Land buses: Mestre and Lido
In Venice's historic center, public transportation is limited to water buses.
However, in the mainland districts of Mestre/Marghera and on the Lido di Venezia resort island, you'll see--and possibly use--ACTV buses with wheels.
(Mestre even has a tram system that is being extended to Venice's Piazzale Roma.)
ACTV bus lines
Mestre/Marghera:
A number of bus lines run between Mestre/Marghera and Piazzale Roma (the gateway to Venice's historic center).
If you enjoy deciphering timetables, see the ACTV/AVM "The Bus" page. Better yet, ask your hotel receptionist for advice on the most convenient bus route to Venice from your hotel.
Lido di Venezia:
If you're staying near the center of the Lido, you shouldn't need to ride buses unless you take a day trip to Chioggia by bus and ferry. (Most Lido buses stop in front of the Lido S.M.E. vaporetto and airport-boat station.)
Tickets
The standard urban bus fare is €1,50. (A "carnet" of 10 fares is €14,--.) Tickets are valid for 75 minutes in one direction, with bus transfers allowed.
Buy bus tickets at Venezia Unica/ACTV offices, self-service ticket machines, and most tobacco shops and newsstands.
Tourist transit passes
ACTV Travel Passes allow unlimited travel on buses (both land and water) for one, two, three, or seven days.
If you're 14-29 years of age, you'll save even more with the 3-day Rolling Venice Card.
See our ACTV Travel Passes page for details.
Important:
- To avoid a steep fine, validate your ticket as soon as you board the bus. (Hold it against the electronic ticket reader until you see a green flash and hear a beep.)
- If you board a bus without a ticket, you can buy one from the driver for a surcharge.