Explore on your own rating

Big ships now dock on the mainland, so you need an arranged transfer.

Where ships dock

  • Large ships can no longer use central Venice (Marittima is limited to small ships under 25,000 GT)
  • Big ships use mainland Porto Marghera or Fusina
  • Many "Venice" cruises actually use Trieste or Ravenna instead

Getting to town

From Marghera or Fusina, the historic center is a transfer away. Use your cruise line's shuttle or boat transfer.

Inside Venice, walk or take vaporetto water buses. Check your line's transfer details carefully; they differ by terminal.

Fares are as reported by the sources below and change often. Treat them as estimates.

Money & entry

Currency: Euro (€). Cards are widely accepted; carry some cash for small purchases.

Entry: U.S. passport required. ETIAS (the EU travel authorization) is NOT yet in operation: the official EU site says no applications are being collected and a start date will be announced several months ahead (checked Oct 2026). Don't pay any site claiming to sell ETIAS now. The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) does register non-EU travelers' passports and biometrics at Schengen external borders.

Top sights nearby

  • St. Mark's Square and Basilica
  • Doge's Palace
  • Rialto Bridge
  • Murano and Burano (boat)

Beaches

  • Lido di Venezia (vaporetto)

Safety & tips

  • Venice charges a day-tripper access fee on certain days; check the city site.
  • Expect crowds at St. Mark's.
  • Confirm your terminal: Venice, Trieste or Ravenna.

Check U.S. State Department travel advisories before you sail.

⏰ Back to the ship on time

Transfers can take 30–60 minutes. Follow the cruise line's last-shuttle time.

Ship time can differ from local time. Your ship won't wait for independent travelers.

Tours in Venice (Marghera / Fusina) Placeholder for tour partner links.

📚 Sources