26/08/2017
Arriving at Treviso Airport (TSF) signals the start of an exciting Italian adventure, often with Venice as the primary destination. While Venice's Marco Polo Airport is well-known, Treviso offers a fantastic, often more economical, alternative, especially for those flying with low-cost carriers from the UK. Whether your final stop is the iconic canals of Venice, the bustling transport hub of Mestre, or the delightful city of Treviso itself, understanding your travel options is key to a smooth and enjoyable start to your trip. This guide, crafted with the UK traveller in mind, will walk you through all the practicalities, costs, and choices to ensure a seamless transition from plane to piazza.
Known officially as Aeroporto di Treviso Antonio Canova, this airport has a rich history, serving as Venice's main air gateway long before Marco Polo Airport was constructed. Today, while it might feel more like a bustling bus station due to its compact size and focus on budget airlines, its strategic location makes it an excellent starting point for exploring not just Venice, but also other captivating northern Italian cities like Padua, Vicenza, and even the stunning Dolomite Mountains. Situated merely 5 km from Treviso city centre, 30 km from Mestre, and 40 km from Venice, its accessibility is undeniable. Despite its modest dimensions, Treviso Airport boasts a solid network of connections, including several direct flights from various UK cities.
Direct Routes to Venice: Simplicity and Speed
For many, the priority upon landing at Treviso is a direct route to Venice. Thankfully, the airport is exceptionally well-connected, offering both speed and affordability. The most straightforward method is by bus, with a couple of key operators providing direct services.
ATVO Bus Service
The ATVO bus, specifically line 351, offers a direct and efficient way to reach Venice's Piazzale Roma, making a convenient stop in Mestre first. This service is particularly popular for its directness, eliminating the need for transfers and making it an ideal choice for first-time visitors or those with luggage. Buses typically run from 07:30 to 22:20, with frequencies varying between 30 minutes and an hour. A single journey ticket costs €12, while a return ticket is priced at €22. Booking in advance online is an option, offering peace of mind, though tickets can also be purchased upon arrival.
Barzi Bus Service
Another excellent option is the Barzi bus service. This operator also provides direct connections from Treviso Airport, first to Mestre – a crucial transport hub with extensive train connections across Italy – and then continuing to Venezia Tronchetto, which is conveniently close to the cruise port. Regardless of whether you disembark at Mestre or Tronchetto, the price for a single journey is a flat €10. This can be a slightly more economical option if Tronchetto suits your final destination or if you plan to connect to other parts of Venice via the People Mover.
The Treviso Rail Link: A Two-Step Journey to Venice
While direct bus services offer convenience, combining a bus ride with a train journey via Treviso Central Station provides a flexible and often very frequent alternative. This method allows you to experience two modes of public transport and can sometimes be quicker depending on traffic conditions.
Connecting to Treviso Central Station
To begin this two-step journey, you'll first need to reach Treviso Central Train Station from the airport. There are two primary bus services for this short leg:
- Treviso Airlink: This dedicated shuttle service is designed for quick transfers between the airport and Treviso Central Train Station. The journey takes approximately 10 minutes and costs €4. Tickets can be purchased at MOM offices within the airport and at the station, ATVO offices, or at the tourist information point.
- MOM Urban Bus Line 6: For a more budget-friendly option, the local MOM urban bus line 6 also connects the airport to Treviso Central Station, continuing to other key city spots like Piazza del Duomo. While it takes a little longer than the Airlink due to multiple stops, it's significantly cheaper at €1.50 if purchased from a ticket office inside the airport. Be warned, buying the ticket directly from the driver will cost you double (€3.00), so planning ahead is advisable.
Train from Treviso to Venice Santa Lucia
Once at Treviso Central Station, you'll find a multitude of trains departing regularly for Venice Santa Lucia, the main station situated right on Venice's Grand Canal. The train journey itself is quite scenic and typically takes just over half an hour. A single train ticket costs approximately €3.80. You can check train schedules and purchase tickets on the Trenitalia website, or directly at the station's ticket counters or vending machines. While it's possible to purchase a combined Airlink + train ticket online, many travellers prefer the flexibility of buying separate tickets upon arrival, avoiding being tied to a specific departure time.
Getting to Treviso City Centre: Explore the Local Charm
Before rushing off to Venice, consider spending some time exploring Treviso itself. This charming, often overlooked, city offers a delightful taste of northern Italian life, with its canals, mediaeval walls, and excellent restaurants. Getting to the city centre from the airport is straightforward:
- Treviso Airlink: As mentioned, this shuttle provides a fast 10-minute connection directly to Treviso Central Train Station, which is within easy walking distance of the city centre. The cost is €4.
- MOM Urban Bus Line 6: This local bus also serves the train station and continues to Piazza del Duomo, a central point in Treviso. At €1.50 (if bought in advance), it's the most economical choice, albeit slightly slower than the Airlink.
Beyond the city centre, Treviso Airport also serves as a hub for several extra-urban bus lines. Lines 101 (towards Padua), 102, and 103 all stop at the airport and terminate at Autostazione Treviso, with a prior stop at the Central Train Station. Always double-check the direction to ensure you're boarding the correct bus for your intended destination.
The Convenience of Taxis and Private Transfers
While public transport in Italy is efficient and budget-friendly, sometimes the ultimate convenience and peace of mind of a private transfer is paramount, especially after a long flight or if you're travelling with significant luggage. For the UK traveller accustomed to the directness of a taxi, these options offer a familiar level of service.
Taxi Services
Taxis are readily available outside Treviso Airport. While they offer a direct and private journey, they are, as expected, the most expensive option. For a ride from Treviso Airport to Treviso city centre, you can expect a minimum fare of €15. Prices to Venice or Mestre will be significantly higher and should be confirmed with the driver before commencing your journey. Taxis offer door-to-door service, which can be invaluable if your accommodation is not easily accessible by public transport or if you simply prefer not to navigate with luggage.
Pre-booked Private Transfers
For the truly hassle-free experience, consider booking a private transfer service in advance. This option means a driver will be waiting for you upon arrival, often with a name board, and will whisk you away directly to your hotel in Venice (or the nearest accessible point) or Treviso. While this is not the cheapest option, the comfort, lack of waiting time, and personal service can be well worth the investment, particularly for families, groups, or those seeking a luxurious start to their holiday. Many reputable companies offer online booking, allowing you to arrange everything before you even leave the UK.
Comparative Overview of Transport Options
To help you make an informed decision, here's a quick summary of the main transport options from Treviso Airport, highlighting costs and approximate travel times:
| Option | Route | Cost (One-Way) | Approx. Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATVO Bus | Treviso Airport to Venice Piazzale Roma (via Mestre) | €12 | ~1 hour 10 mins | Direct, frequent, popular choice |
| Barzi Bus | Treviso Airport to Mestre / Venezia Tronchetto | €10 | ~1 hour | Direct, slightly cheaper to Tronchetto |
| Treviso Airlink + Train | Treviso Airport to Treviso Central Station then Venice Santa Lucia | €4 (bus) + €3.80 (train) = €7.80 | ~10 mins (bus) + ~35 mins (train) | Two-step journey, flexible train times |
| MOM Line 6 + Train | Treviso Airport to Treviso Central Station then Venice Santa Lucia | €1.50 (bus) + €3.80 (train) = €5.30 | ~15-20 mins (bus) + ~35 mins (train) | Cheapest public transport option, buy bus ticket in advance |
| Taxi | Treviso Airport to Treviso City Centre | From €15 | ~10-15 mins | Direct, private, most expensive local option |
| Private Transfer | Treviso Airport to Venice / Treviso | Varies (higher) | Direct | Ultimate comfort, pre-booked, door-to-door service |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the bus from Treviso Airport to Venice?
The ATVO bus from Treviso Airport to Venice Piazzale Roma costs €12 for a single journey and €22 for a return ticket. The Barzi bus service to Mestre or Venezia Tronchetto is €10 for a single journey.
How much is the train from Treviso to Venice?
A train ticket from Treviso Central Train Station to Venice Santa Lucia costs approximately €3.80 per passenger. This cost does not include the bus fare from Treviso Airport to Treviso Central Station.
Is Treviso Airport far from Venice?
Treviso Airport (TSF) is located approximately 40 km from Venice. While not as close as Venice Marco Polo Airport, it is very well-connected by various public transport options, making the journey relatively quick and straightforward.
Can I buy tickets on the bus from Treviso Airport?
For the MOM urban bus line 6 connecting the airport to Treviso Central Station, you can buy tickets on board from the driver, but it will cost double the standard fare (€3.00 instead of €1.50). For the ATVO and Barzi direct buses to Venice, it's generally recommended to purchase tickets in advance online or at designated ticket offices at the airport to ensure availability and avoid potential queues.
What's the quickest way to Venice from Treviso Airport?
The quickest direct public transport options are the ATVO and Barzi bus services, which take approximately one hour to one hour and ten minutes, depending on traffic and your specific destination in Venice (Piazzale Roma or Tronchetto).
Is Treviso city worth visiting?
Absolutely! Treviso is a beautiful, charming city with canals, historic architecture, and a relaxed atmosphere. It's often less crowded than Venice and offers a wonderful opportunity to experience authentic Italian life. Its proximity to the airport makes it an easy and worthwhile stop before or after your Venice adventure.
With a variety of transport options available from Treviso Airport, you can choose the method that best suits your budget, time constraints, and preference for comfort. Whether you opt for the directness of a bus, the flexibility of a bus-and-train combination, or the hassle-free luxury of a private transfer, getting to Venice, Mestre, or Treviso city centre is a well-trodden path. Plan your journey, consider your priorities, and prepare to immerse yourself in the beauty of Italy!
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