Getting to St Mark's Basilica

St Mark's Basilica stands at the east end of St Mark's Square, in the San Marco district at the heart of Venice. From the railway station or Piazzale Roma, the quickest way there is the vaporetto, the public water bus: the Basilica's official information page gives lines 1 and 2 to San Zaccaria, or line 2 to Rialto followed by a short walk. You can also walk the whole way in about 30–45 minutes. Below are the routes, the fares, and the right door to use when you arrive.

By vaporetto from the station or Piazzale Roma

The Procuratoria di San Marco's page on reaching the Basilica lists these options from Piazzale Roma, the bus and car terminal, and from the railway station next to it:

• To San Zaccaria with line 1 or line 2. The official page gives journey times of about 25 to 40 minutes depending on the line.
• To Rialto with line 2, about 15 minutes, then 5–10 minutes on foot towards San Marco.

The same page lists a third line for this route, but its number is garbled on the official page, so we don't repeat it. Check the line on the stop's display or the ACTV site before boarding.

San Zaccaria is on the waterfront facing the lagoon. From there, walk west along the water past the Doge's Palace and turn into the square: the Basilica is ahead of you.

From Punta Sabbioni

If you are coming from Punta Sabbioni, on the coast across the lagoon, the official page gives two lines:

• line 14, about 40 minutes, with a stop at the Lido;
• line 15, direct, about 25 minutes.

Both arrive at Pietà, about 10 minutes' walk from the Basilica.

On foot

From the station or Piazzale Roma, the official page puts the walk at about 30–45 minutes. Venice's streets wind and cross bridges with steps, so allow the longer figure, especially with children or luggage, and keep a map on your phone.

What does the vaporetto cost?

These are the ACTV fares for the city network, as published by AVM and checked on 10 November 2026:

Children travel free until their sixth birthday. The 75-minute ticket counts from the first validation and does not cover lines 16 and 19, the Casinò line or the Alilaguna boats. From three journeys in a day the 24-hour pass is cheaper: three 75-minute tickets cost €28.50.

Which entrance should I use?

The Basilica has several doors, each with a different purpose:

• Porta San Pietro, on the square: the entrance for visitors with an individual ticket bought online, according to the official price page.
• Porta dei Fiori, on the north side facing the Piazzetta dei Leoncini: free entry for prayer, Mass and other services, open for prayer every day from 7.30am to 7.30pm. It has a platform for wheelchair users.
• Porta San Clemente: the entrance for accredited school groups.

People with disabilities and their companions enter free; staff escort them to the most suitable entrance. Details are on our visiting tips page.

At the door you go through a metal detector, so leave time for it. Bags larger than 40×30×20 cm and trolley cases are not allowed in (rules and dress code).

Timing your arrival

Your ticket is valid for one time slot. The official terms allow up to 15 minutes either side of it; the official FAQ speaks of about 5 minutes, so aim to be at the door at the start of your slot. Basilica opening hours are Monday to Saturday from 9.30am and on Sundays and holy days of obligation from 2pm, with last entry at 4.45pm; see opening hours.

When high tide floods the square, walkways slow everyone down. If acqua alta is forecast, read acqua alta and the Basilica and set off earlier. The same page covers the Venice access fee, which is due again on set days in 2027.

Getting around once you are there

Everything on the square is a few minutes' walk apart: the Campanile, the Doge's Palace, the Clock Tower and the Museo Correr. Our St Mark's Square guide shows how they connect. If you prefer to explore with commentary, a city audio-guide app is among the options below.