Tronchetto Parking Garage

ABOVE: Venice's massive parking garage on the artificial island of Tronchetto.

Driving to Venice is like going to a shopping mall: When you get there, you'll need to park your car until it's time to leave.

During high season, you may want to consider parking on the mainland--either near the railroad station in Mestre (where trains depart frequently for Venice) or next to the causeway by the lagoon (where you can catch a boat into the city). This way, you'll avoid the traffic jams that clog the several kilometers of roadway between the mainland and the Piazzale Roma in Venice.

If you'd rather not park on the mainland, the Tronchetto parking garage offers the best balance between convenience and economy. The vast garage is built on an artificial island, and it's more likely to have empty parking spaces than the more centrally located (and considerably more expensive) public and private garages at the Piazzale Roma. Tronchetto is also the only place to park in Venice if you're driving a large camper or motorhome.

Driving to Tronchetto

From the mainland, take the causeway toward Venice. Stay in the right lane. Just before you reach the city, you'll see an exit labeled "Tronchetto." Take this exit road to Tronchetto, then follow the signs for the garage and parking lots.

Parking fees and reservations

Expect to pay a daily rate of €20 or so to park in the Tronchetto car garage. (A "day" is 3 to 24 hours.) Buses, campers, and vans park in open lots, with considerably higher rates.

If you wish, you can reserve a parking space in advance; use the "bookings" e-form at Tronchetto's official Web site (see the links on page 3).

Important:

• Ignore the touts who may try to stop your car as you enter the parking island. (They're just trying to drum up business for expensive--and unofficial--water taxis.) Continue on and park as close as you can to the Actv vaporetto or water bus stop, which is beyond the far end of the parking garage.
• Lock your car and take your keys with you after you've parked. (Contrary to rumor, you are not required to leave keys in your car; that's true only at the Garage San Marco in the Piazzale Roma.)

Amenities

Tronchetto has toilets and diaper-changing facilities in the Tabacchi and bar building. (Look for the "Toilettes - Nursery" sign; the handicapped-accessible toilets are in the bar.) Hours are normally 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., although they may be extended during high season. You'll need a €1 coin to use the toilets.

Food, magazines, and other necessities are also available at the bar near the toilets, and a depressing row of souvenir stalls is located outside the Tabacchi building.

Next page: Reaching the city center from Tronchetto