Where to Park in Venice

Venice

Venice is one of the most visited cities in Italy and easily one of the most unique places in the world. The canals, bridges, and narrow alleys mean exploring it feels completely different to visiting any other Italian city. However, it also leaves a lot of drivers with questions. One of the most common ones travellers ask is where to park in Venice, given that cars are completely banned in the historic centre.

Even so, driving to Venice is still your best bet. It is ideal if you are planning an Italian road trip. It also gives you the freedom to stop off at nearby cities. You could easily visit Verona, Padua, or Milan. The trick is simply knowing where to leave the car before you head into the city.

In this guide, we will take you through the best areas to park in Venice.

You will also find out how much parking costs and which options are the cheapest.

Plus, we will show you the most convenient alternatives so you can get straight to enjoying the city of canals.

Where to Leave your Car when Visiting Venice

The first thing to know is that you cannot drive around the historic centre of Venice. The city is made up of canals and pedestrianised streets, so all vehicles have to be left in designated areas before you head in.

The main options for parking are Piazzale Roma, Tronchetto island, and the Mestre area. Each choice has its own perks depending on your budget, comfort, and how long you are planning to stay in the city.

Piazzale Roma is the closest option to the centre. This area is perfect, incredibly convenient, and gives you almost instant access to Venice's main sights.

Tronchetto usually has lower prices and good public transport links, while Mestre is the cheapest alternative and is highly recommended for longer stays.

Before you arrive in Venice, it is a good idea to book your parking online, especially during the summer months, Easter, Carnival, or bank holiday weekends.

Parking in Piazzale Roma

Piazzale Roma is the absolute furthest you can drive into Venice. From this point onwards, the historic centre begins, and you will need to continue your journey either on foot or by hopping on one of the famous water buses (vaporettos).

Advantages of Parking in Piazzale Roma

The biggest plus here is the location. From Piazzale Roma, you can easily walk to plenty of the main sights or catch a vaporetto to take you down the Grand Canal.

It is a really convenient option if you are travelling with lots of luggage, with family, or if you are only spending a day or two in the city.

Prices and Opening Times

The main downside here is the cost. Parking in Piazzale Roma tends to be pretty pricey, especially during peak season. Daily rates can easily go over 30 or 45 euros.

Because of this, booking in advance is essential to land the best rates and make sure you actually get a spot.

Parking San Marco

Parking San Marco is one of the most well-known car parks in the area. It offers covered spaces, 24-hour security, and quick access to the centre.

Garage Comunale AVM

Another very popular choice is the Garage Comunale AVM, which is one of the largest public car parks in Venice. It usually works out slightly cheaper than the other private car parks.

Parking in Tronchetto

Tronchetto is an artificial island located just before you get into Venice. It has become one of the most popular places to leave your car thanks to its rates and transport links.

This area was designed specifically to make it easier for drivers and tourists to get into Venice.

Tronchetto Parking: Prices

The main car park in Tronchetto is usually cheaper than Piazzale Roma and has plenty of spaces. On top of that, many travellers love how straightforward it is to get to.

How to Get to the Centre From Tronchetto

From Tronchetto, you can easily get to the historic centre by using the People Mover, a small automatic train that links up with Piazzale Roma in just a few minutes.

There are also water buses and taxis available.

Parking in Mestre: the Cheapest Option

Mestre is the part of Venice located on the mainland and is one of the best alternatives if you are looking for cheap parking.

Many travellers decide to leave the car here and then catch a train or bus over to Venice.

Why Many Travellers Choose Mestre

The prices are much lower than in the centre of Venice, and there is a huge choice of car parks, hotels with parking, and free spaces.

Plus, the public transport links are quick and efficient.

Recommended Car Parks in Mestre

In Mestre, you will find private car parks, station parking, and hotels offering spaces at highly competitive rates.

Many of them let you book online and have 24-hour security.

How to get from Mestre to Venice

The train journey from Mestre to Santa Lucia station takes just a few minutes. There are also frequent bus services running throughout the day.

Free Parking and Budget-Friendly Areas

In some residential areas of Mestre, you can park for free, though it is important to always check the road signs and restrictions.

If you are spending a few days in Venice, this usually works out to be the most cost-effective option.

Parking near Santa Lucia Station

Santa Lucia is the main train station in Venice and sits right at the entrance to the historic centre.

There are a few nearby parking options which can be quite handy, though the rates tend to be on the higher side. The location does save you a fair bit of time and hassle getting around.

How Much Does it Cost to Park in Venice?

The cost of parking in Venice mostly depends on the location and the time of year.

In Piazzale Roma, daily rates usually hover between 35 and 50 euros. In Tronchetto, prices are normally a bit lower, while in Mestre you can easily find parking for less than 15 euros a day.

During the summer, Carnival, or bank holidays, prices can go up considerably.

Tips for Driving and Parking in Venice

Before you travel to Venice by car, it is worth keeping a few tips in mind.

1. Booking your parking online lets you compare prices and avoids any issues with spaces running out. It is also important to check for any access restrictions and limited traffic zones (ZTLs).
2. If you are travelling during peak season, your best bet is to arrive early in the morning to beat the traffic and get parked up more easily.
3. Finally, if you are planning to leave your car for a few days, always choose a secure car park and do not leave any valuables on display.

Is it Worth Hiring a Car to Visit Venice?

Even though you cannot drive around the historic centre of Venice, hiring a car is still one of the best ways to explore Italy.

Going on a road trip gives you the freedom to discover cities, villages, and beaches at your own pace, without being tied to timetables.

Plus, Venice is a brilliant jumping-off point for visiting other destinations in northern Italy, such as Verona, Bologna, the Dolomites, or Lake Garda.

To find the best car hire deals in Italy, you can use DoYouItaly, a comparison site that lets you find cheap vehicles at airports and cities all over the country.