Arriving in Venice next week. What is the easiest and not-too-expensive way to get from the airport to hotel in San Marco area for 2 passengers (arriving about 6:00PM)? I believe water taxi is expensive for 2, right? Vaparetto, etc. seem confusing. Thanks for your help!

All right, here's an in-between suggestion. Take the Alilaguna from the dock (5-10 minute walk) at the airport to San Marco.

http://www.alilaguna.it/

I just looked at our ticket stubs from 9-17-07, and it was 12 Euros apiece for hubby and I. The water taxi was 90 Euros. Just try to be one of the last to board, as the waiting room floats (churns?) on the water, then you will wait for the boat to fill up with passengers before departing. Not lovely if you get queasy on the water. Once it speeds across the lagoon, it's fine, especially if you sit by the windows.

When we were in Venice, we bought 3-day passes for the vaporetto. They were around 22 euros each, but that was in 2004. It allowed unlimited use of the vaporettos for 3 days. We found them an enjoyable and convenient way to get around.

We didn't need to get them to or from the airport, however.

We arrived in Venice by train and took the vaporetto from the train station...very convenient if you haven't overpacked and can carry your own luggage.

We splurged on the morning we had to get from our Venice hotel back to the airport. We did hire a water taxi to pick us up directly from our hotel and take us to the airport. It was easy, fun, convenient, and yes a bit expensive.

I hope this info helps a bit.

I second Zerlina's suggestion to take the Alilaguna to San Marco. Then to get around after that, take Melissa's suggestion to get a vaporetto pass for how many days you will be there. With a good vaporetto map, you will soon learn how it works.

If you could find another couple on your plane going to San Marco, you could join with them for a fun water taxi to SM, which would make it reasonable.