Overview

Traveling from Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) to Venice Port—a gateway to Adriatic cruises and Venetian lagoon adventures—spans approximately 150 km (93 miles). The journey typically takes 1 hour 45 minutes by road, crossing the scenic Po Valley before reaching Venice’s maritime hub. Whether you’re catching a cruise or exploring Venice’s waterways, seamless transfers ensure you start your trip stress-free.

Getting to Know Venice Port

Venice Port (Porto di Venezia) is Italy’s second-largest cruise terminal and a historic hub for Mediterranean voyages. Located near the iconic Piazza San Marco, it serves as a launchpad for island-hopping ferries and luxury cruises to destinations like Greece and Croatia. Key areas include:

• Marittima Terminal: Main dock for large cruise ships.
• San Basilio Terminal: Smaller vessels and river cruises.
• Stazione Marittima: Adjacent to Santa Lucia train station for easy connections.

Pro tip: Arrive early to explore nearby attractions like Rialto Bridge or Doge’s Palace before departure.

Arriving at Bologna Airport

Bologna Airport offers direct flights from major European cities like London, Paris, and Frankfurt. Upon landing:

1. Follow signage to baggage claim and exits.
2. Currency exchange desks and ATMs are available post-customs.
3. Transportation options (taxis, rental cars) are outside Terminal Arrivals.

For Venice Port transfers, pre-booking is advised—especially during peak cruise season (April–October).

Main Transfer Options

Public Transport (Train + Vaporetto)

• Train: Take the Marconi Express shuttle (£6) from BLQ to Bologna Centrale station (~7 minutes). From there, Trenitalia trains run hourly to Venezia Santa Lucia station (1h 15m; £20–£35).
• Vaporetto: From Santa Lucia station, take Line 1 or 2 waterbus (~£7) to Marittima Terminal (25 minutes). Best for: Budget travelers with light luggage.

Taxi & Rideshare

• Taxi from Bologna Airport: Direct rides cost €200–€250 (fixed fare) and take ~1h 45m via A13 motorway. Confirm pricing upfront with providers like A2B.
• Uber: Limited availability; prices similar to taxis. Best for: Groups or tight schedules needing door-to-door service.

Car Rentals

• Agencies like Hertz and Europoperate at BLQ (~€50/day). Note: Cars must be dropped off at Venice’s Piazzale Roma parking area (no vehicles allowed in central Venice). Best for: Explorers planning side trips to Padua or Verona.

Private Transfer from Bologna Airport to Venice Port

Pre-booked private transfers blend comfort and efficiency:

• A2B Airport Transfers offers fixed-price rides (€180–€220) in sedans or minivans with English-speaking drivers.
• Includes meet-and-greet service at arrivals and luggage assistance.
• Ideal for families or those with mobility needs (wheelchair-friendly vehicles available).

Choosing the Best Method

Recommendations:

• Budget travelers: Train + Vaporetto combo saves €150+.
• Families/Groups: Private transfers via A2B offer space and direct routes.
• Last-minute trips: Taxis provide instant departure but cost ~20% more than pre-booked services.

Travel Tips & Local Insights

• Book early: Secure private transfers or train tickets 2–3 months ahead during summer.
• Avoid traffic: Depart BLQ before 7 AM or after 7 PM for quicker motorway transit.
• Scenic detour: Ask drivers for a brief stop in Ferrara (medieval UNESCO site en route).

At Venice Port: Check your cruise line’s boarding terminal in advance—some provide free shuttles from Piazzale Roma.

Reaching Your Final Destination

Most transfers drop passengers at Marittima Terminal’s entrance. From there:

1. Cruise lines often offer luggage check-in directly at the dock.
2. For San Basilio Terminal: Take Vaporetto Line 2 from Piazzale Roma (~10 minutes).

If staying overnight pre-cruise: Hotels near Zattere Promenade offer lagoon views and easy port access.

Where to Get More Info

• Venice Port Authority: Terminal maps and ferry schedules.
• Trenitalia: Real-time train bookings.
• A2B Transfers: Reliable private transfers from BLQ.

FAQ: Bologna Airport to Venice Port Transfers

What’s the fastest way from Bologna Airport to Venice Port? A pre-booked private transfer or taxi takes ~1h 45m directly to Marittima Terminal.

Is there a shuttle service from Bologna Airport to Venice Port? No direct shuttles exist—opt for a private transfer or combine train + Vaporetto.

How much is a taxi from Bologna Airport to Venice Port? Fixed fares range €200–€250; book via providers like A2B for transparent pricing.

Are private transfers wheelchair accessible? Yes; specify accessibility needs when booking services like A2B.

Can I rent a car at Bologna Airport for Venice? Yes—but drop it off at Piazzale Roma before boarding your cruise.