Land taxis are of limited utility in Venice, because most of the city is off limits to automobiles. The Piazzale Roma is as close as a four-wheeled taxi can get to Venice's historic center. From there, you'll need to reach your hotel, hostel, apartment, etc. on foot or by vaporetto (water bus).

Venice taxis in Piazzale Roma

ABOVE: Taxis in the Piazzale Roma, the automotive gateway to Venice's historic center.

Venice taxi sign Still, a land taxi can be convenient if:

You're staying at a hotel on the mainland (e.g., in Mestre or Marghera), where the taxi can deliver you to the door.
You're heading directly to the Venice Cruise Terminal from Venice Marco Polo Airport, or you're going to a ship from the Piazzale Roma and there's no free shuttle bus.
You're staying at a hotel near the Piazzale Roma and prefer a private taxi to the cheaper and equally convenient airport bus.

Where to find a taxi

At Venice Marco Polo Airport, follow the taxi signs on the arrivals level.
At the Piazzale Roma, look for the taxi ranks near the buses.
If you're coming from Treviso Airport (which serves Ryanair and several other budget airlines), take the ATVO or Barzi bus, or you may end up spending far more on a taxi than you did on your air fare.

Venice taxi fares

Figure roughly 30 to 35 euros for a taxi between Marco Polo Airport and either the Piazzale Roma or the cruise terminal. (A taxi to a hotel in Mestre or Marghera should be cheaper, depending on the hotel's location.)

Add-ons for luggage, late-night trips, and travel on public holidays could push the fare higher, so ask the driver for an estimate if you're watching your euros.

Tipping is optional, but it never hurts to round up the fare or tip 5 to 10 per cent, depending on whether the driver has been helpful, the tipping customs in your country, and your own comfort level. (Americans tend to tip generously; Australians frequently don't tip at all.)

Final note: If you're arriving at the Venice Santa Lucia Railroad Station, you won't be able to get a land taxi. However, you can turn right as you leave the station and reach the taxi stand in the Piazzale Roma by walking across the new Ponte di Calatrava (officially "Ponte della Costituzione") bridge.

Also see:

Arriving in Venice

Venice Water Taxis

Venice Local Transportation Index

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