Traffic in Venice: ZTL, parking, and useful info
Driving to Venice might not seem like the most logical choice, but having a car provides greater flexibility for planning trips and exploring the surroundings of Venice. It also avoids the restrictions on luggage size and weight now enforced on high-speed trains and airplanes. If you decide to use a car, this article offers some valuable tips on how to navigate Venice's traffic.
Venice ZTL: what you need to know
We all know, at least by reputation, the unique traffic situation in Venice: a one-of-a-kind city crisscrossed by numerous canals, embraced by a lagoon, and constantly threatened by flooding. Venice's historic center is also a vast open-air museum, and it's understandable that all necessary measures are taken to protect its beauty. One such measure is the restriction of motor vehicle traffic: many parts of Venice's historic center are ZTL (restricted traffic zones), meaning only residents or authorized vehicles can access them.
The main access points of Venice's ZTL, where even vehicles with a disabled permit can enter only with prior authorization, are located between Via Poerio and Piazza XXVII Ottobre, north of Piazza Ferretto, on Via S. Pio X, and at the entrance points of Via Torre Belfredo and Via Cristoforo Colombo. Access permits are issued only for medical reasons, goods transport, disabled persons, and residents. Tourists do not need to pay the access fee (ticket) to Venice if they are already paying the tourist tax at their hotel, guesthouse, or B&B.
Driving in Venice: where to park?
The "City of Water" is known for its congested traffic and lack of convenient and accessible parking. Finding a safe and affordable parking spot can be difficult and expensive, especially due to the restricted traffic zone covering the entire historic center, which forces drivers to seek parking on the outskirts of the city.
The two parking lots closest to the historic center, Piazzale Roma and Tronchetto, have relatively high costs and often reach full capacity despite their substantial size. If you want to park near the center of Venice, it's advisable to book your parking spot in advance to avoid unpleasant surprises upon arrival. A slightly cheaper option is the parking lot at Venice Mestre station, from which you can reach the city center in a few minutes by train.
For free parking in Venice, you will need to go a bit further to places like Marghera, Favaro Veneto, or Chirignago, where there are some free parking spaces (white lines). These towns are no more than 13 kilometers from the center of Venice and are well-connected by public transport. However, keep in mind that if you travel during the weekend or peak hours, you might still not find free parking and may need to use paid parking garages. Some hotels also offer free parking for their guests, so check this before booking.
Need a car for your trip? Check the pages of Locauto rental offices in Venice.
