Car rental Venice Airport

Venice Airport is situated just eight miles away from the city, via the Strada Statale 14 and Strada Regionale 11. The very center of Venice is not accessible to cars, but car rental is still a convenient way to get around the outskirts, discover nearby beaches and explore the wider Veneto region, and you can access the city itself via the Piazzale Roma, a large square where you’ll find several parking lots.

Alternatively, you can park your car at the Tronchetto garage, a floating parking lot built on a large man-made island. Parking is also available at San Giuliano or hotels in nearby Mestre and Marghera.

In Italy you’ll drive on the right-hand side and overtake on the left. When using the network of autostrade – the highways that connect many of Italy’s biggest cities and towns – you’ll find many are tolled. The Strade Statali form Italy’s network of state routes, which are toll-free.

Speed limits in Italy are displayed in kilometers per hour and vary, but are typically 50km/h (30mph) in towns and cities, 90km/h (55mph) or 110km/h (68mph) on out of town roads, and 130km/h (80mph) on major autostrade. Limits are also reduced in wet weather, and checking signs is always advisable. 

Renting a car at Venice Airport means you can visit some great destinations on Italy’s Adriatic coast. The popular resort of Lido di Jesolo is fewer than 30 miles along the Strada Statale 14 while the fishing port of Chioggia lies 32 miles in the other direction, south along the Strada Statale 309.

Venice is close to the A4 autostrada which runs across northern Italy. This provides a direct route to the fashion capital of Milan, around three hours west along the A4 - perfect for a weekend break. From Venice it’s also easy to visit the historic cities of Verona and Padua, just a short distance inland along the E70.

A trip to Venice is an unforgettable experience, and, although the city isn’t large, you’ll be hard-pushed to visit all its most popular attractions in just a day or two.

Renting a car at Venice Airport will give you the chance to spend time in the city but also head to the nearby beaches and visit other destinations in this beautiful region of Italy.

Heart of the city

For first-time visitors, there are some attractions that inevitably shoot straight to the top of the itinerary. At the heart of the city you’ll find Piazza San Marco, a stately square framed by magnificent columned buildings. The piazza is very popular with visitors, especially in the summer.

At the center of the action is the Basilica di San Marco. This spectacular, domed cathedral is the jewel in Venice’s architectural crown, first built in the 9^th century to house the remains of St Mark. It’s well worth the wait to get inside, where you’ll see vivid mosaics adorning the ceilings and golden domes, embellished with biblical scenes.

You are encouraged to dress modestly when entering, covering your shoulders and knees, with clothes handed out at the entrance if required.

Palatial splendor

Just a short distance from the Piazza San Marco you’ll find the Palazzo Ducale, or the Doge’s Palace. This decorated building was once the base for the rulers of the Republic of Venice.

Formerly the political and administrative center of the city, today this Gothic masterpiece is open to the public as a museum. 

Head inside to admire the ornate staterooms and private apartments, as well as the courtyard and dungeons. Here you can also see the famous Bridge of Sighs, so called because it gave convicts their last sight of the city as they were led from the palace to the city jail.

Beaches beyond

Just 40 miles outside the city, you’ll find Lido di Jesolo, a man-made resort with miles of sandy beaches and clear blue waters. This destination is filled with cafes, restaurants and stores, as well as plenty of family-friendly attractions, such as a water park and fairground.

This part of the coastline, sometimes called the Venetian Riviera, is the perfect day trip from Venice to relax and soak up some rays. From Lido di Jesolo, you can continue your Italian adventure up the coast, relaxing on the sandy beaches of Porto Santa Margherita and Lignano Sabbiadoro.

Venice offers so many iconic experiences. Walking over Rialto Bridge, taking a gondola ride along the Grand Canal and sampling the famous gelatos are all essential parts of any trip here.

With a rental car from Venice Airport you also have the freedom to explore the gorgeous Veneto region, from the vibrant cities to the sun-drenched coast.