Compare cheap car hire at Venice Airport with practical information on rental desks, vehicle types, driving routes and seasonal prices.
Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) is the main international airport serving Venice and the Veneto region of northern Italy. Located around 13km north of Venice city centre, the airport is often used by travellers visiting Venice, the Dolomites, Lake Garda and cities across northeastern Italy.
While Venice itself is largely car-free, many visitors rent a car at the airport to explore destinations across the wider Veneto region and northern Italy.
Direct Flights from Ireland
Venice Airport has direct flights from Ireland throughout the year.
- Dublin → Venice (Ryanair, Aer Lingus seasonal services)
- Cork → Venice (seasonal services)
The flight from Dublin to Venice usually takes around 2 hours 40 minutes.
Where the Car Hire Desks Are Located
The car hire desks at Venice Airport are located inside the arrivals hall on the ground floor of the terminal. After exiting baggage reclaim, travellers will find the rental counters in the public arrivals area.
Vehicles are collected from the P1 car rental parking area located beside the terminal building, within walking distance of the arrivals exit.
Airport maps and passenger information are available on the official Venice Marco Polo Airport website.
Car Hire Companies at Venice Airport
Several international and Italian car rental companies operate from the airport.
- Hertz
- Avis
- Budget
- Europcar
- Sixt
- Locauto (Enterprise)
Vehicles are usually parked in the dedicated rental car parking area located beside the terminal.
Typical Rental Prices at Venice Airport
| Season | Economy Car | Family / Compact | Larger Family Vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|
| January – March | €35 – €60 per day | €60 – €95 per day | €95 – €160 per day |
| April – June | €40 – €75 per day | €75 – €120 per day | €120 – €190 per day |
| July – August | €55 – €100 per day | €100 – €160 per day | €160 – €240 per day |
| September – October | €40 – €80 per day | €80 – €130 per day | €130 – €200 per day |
| November – December | €35 – €65 per day | €65 – €105 per day | €105 – €170 per day |
Popular Cars to Rent in Northern Italy
Economy Cars
Small hatchbacks are practical for driving and parking in historic Italian cities.
Family Cars
Compact and mid-size vehicles are a comfortable option for travelling across northern Italy.
Estate Cars
Estate vehicles are popular with travellers exploring several destinations across the region and carrying additional luggage.
Crossover Vehicles
Crossover vehicles are often chosen by visitors heading toward mountain regions such as the Dolomites.
Driving from Venice Airport
The airport connects directly to the SS14 and A4 motorways which run across northern Italy.
- Venice city centre – about 20 minutes (to the mainland parking areas)
- Padua – around 40 minutes
- Verona – roughly 1 hour 30 minutes
- Lake Garda – about 2 hours
The A4 motorway links Venice with major cities including Milan and Trieste.
Travellers exploring northern Italy sometimes also compare arrival airports such as Trieste Airport, Bergamo Airport or Bologna Airport.
Driving Tips for Italy
Driving in Italy is on the right-hand side of the road. Major motorways are generally well maintained and clearly signposted.
Italian motorways operate toll systems known as “autostrade”, where drivers pay tolls when entering or leaving the motorway.
Further visitor information can be found on the official Italy tourism website.
Places to Visit by Car from Venice
Hiring a car makes it easy to explore several destinations across the Veneto region and northern Italy.
- Verona – historic city famous for its Roman arena
- Padua – university city with historic architecture
- Lake Garda – Italy’s largest lake with mountain scenery
- Dolomites – dramatic mountain landscapes and alpine villages
Many visitors use Venice Airport as the starting point for road trips across northern Italy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the car hire desks at Venice Airport?
The rental desks are located inside the arrivals hall on the ground floor of the terminal.
Which companies operate car hire at Venice Airport?
Major suppliers include Hertz, Europcar, Avis, Budget, Sixt and Locauto.
How far is Venice Airport from Venice city centre?
The airport is located about 13km north of Venice.
Is driving in Italy easy for visitors?
Yes. Major roads and motorways are generally modern and clearly signposted.
Do Italian motorways have tolls?
Yes. Many motorways operate toll systems known as autostrade.
Do I need a credit card to hire a car at Venice Airport?
Most rental companies require a credit card in the main driver’s name for the security deposit.
Are automatic cars available?
Yes, although manual vehicles remain common in Italy.
Should I book Venice Airport car hire in advance?
Booking ahead usually provides better prices and vehicle availability.
How long does it take to drive from Venice to Verona?
The journey normally takes about 1 hour 30 minutes depending on traffic.
Which motorway connects Venice Airport with northern Italy?
The A4 motorway connects Venice with cities such as Verona, Milan and Trieste.
