Venice airport transfer
Jul 12th, 2012, 10:09 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Venice airport transfer
Friends of mine have asked my advice about something I know little about, and I must ask members of this board for assistance.
They will be cruising from Venice and arriving there by air three days prior to their cruise departure. What's the best way to get from the airport to their hotel which is behind San Marco?
I know the "best way" is a water taxi but the best price I've found for that is €160 which is very high. They are likely to have quite a lot of luggage which complicates the issue. I'm thinking "blue bus" transfer from airport to Santa Lucia station and then a water taxi from there. Will they be able to find awater taxi easily at the station at 8:00 on a Sunday evening in late July?
Thanks for your advice,
Gigi
They will be cruising from Venice and arriving there by air three days prior to their cruise departure. What's the best way to get from the airport to their hotel which is behind San Marco?
I know the "best way" is a water taxi but the best price I've found for that is €160 which is very high. They are likely to have quite a lot of luggage which complicates the issue. I'm thinking "blue bus" transfer from airport to Santa Lucia station and then a water taxi from there. Will they be able to find awater taxi easily at the station at 8:00 on a Sunday evening in late July?
Thanks for your advice,
Gigi
Jul 12th, 2012, 10:18 AM
#2
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 922
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Check out this company....
The taxi rates range 100 to 110 for airport transfers.....
http://www.motoscafivenezia.it/eng/?...FcXe4AodvXFkFA
The taxi rates range 100 to 110 for airport transfers.....
http://www.motoscafivenezia.it/eng/?...FcXe4AodvXFkFA
Jul 12th, 2012, 10:23 AM
#3
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 741
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Which hotel are they staying at? Does it even have water taxi access?
A water taxi from Santa Lucia to the Westin Europa & Regina (right on the Grand Canal), according to their website is approximately 65 euros. If their hotel is farther and in a back canal, it would likely be a bit more. Adding the bus fare and the hassle of changing from bus to water taxi, I think just taking a water taxi from the airport might be better.
I also think the 160 euros is too high. My boyfriend and I took a water taxi from Marco Polo to our hotel, Hotel Danieli, on the Grand Canal late last summer. I know it didn't cost 160 euros, more like 110. The websites of both the Danieli and the Westin state that water taxi fare from Marco Polo is about 110 euros.
A water taxi from Santa Lucia to the Westin Europa & Regina (right on the Grand Canal), according to their website is approximately 65 euros. If their hotel is farther and in a back canal, it would likely be a bit more. Adding the bus fare and the hassle of changing from bus to water taxi, I think just taking a water taxi from the airport might be better.
I also think the 160 euros is too high. My boyfriend and I took a water taxi from Marco Polo to our hotel, Hotel Danieli, on the Grand Canal late last summer. I know it didn't cost 160 euros, more like 110. The websites of both the Danieli and the Westin state that water taxi fare from Marco Polo is about 110 euros.
Jul 12th, 2012, 10:23 AM
#4
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 57,890
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If they have a "lot of luggage" I'm not sure what their best choice is.
They need to consult their hotel web site to see where the closest dock for a vaporetto is - assuming they can haul the luggage on and off a crowded boat themselves. If they ca;t do that easily then water taxi may be the best choice but that price seems way too high.
Another option is to take the airport bus to the train station and pick up a water taxi there for a much shorter - and less expensive ride. And the boatman can help then get all of their luggage on and off the boat. The problem is - if their hotel doesn;t have a private dock - they will then have to drag all of their luggage along the sidewalks and possibly over one or more bridges. If they can;'t do this, they may want to contact the hotel to see if they have any staff who can be sent to meet them at the dock. I wold expect the cost for this to be significant.
(We always get a hotel with a private dock to avoid these problems.)
They need to consult their hotel web site to see where the closest dock for a vaporetto is - assuming they can haul the luggage on and off a crowded boat themselves. If they ca;t do that easily then water taxi may be the best choice but that price seems way too high.
Another option is to take the airport bus to the train station and pick up a water taxi there for a much shorter - and less expensive ride. And the boatman can help then get all of their luggage on and off the boat. The problem is - if their hotel doesn;t have a private dock - they will then have to drag all of their luggage along the sidewalks and possibly over one or more bridges. If they can;'t do this, they may want to contact the hotel to see if they have any staff who can be sent to meet them at the dock. I wold expect the cost for this to be significant.
(We always get a hotel with a private dock to avoid these problems.)
Jul 12th, 2012, 10:28 AM
#5
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 741
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
An addition:
We had a lot of luggage too. I can't imagine hauling onto a bus then a water taxi.
Also, water taxi from the airport is a great way to see Venice for the first time (especially if you have never been or are not likely to return). The back of the taxi will be open so you can sit back there and enjoy the breeze if you wish; you can also take great photos all along the way.
We had a lot of luggage too. I can't imagine hauling onto a bus then a water taxi.
Also, water taxi from the airport is a great way to see Venice for the first time (especially if you have never been or are not likely to return). The back of the taxi will be open so you can sit back there and enjoy the breeze if you wish; you can also take great photos all along the way.
Jul 12th, 2012, 03:36 PM
#6
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 4,500
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We have used the shared water taxi from Marco Polo , and it worked OK for us. The comment about hauling luggage, possibly over a bridge or three, still stands. I have never understood why Cruise = Big Luggage though.
Link to shared water taxi:
http://www.venicelink.com/index.php?...page_biglietti
Link to shared water taxi:
http://www.venicelink.com/index.php?...page_biglietti
Jul 12th, 2012, 03:56 PM
#7
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,893
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If they have a lot of luggage, or they're of an age where handling luggage could be a safety risk, and their hotel has its own dock, the ONLY SMART choice is a water taxi. It's best to just budget that amount in rather than stress over the cheaper choices.
All the cheaper choices will require more physical activity, and those cheaper prices will not endear the service men to help. At least for the cost of a private taxi, you can almost be assured the driver will help you load and unload your luggage.
A shared ride through Alilaguna is a bit cheaper but chances are you'll wait longer and you may have to go a few stops before you reach your hotel.
A shared ride could be 50% cheaper than Alilaguna's price if you negotiate your own share with other passengers at the airport. But that requires a bit of gumption and luck.
All the cheaper choices will require more physical activity, and those cheaper prices will not endear the service men to help. At least for the cost of a private taxi, you can almost be assured the driver will help you load and unload your luggage.
A shared ride through Alilaguna is a bit cheaper but chances are you'll wait longer and you may have to go a few stops before you reach your hotel.
A shared ride could be 50% cheaper than Alilaguna's price if you negotiate your own share with other passengers at the airport. But that requires a bit of gumption and luck.
Jul 12th, 2012, 04:39 PM
#8
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 276
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I just got back from Venice a couple of weeks ago. I took a private taxi to my hotel. You dont need to make reservations in advance. The price is set at 110 Euros. When you leave the airport there are signs and you walk about 2 minutes right outside of the airport to the taxi stand. ALso, I believe it is cash only so be sure you have euros on hand.
I initially balked at the price but I feel it was well worth it because Venice is hard to navigate especially with luggage, and also, the ride itself was amazing and in a beautiful wooden boat!
I initially balked at the price but I feel it was well worth it because Venice is hard to navigate especially with luggage, and also, the ride itself was amazing and in a beautiful wooden boat!
Jul 12th, 2012, 04:58 PM
#9
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 57,890
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yes, but the key point is the location of the hotel versus the nearest dock - even with a water taxi. They must sort out the specifics before they arrive.
As for why a lot of luggage on a cruise - I don;t know if people think they will need more clothes for special events and because they will be seeing the same people all of the time - or just because they figure with a boat there's no reason not to.
I've been able to do trips that were long (3 weeks plus) and involved two completely different wardrobes (serious business and vacation) in a 26" wheelie - which isn't difficult to handle. But a lot of people like to bring everything they own for some reason.
As for why a lot of luggage on a cruise - I don;t know if people think they will need more clothes for special events and because they will be seeing the same people all of the time - or just because they figure with a boat there's no reason not to.
I've been able to do trips that were long (3 weeks plus) and involved two completely different wardrobes (serious business and vacation) in a 26" wheelie - which isn't difficult to handle. But a lot of people like to bring everything they own for some reason.
Jul 12th, 2012, 05:10 PM
#10
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 4,500
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The walk from the airport is more like ten minutes than two minutes, but it is well paved and level, and mostly it’s a covered walkway.. Even if your bags have wheels, it is easier if you take an airport baggage trolley for your luggage. You need a one euro coin to get a trolley (perhaps getting that coin is a good excuse for getting a welcoming spritz at the airport before you start walking).
When we used the shared water taxi, we had to wait for ten or fifteen minutes at the airport for another two couples to join us, and then we all walked to the water taxi dock. We were given a voucher for the taxi, and instructions “ask for Dominic”. Dominic loaded our bags into the taxi, and helped unload at the other end.
WE did make a couple of stops before reaching our Ca’ Rezzonico, our destination. That was fun, because we were able to see some side canals that otherwise we could never have navigated.
All very easy.
When we used the shared water taxi, we had to wait for ten or fifteen minutes at the airport for another two couples to join us, and then we all walked to the water taxi dock. We were given a voucher for the taxi, and instructions “ask for Dominic”. Dominic loaded our bags into the taxi, and helped unload at the other end.
WE did make a couple of stops before reaching our Ca’ Rezzonico, our destination. That was fun, because we were able to see some side canals that otherwise we could never have navigated.
All very easy.
Jul 12th, 2012, 06:52 PM
#11
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,893
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
<i><font color=#555555> "a lot of people like to bring everything they own for some reason"</font></i>
Why do people speak in extremes just because some of us like to travel with more than two choices? I hardly bring "everything I own," but I can easily fill 3 bags to include enough clothing and shoe choices for a lengthy trip. Add a busy social calendar with good-looking friends and watch me ship an extra bag. And, still, I need to leave enough room for my must-have electronics.
Some people are content to look ordinary at all times. I'm just not one of those people.
<i><font color=#555555>"The walk from the airport is more like ten minutes than two minutes"</font></i>
From the baggage claim, true.
<i><font color=#555555>"it is well paved and level, and mostly it’s a covered walkway"</font></i>
If there's a heat wave with classic Venetian humidity, like it was last September, that covered walkway will be a joke. And the walk will feel like hours with too much luggage.
<i><font color=#555555>"Even if your bags have wheels, it is easier if you take an airport baggage trolley for your luggage."</font></i>
Good suggestion.
Why do people speak in extremes just because some of us like to travel with more than two choices? I hardly bring "everything I own," but I can easily fill 3 bags to include enough clothing and shoe choices for a lengthy trip. Add a busy social calendar with good-looking friends and watch me ship an extra bag. And, still, I need to leave enough room for my must-have electronics.
Some people are content to look ordinary at all times. I'm just not one of those people.
<i><font color=#555555>"The walk from the airport is more like ten minutes than two minutes"</font></i>
From the baggage claim, true.
<i><font color=#555555>"it is well paved and level, and mostly it’s a covered walkway"</font></i>
If there's a heat wave with classic Venetian humidity, like it was last September, that covered walkway will be a joke. And the walk will feel like hours with too much luggage.
<i><font color=#555555>"Even if your bags have wheels, it is easier if you take an airport baggage trolley for your luggage."</font></i>
Good suggestion.
Jul 13th, 2012, 08:29 AM
#12
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 741
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have to admit to being more along the lines of NYC Food Snob in the amount of luggage I take. I have 2 checked bags, a rolling carry-on and a large tote/purse. This is cruise or no cruise.
I agree that if it's really hot, like it was in Venice at the end of last August that the clear side/roof of the walkway is kind of like a magnifying glass channeling sunlight. However, I still think the walk to the water taxi dock is worth the trip in the water taxi.
I agree that if it's really hot, like it was in Venice at the end of last August that the clear side/roof of the walkway is kind of like a magnifying glass channeling sunlight. However, I still think the walk to the water taxi dock is worth the trip in the water taxi.
Jul 13th, 2012, 08:58 AM
#13
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,893
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Not to mention, while you're struggling with your luggage down that narrow, covered pathway, tons of people with luggage are coming back and forth from the docks, trying to pass you. Watch out for those passengers who are late for their flights. Last year, the scene was madness. And everyone was dripping in sweat.
The heat last summer broke all records, so the Venetians told me. In all my years of visits there, I had never experienced anything quite that bad.
I'm all in favor of saving money. But there are some instances when going cheap is the dumbest choice.
The heat last summer broke all records, so the Venetians told me. In all my years of visits there, I had never experienced anything quite that bad.
I'm all in favor of saving money. But there are some instances when going cheap is the dumbest choice.
Jul 13th, 2012, 09:40 AM
#14
i don't see what the big deal is over taking the alilaguna to san marco/
the cost is 15 euros per ticket/
the stop is right next to monaco and grand hotel/
walk up the alley--balenciaga is right there--and you come out by pauly and louis vuitton/
you are right next to san marco square and you can walk to your hotel/
it really is not that difficult/
i don't know how some of you make it to work in the morning/
the performance artist known as razr//
the cost is 15 euros per ticket/
the stop is right next to monaco and grand hotel/
walk up the alley--balenciaga is right there--and you come out by pauly and louis vuitton/
you are right next to san marco square and you can walk to your hotel/
it really is not that difficult/
i don't know how some of you make it to work in the morning/
the performance artist known as razr//
Jul 13th, 2012, 11:13 AM
#15
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 57,890
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If one has made the proper arrangements any amount of luggage is doable. In Venice, that means a hotel with a private dock and being willing to pay for a water taxi. In that case the boatman will haul the luggage down into the boat and a bellman from the hotels will work with the boatman to haul the luggge out of the boat and into the hotel.
However, if people are not able - or willing - to manage all of their own luggage at once - Venice will be a real bear for them.
If people want to bring four bags that's fine. And while I;m not the type of person to go to europe for a month with just a gym bag - I have found I can get enough clothing in a 26" bag to have numerous changes of clothes and 4 pair of shoes besides what I'm wearing. I do admit that I have the hotel do laundry for me (underthings and - if it's hot - blouses, tops, dresses as well). If I had to take 30 pairs of panties - then I might need another suitcase. And I don;t take a lot of electronics - except my toothbrush and computer.
However, if people are not able - or willing - to manage all of their own luggage at once - Venice will be a real bear for them.
If people want to bring four bags that's fine. And while I;m not the type of person to go to europe for a month with just a gym bag - I have found I can get enough clothing in a 26" bag to have numerous changes of clothes and 4 pair of shoes besides what I'm wearing. I do admit that I have the hotel do laundry for me (underthings and - if it's hot - blouses, tops, dresses as well). If I had to take 30 pairs of panties - then I might need another suitcase. And I don;t take a lot of electronics - except my toothbrush and computer.
Jul 13th, 2012, 11:56 AM
#16
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,893
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
<i><font color=#555555>"i don't see what the big deal is over taking the alilaguna to san marco"</font></i>
Sadly, some of those guys have gotten lazy. It could have been the heat. There was a time when no woman would have to carry her bag as she boarded the Alilaguna boats, no matter what age. Now I see older women being ignored by some of the service men. That's not the Italy I know and love. Things in Venice do change.
If you have balance issues, no matter what age, if you're not accustomed to carrying heavy bags onto a moving boat, I could see the big deal for a newbie. Accidents happen all the time, and there is nothing worse than ending up in an emergency room on the first day of travel.
Some people are shy about asking for help, especially in a foreign country. To them I would say, don't be. If price is a serious concern, you can't beat arriving by the Alilaguna boat, if one of their stops is convenient to your hotel. And if one of their boat men look away as you try to board, simply say, "Excuse me kind sir, could you please help me with my bags?" I'm sure one of the Italians will come to the rescue.
ps thin, is that you?
Sadly, some of those guys have gotten lazy. It could have been the heat. There was a time when no woman would have to carry her bag as she boarded the Alilaguna boats, no matter what age. Now I see older women being ignored by some of the service men. That's not the Italy I know and love. Things in Venice do change.
If you have balance issues, no matter what age, if you're not accustomed to carrying heavy bags onto a moving boat, I could see the big deal for a newbie. Accidents happen all the time, and there is nothing worse than ending up in an emergency room on the first day of travel.
Some people are shy about asking for help, especially in a foreign country. To them I would say, don't be. If price is a serious concern, you can't beat arriving by the Alilaguna boat, if one of their stops is convenient to your hotel. And if one of their boat men look away as you try to board, simply say, "Excuse me kind sir, could you please help me with my bags?" I'm sure one of the Italians will come to the rescue.
ps thin, is that you?
Jul 13th, 2012, 06:34 PM
#17
yes, i am the performance artist formerly known as thin/
i am now razr//
keith and i saw the service man on the orange line of the alilaguna that we took help people with their bags/
we stayed got off at san stae stop and walked to our hotel--san cassiano ca' fravetto/
no problems for us but we are two hearty and hale lads/
razr//
i am now razr//
keith and i saw the service man on the orange line of the alilaguna that we took help people with their bags/
we stayed got off at san stae stop and walked to our hotel--san cassiano ca' fravetto/
no problems for us but we are two hearty and hale lads/
razr//
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
luvtotravel
Europe
12
May 21st, 2015 02:14 AM
