Tronchetto Parking Garage

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 at a hotel near the railroad station in Mestre (where trains depart frequently for Venice) or at San Giuliano next to the Venetian 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.

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

If you'd rather not stay or 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  at least €21 for parking in the main garage, or even more if you want secure "VIP parking." Buses, campers, and vans park in open lots, with considerably higher rates.

These rates may sound outrageous if you aren't used to big-city parking costs, but Tronchetto is considerably cheaper than the garages in the Piazzale Roma.

Note:

• You pay for parking before going to your car, using the automated cashier machines (which accept banknotes, coins, and credit cards). Keep your receipt, which you'll need to exit the garage.

• If you're arriving on a weekend or in high season, we suggest reserving a parking space in advance. Use the "bookings" e-form at Tronchetto's official Web site (see the Interparking link below).

Important:

• Ignore the touts who may try to flag you down as you enter the parking island. (They're just trying to drum up business for expensive--and unofficial--water taxis.)

• 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 modern WCs and diaper-changing facilities in the huge new garage, directly across from the office. You'll need a 50-cent coin to enter the toilets.

The garage office provides a deposito bagagli or baggage-check service, which may be convenient if you're worried about items being stolen from your car.

On your way to the vaporetto stop, you'll see a plethora of junky souvenir stalls that cater to the tour-bus crowds. Unless you have an urgent need for a plastic Carnival mask made in China, we suggest ignoring the souvenir stands and continuing to the vaporetto or the People Mover.

Reaching Venice from Tronchetto

ABOVE: You can't miss the ACTV ticket booth and vaporetto platforms: They're on the water, facing the Venice Cruise Terminal.

Water bus

The No. 2 vaporetto, or public water bus, connects the island of Tronchetto with other parts of Venice. It runs year-round in two directions:

• No. 2 Piazzale Roma - Ferrovia - San Marco. This boat heads toward the train station, then goes up the Grand Canal to the Piazza San Marco with stops at the Rialto Bridge and a few other points along the way.

• No. 2 San Basilio - Zattere - Giudecca - San Zaccaria . This route takes you up the Giudecca Canal, ending at San Zaccaria (just above the Piazza San Marco). In high season, the boat continues on to the Lido.

(Note: If you've traveled to Venice previously, you may remember the No. 2 vaporetto as the old No. 82 water bus. The line number was changed in 2008.)

To buy vaporetto tickets, follow the "ACTV" signs to the brick building on the waterfront; go through the opening to the pier, where you'll find a ticket office. (If the ticket office is closed, try the Tabacchi or newsstand/cigarette shop next to the toilets and bar.)

For more information about public transportation in Venice, see our articles on vaporetto routes and vaporetto fares.

People Mover

An automated airport-style "People Mover" between Tronchetto and the Piazzale Roma opened in 2010. It's quick and much cheaper than the water buses. See our Venice People Mover article for how-to information, photos, and videos. 

Water taxis

If you prefer a water taxi, use only the licensed water taxis at the piers along the waterfront, and be prepared to pay handsomely for the convenience. (See our Venice water taxis article for more information.)

ABOVE: A woman relaxes between the ACTV office building and the Tronchetto-Lido car ferry terminal. (You can see two cruise ships peeking over the Venice Cruise Terminal buildings across the water from Tronchetto.)

Tronchetto Web links and related articles

Interparking
Type "Venezia" into the search box to find information on Tronchetto parking for cars, buses, and campers.

Parking in Venice veniceforvisitors.com
Before deciding where to park, get an overview of your parking options in Venice and on the mainland. Our article includes links to garages and other parking resources

 
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