Hello,

We will be a party of 5 arriving in Marco Polo airport 10/12/07 and will need transportation to our hotel (Hotel Bologna) in Mestre. The hotel can arrange a transfer for all 5 of us for a cost of 75 Euros. Are we royally overpaying or is that about right? We will be taking a cruise departing Venice 10/13/07 and will need transfers from hotel to port as well.

The idea of having someone waiting for us to take us to our hotel is very appealing after an 8 hour flight. We want to get to our hotel after we arrive as quickly and easily as possible.

Any advice you could lend would be greatly appreciated. This is the very last thing I need to settle before we depart on our long awaited adventure.

Thanks.

Lindain-NO! This is a big rip-off by hotels in Mestre, they have an arrangement with a driver, and it's hugely overpriced-they tried that on me, and I said no dice! Call a radio taxi! Here's the number 041 5952080 for taxis at the airport -if you want to make a reservation, but honestly, they will be outside the airport, and in LESS THAN 15 minutes you'll be at your hotel. Even if you took the airport fly bus, which takes you direct from the airport to the Mestre train station? Thats 17 minutes-so you know a taxi is quicker than that. With two taxis even, it should be half what the hotel is quoting you-remember, don't let the hotel arrange a taxi-always ask for a radiotaxi to avoid getting ripped off.

Hi Linda - The regular Airport Shuttle bus to Mestre goes direct to Mestre station.
Fare: € 3 per person.

Hotel Bologna is right opposite the Mestre station - so it couldn't be more convenient.

(Make sure you catch the Mestre Shuttle, NOT the Piazzale Roma one).

The going rate for a taxi is € 25-30

Steve

Thank you so much for the tips. That shuttle sounds great but with all our luggage...then again 3 Euros - sold!

Gosh -- this is so sad. As I understand it you will spend one night in Maestre, and then go to a cruise ship, missing Venice entirely! Is there any way you can find accommodations in Venice? Maybe a last minute cancellation, since time is short.

Hi,

Yes, we will have a pre and post night in Mestre. I have been to Venice before and spent almost a week there. I truly fell in love with this wonderous place. We chose that particular hotel in Mestre because we wanted it to have easy access to the cruise port and airport. We will take the train into Venice, do the 24 hour pass and get lost in the streets of Venice.

I can't wait

We took the bus for 3 euros....let us off right near our hotel. Luggage went under the bus....easy as pie!