Renting a Car at Venice Marco Polo Airport

Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) serves one of the world's most unique cities — though Venice itself is car-free. A rental car is ideal for exploring the Veneto region: Verona, Padova, the Dolomites, and the Prosecco hills are all within 90 minutes.

Prices from €28/day — slightly above average for Italy. The rental car centre is in the airport car park. Note that you cannot drive into Venice proper; park at Piazzale Roma or Tronchetto on the mainland edge and walk or take the vaporetto (water bus).

Which Car Rental Companies Operate at VCE?

  • Europcar
  • Sixt
  • Hertz
  • Avis
  • Budget

Additional options are available through DiscoverCars and RentalCars.com, which aggregate independent local operators alongside the major brands — often at the lowest rates.

How to Pick Up Your Car at Venice Marco Polo Airport

1
Collect Your Luggage

Follow signs to baggage reclaim in the arrivals hall.

2
Find the Car Rental Desks

Rental desks are in the arrivals hall — follow 'Car Rental / Auto a Noleggio / Autonoleggio' signs after customs.

3
Present Your Documents

You need: booking confirmation, valid driving licence (≥1 year), passport or ID card, and the credit card used to book.

4
Inspect the Car

Walk around the car with the agent before signing. Photograph any existing damage.

5
Drive Away

Follow airport exit signs toward the city. Your sat-nav or phone maps will guide you from there.

What Documents Do You Need?

  • Valid driving licence — held for at least 1 year. EU licences accepted without translation throughout the EU/EEA.
  • Passport or national identity card.
  • Credit card in the primary driver's name for the security deposit (debit cards rarely accepted).
  • Non-EU licence holders may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if the licence is not in Latin script.

Young Driver Rules at Venice Marco Polo Airport

Drivers aged 18–24 can rent from most providers but typically pay a Young Driver Surcharge of €10–€25/day. The minimum rental age is usually 18, though some providers require 21 or 25 for premium vehicle categories.

Tips for Renting at VCE

  • Do not attempt to drive into Venice — there is literally no road into the historic island city.
  • Park at Tronchetto car park (€25–35/day) or Piazzale Roma at the end of the Ponte della Libertà causeway.
  • The SS11 from the airport to Venice (13 km) is straightforward; follow 'Venezia' signs.
  • Verona has excellent parking and is a far more relaxed base than Venice itself.
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Getting from Venice Marco Polo Airport to Venice City Centre

With a rental car, driving from Venice Marco Polo Airport to Venice city centre takes approximately 20 min (13 km). Follow the airport exit signs toward the city — sat-nav or Google Maps will route you from there. Parking in the centre varies; check our tips above for the best options.

Driving in Italy

Italy uses right-hand traffic. Speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, 130 km/h on motorways. Blood alcohol limit: 0.05%. ZTL (Limited Traffic Zones) in city centres — cameras fine rental cars automatically. Autostrada tolls apply. Currency: Euro (€).

Nearby Destinations Worth Driving To

  • Verona — 120 km, 1.5 hr. Romeo and Juliet's city — a Roman amphitheatre, medieval streets, and the best aperitivo culture in the Veneto.
  • Padova (Padua) — 40 km, 40 min. Giotto's Scrovegni Chapel frescos, a medieval university (1222), and the Prato della Valle piazza.
  • Prosecco Hills — 60 km, 1 hr. UNESCO-listed vineyard landscape in the Treviso hills — wine tastings and spectacular views.
  • Cortina d'Ampezzo — 165 km, 2 hr. Italy's premier mountain resort in the Dolomites — dramatic scenery year-round.

For more planning help, read our car rental tips guide and find out which fees to watch for when you collect your vehicle.