The main thing to do when you get to your car is to inspect it for any pre-existing damage. This should be reported to the hire company and documented, otherwise you might well find yourself landed with a hefty bill to pay for it later. When returning the car, you should make sure it has the same level of fuel as when you picked it up, otherwise you could similarly find yourself charged for the fuel at a grossly inflated rate.
Know the laws of the road at your destination and stick to them. In Italy, this includes things like driving on the right hand side, not using radar detectors and using your headlights in tunnels. Above all, be a responsible driver, exactly as you would at home.
Eight car hire providers have premises at Venice Marco Polo Airport, located in the arrivals area on the ground floor. While you can simply turn up and book a car, you can save a great deal of money and time by paying in advance online.
Company | Telephone Number |
---|---|
Autoeuropa | +39041541 66 38 |
Autovia | +39041269 84 05 |
Avis | +39041541 50 30 |
Europcar | +39041541 56 54 |
Hertz | +39041541 60 75 |
Locauto Rent | +39041541 67 37 |
Maggiore | +39041541 50 40 |
Sixt | +39041541 55 70 |
The average price of unleaded petrol in Italy is €1.65 per litre. Using a medium-priced vehicle such as the Smart for Two, which gives 67 miles to the gallon, the approximate fuel cost per 10 miles would be €2.47.
If you do want to contact the company by telephone, then
Destination | Distance | Journey time | Directions | Video |
---|---|---|---|---|
St Mark’s Basilica | 13.4 km | 21 minutes | https://goo.gl/x6iM9J | https://goo.gl/p4MQTC |
Musica a Palazzo | 17.1 km | 52 minutes | https://goo.gl/YjWv8E | https://goo.gl/ffxVzR |
St Mark’s Square | 13.4 km | 23 minutes | https://goo.gl/OtX5De | https://goo.gl/6RhI3x |
Teatro la Fenice | 17.4 km | 51 minutes | https://goo.gl/jzDZSk | https://goo.gl/ba7auC |
San Giorgio Maggiore | 14.8 km | 28 minutes | https://goo.gl/zpOv6b | https://goo.gl/0UScpG |
Peggy Guggenheim Collection | 13.6 km | 23 minutes | https://goo.gl/7mxPwv | https://goo.gl/cn046y |
Santa Maria dei Miracoli | 13.7 km | 24 minutes | https://goo.gl/F9dpiJ | https://goo.gl/g81gNC |
Rialto Bridge | 13.4 km | 23 minutes | https://goo.gl/u1Xt5U | https://goo.gl/VpmqKn |
Santi Giovanni e Paolo | 13.4 km | 24 minutes | https://goo.gl/3TDfxJ | https://goo.gl/czuX70 |
Santa Maria della Salute | 17.2 km | 53 minutes | https://goo.gl/XLkrFp | https://goo.gl/HHOC8f |
Certain documents will need to be produced before you can pick up your car. These would include your licence from your country of residence which you must have held for at least one year. It’s worth having an International Driving Permit (IDP), even if not stipulated in the terms and conditions. You have to be over 18, and drivers under 25 may incur a young driver’s surcharge.
Usually, you will get some basic insurance cover when you hire a car at Venice Marco Polo Airport. This might be a Collision Damage Waiver or Theft Cover, which will protect you in case of an accident, but it is not true insurance as you would still have to pay a large excess. You can buy excess cover from your provider, but it’s much cheaper to buy it from a separate insurance specialist such as insurance4carhire.com. This would also include areas such as the windscreen, undercarriage and tyres, which aren’t covered by the hire company.
Marco Polo is Venice’s international airport and the larger of two airports serving this romantic city. It lies 8km (4.9 miles) north of the city in the outlying town of Tessera. Italy’s fifth busiest airport, it saw 8.4 million passengers in 2014. The single terminal features three floors; arrivals on the ground floor, departures on the first floor and airline offices on the second floor. Marco Polo sits in a coastal location and has excellent transport links to the city, including the option of going by motorboat, water shuttle or water taxi. There is also a railway station and bus terminal, and you can, of course, hire a car if you want to travel under your own steam. You can drive to the city or out into the beautiful Italian countryside. The modern terminal, opened in 2002, has a wealth of facilities including restaurants, bars, cafes and high-end shops; bureau de change and ATMs; banks and post office; VIP lounge with meeting room; and 24-hour car parks.
There is an airport information desk in arrivals which provides advice on flights and other airport services. It can be reached on +39(04) 1260 9260. Additionally, the tourist information office, also in arrivals, provides details of tours, accommodation and attractions in the city. The number is +39(04) 1541 5887.
Railway station: +39 04 2138 3672
ACTV bus: +39 04 1272 2111
Radiotaxi: +39 04 1595 2080
Alilaguna water taxi: +39 04 1240 1715
Left luggage office: +3904 171 3719
Lost property: +39 04 1260 9222
First aid service: +39 04 1260 5385
Travelex Business Centre: +39 04 1269 8191
Parking: +39 041 260 3060