The most beautiful, elegant (and, of course, most natural) way to reach Venice is by boat, for example from Jesolo Punta Sabbioni or Caorle. When approaching from the sea, the city unfolds in a far more captivating way than it does for those who prefer to travel by car.
Parking garage costs: ~ 35 - 45,- €/day
Many roads
lead to Venice
- By car
Allow around €35–45 per day for the car park - By bus
e.g. Caorle – Venice: approx. 2–2½ hours (60 km). The train journey from Caorle takes 1 hour. - By boat
from Caorle, the journey takes approx. 2 to 2½ hours (one way). You should allow plenty of time. From Jesolo or Punta Sabbioni, the crossing takes approx. 30–45 minutes. - By boat – Option II
You don’t have to choose between Italy and Croatia. The ferry connections make it possible. Why not have a barbecue in the Croatian sun, then take the ferry across and add a few days in Venice – why not, actually? - By train
Don’t forget: tickets must be validated at the ticket machine before entering the platform (regional tickets, printed. Digital tickets are no longer validated). Venice’s main station is called Santa Lucia.
By train
to Santa Lucia
As soon as you step out of Venice Central Station, you practically find yourself right on the Grand Canal. From here, you can continue on foot (if you know where you're going), by vaporetto (check ACTV for schedules), or by gondola.
The cheapest way to get to Venice is by train. As the ÖBB once noted in an advertising campaign, the train journey is cheaper than a gondola ride. (Official gondola prices: €90 for 30 minutes during the day, €110 for 35 minutes in the evening/at night, max. 5 people per gondola.) [As of 07/2026]
But no matter how you arrive in Venice: the last few metres are just as tough for almost everyone. Because most hotels can only be reached on foot.
Men waving from the roadside
If you're traveling by car, you'll see men waving from the roadside shortly before you arrive (while you're still on the mainland and usually when the weather is nice). This isn't a welcoming committee, but rather parking lot touts trying to sell you an expensive parking spot.
It's expensive because the boat ride isn't included in the price. The best thing to do is to wave back politely and find a parking spot on the island.