. Roma.

The best way, if you can afford it, is by water taxi--fast and interesting. It will take you directly to your hotel dock. But it does cost a good bit more than other options.

Having arrived in Venice by land (at the train station) and by water, via the Alialaguna from the airport, I'd highly recommend arriving by water, whether you take the slower, less-expensive Alilaguna or a faster, more expensive water taxi.

Should you choose the Alilaguna, it will take you to San Marco. From there you can catch a vaporetto to the Zattere stop.

Your hotel is much closer to the Accademia stop than Zattere!!
Shellio has that right!

Take the shuttle bus to Mestre, then catch the train into S. Lucia. The view when you walk out of the train station and see the grand canal is a high point of many travellers' lives. Once you have enjoyed the view, catch a vaporetto to the Accademia station. (They sell a three day pass, which is useful for seeing the islands, and taking tours of the grand canal on the cheap.)

Enjoy your trip.

Nothing is easier or more exciting for the first time in Venice than a water taxi from the airport.

If you can share the ride with someone else, you can cut the cost in half.