Venice is unique among European cities — you literally cannot drive there. The historic island city has no roads, only canals and footpaths. But the surrounding Veneto region is one of Italy's richest and most rewarding areas to explore by car, from Palladian villas to Prosecco vineyards to the soaring Dolomite mountains.
Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) is the main airport, located on the mainland 13 km from Venice. All major rental companies operate here, with the car rental center in the ground floor of the multi-story car park opposite the terminal. Expect economy cars from €20-€35/day. Treviso Airport (TSF), used by Ryanair, is 40 km north and has a smaller selection of rental operators.
If your trip is focused on Venice island itself, you do not need a car. The Alilaguna water bus goes directly from the airport to Venice. Rent a car only when you are ready to leave Venice and explore the mainland.
If you must bring a car to Venice island, your only options are:
The smarter strategy is to park in Mestre on the mainland (€8-€15/day in garages near the train station) and take the 10-minute train across the causeway to Venice Santa Lucia station.
The real value of a car in Venice is accessing the extraordinary Veneto hinterland. Key routes include:
The Dolomites are just 2 hours from Venice by car, making dramatic mountain scenery accessible as a day trip or weekend excursion. The A27 motorway leads to Belluno, gateway to the mountains. From there, mountain passes like the Passo Falzarego, Passo Giau, and the legendary Tre Cime di Lavaredo offer some of Europe's most spectacular driving. The roads are well-maintained but narrow, with hairpin bends and altitude changes. Snow closes many passes from November through May.
The A4 motorway connecting Venice to Milan via Padua, Vicenza, and Verona is Italy's busiest — expect heavy traffic on Friday evenings and Sunday returns. Tolls from Venice to Verona cost approximately €8. The Veneto has strict speed enforcement with Tutor average-speed cameras on motorways. Fuel costs €1.80-€2.00/liter. For the Dolomites, winter tires or chains are mandatory from November 15 to April 15 in Veneto and Trentino-Alto Adige.
You can pick up a rental car at these airports near Venice:
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| Zone | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Piazzale Roma (Autorimessa Comunale) | €26-€32/day | The only place you can bring a car on the island of Venice. Multi-story garage at the end of the Ponte della Libertà causeway. |
| Tronchetto Island | €22/day | Large open-air car park on an artificial island connected to Venice. Free People Mover monorail to Piazzale Roma. |
| Mestre (Mainland) | €8-€15/day | Park in Mestre and take the train or bus across the causeway. Much cheaper and avoids Venice island traffic entirely. |
Traffic note: You cannot drive in Venice — there are no roads on the island, only canals and pedestrian walkways. Cars must be left at Piazzale Roma or Tronchetto before entering Venice on foot or by vaporetto (water bus). The 4 km causeway (Ponte della Libertà) connecting the mainland to the island can be heavily congested, especially during Carnival and summer weekends. The mainland city of Mestre has normal traffic. The A4 motorway connects Venice to Padua, Verona, and Milan. Venice airport (Marco Polo/VCE) is on the mainland and easily accessible by car.
Compare car rental prices in Venice → →Book your Venice rental online at least 2 weeks ahead — airport desk walk-up prices are typically 30-50% higher.
Compare prices from top rental companies at VCE pickup locations.
Shakespeare's city of Romeo and Juliet, with a magnificently preserved Roman Arena that still hosts opera performances, charming piazzas, and excellent Valpolicella wine nearby.
Home to one of Europe's oldest universities (1222), the stunning Scrovegni Chapel with Giotto's frescoes, and the vast Prato della Valle square. A rich, underrated city.
The dramatic peaks of the Dolomites are surprisingly close to Venice. Cortina hosted the 1956 Winter Olympics and offers spectacular mountain driving on passes like Falzarego and Giau.
Rental companies in Italy charge $15-30/day for excess reduction at the desk. Standalone policies cover the same thing for a fraction of the cost — and you can buy before you go.
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These policies reimburse you if the rental company charges your card for damage. They do not replace the rental company's basic insurance (CDW/TP) which is always included.
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Data and regulations verified against official sources. Last checked 2026-04-25.
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