The Grand Canal and Rialto Bridge, Venice

Port guide · Italy

Venice (Marghera)

Large cruise ships now berth at Marghera, outside the city: you need the shuttle, the People Mover and the vaporetto, over an hour each way. With your time well planned, you'll see the Grand Canal, St Mark's Square and the Rialto Bridge.

Cruises calling at Venice Contact an advisor

Berth: Marghera port
Shuttle to: Terminal Marittima
To St Mark's: 75–90 min each way
Vaporetto: €9.50 / 75 min

From the ship to central Venice

Marghera is an industrial area and you can't walk into town. First, the cruise shuttle takes you in 15–20 minutes to the Marittima terminal, next to the city; there you take the People Mover one stop to Piazzale Roma, the gateway to historic Venice.

People Mover + vaporetto line 1Recommended
Time: About 45 min to St Mark'sApprox. price: Approx. €1.50 + €9.50 per person
At Piazzale Roma, take the vaporetto down the Grand Canal to St Mark's, past the palaces: the easiest way
People Mover + walk
Time: 45–60 min to St Mark'sApprox. price: Approx. €1.50 per person
Follow the "Per Rialto / Per S. Marco" signs on the walls; there are lots of bridges along the way

If the shuttle is paid, its times and the last return to the ship vary by ship: check the notice on board and allow at least two hours to get back.

Suggested routes

Route 1

Grand Canal, St Mark's and Rialto

About 6 hours (including transfers)

Out by vaporetto along the Grand Canal; back on foot through the lanes from St Mark's to Piazzale Roma via Rialto.

Shuttle to the terminal and People Mover to Piazzale Roma
Vaporetto line 1 along the Grand Canal to St Mark's
About 45 minutes past the palaces
St Mark's Square and Basilica
The basilica has queues: best first thing
Doge's Palace and Bridge of Sighs
The Doge's Palace charges entry; the bridge can be seen from outside
Gondola ride (optional)
Approx. €90 for 30 min, about €110 after 19:00; up to 5 people per gondola
Through the lanes to the Rialto Bridge
Back to Piazzale Roma following the signs
About 30–40 minutes; then the People Mover and shuttle to the ship

Open this route in Google Maps

Route 2

Murano and Burano

About 5–6 hours

Murano, with its glass workshops, and Burano, with its colourful houses. Both islands are reached by boat and the journeys are long: an organised tour with a guaranteed return to the ship is the easiest way.

Want it easy? Join an official MSC shore excursion, timed around the port call. If you booked your cruise with VIAJES FH, ask your advisor to add it for you.

Contact an advisor

Venice Airport to the cruise terminal

Embarking in Venice? Here's how to get from Marco Polo Airport to the Marittima terminal.

TaxiRecommended
Time: 20–30 minApprox. price: Metered fare
Easiest with luggage: it takes you right to the terminal
ATVO bus + People Mover
Time: About 40 minApprox. price: Approx. €10 + €1.50 per person
The bus reaches Piazzale Roma in 20–25 minutes; from there, one People Mover stop to the terminal

Check-in is at the Marittima terminal, so don't go straight to Marghera; a shuttle then takes you to the ship. Always follow your boarding documents.

Good to know

Venice charges day visitors an access fee on certain high-season dates; the 2027 dates haven't been published yet: check the City of Venice website or ask your advisor before you go.
It's 75–90 minutes each way from the ship to St Mark's: start back with at least two hours to spare.
The city is full of bridges and steps: tricky with a pushchair or wheelchair; wear comfortable shoes.
Cafés with live orchestras on St Mark's Square add a music surcharge if you sit down.

Not booked yet?

Search MSC cruises calling at Venice with VIAJES FH, with live prices.

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Already booked with VIAJES FH?

Your advisor can add shore excursions, drinks packages and onboard internet.

Contact an advisor

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Transport and ticket prices are approximate, checked in November 2026, and may change. The latest all-aboard time is the one announced on board.

Cover photo: Martin Falbisoner / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

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Opening the VIAJES FH official website

Port guide · Italy

Venice (Marghera)

Cruises calling at Venice Contact an advisor

Berth: Marghera port
Shuttle to: Terminal Marittima
To St Mark's: 75–90 min each way
Vaporetto: €9.50 / 75 min

From the ship to central Venice

People Mover + vaporetto line 1Recommended
Time: About 45 min to St Mark'sApprox. price: Approx. €1.50 + €9.50 per person
At Piazzale Roma, take the vaporetto down the Grand Canal to St Mark's, past the palaces: the easiest way
People Mover + walk
Time: 45–60 min to St Mark'sApprox. price: Approx. €1.50 per person
Follow the "Per Rialto / Per S. Marco" signs on the walls; there are lots of bridges along the way

If the shuttle is paid, its times and the last return to the ship vary by ship: check the notice on board and allow at least two hours to get back.