Venice Port Guide

Venice Port is one of the most historically significant and busiest passenger ferry ports in northern Italy, serving as a vital maritime gateway to the Adriatic Sea and beyond. Nestled within the iconic Venice Lagoon, the port has operated for centuries and today handles a substantial volume of passenger and vehicle ferry traffic each year. Its strategic location makes it the primary embarkation point for travellers heading to destinations across the Adriatic, including Croatia, Slovenia, and Greece, as well as domestic island-hopping routes within the lagoon itself, such as services to Murano, Burano and the Lido.

Venice Port accommodates both foot passengers and vehicles on selected ferry services, with large car ferry vessels operating on longer international routes. Given the complexity of the port layout and the presence of multiple departure terminals spread across the waterfront, passengers are strongly advised to arrive at least 60–90 minutes before their scheduled departure. It is essential to verify the correct terminal for your specific ferry service, as different operators depart from different locations.

Address: Porto di Venezia, Stazione Marittima, 30135 Venice, Italy

Facilities at the port

• Multiple passenger terminals: The port operates across several distinct terminals, most notably Stazione Marittima — the main international ferry hub — and San Basilio, which handles smaller routes and seasonal services. Each terminal has its own boarding gates and check-in infrastructure.
• Ferry operator ticket offices and check-in counters: Most major ferry operators maintain staffed desks at the port where passengers can purchase tickets, amend bookings, check in for their crossing, and receive boarding passes and vehicle loading instructions.
• Waiting areas: Spacious passenger lounges with fixed seating are available within the main terminal buildings, with departure boards and digital information screens displaying up-to-date sailing times, gate assignments and any delay announcements.
• Toilets and passenger amenities: Clean toilet facilities, including accessible bathrooms for passengers with disabilities or reduced mobility, are located throughout the terminal buildings.
• Cafés, snack bars and shops: A range of food and beverage outlets operate within the terminal areas, including cafés serving hot drinks and light meals, snack bars offering sandwiches and pastries, and small convenience stores stocking travel essentials, reading materials and souvenirs.
• Transport connections: Water taxi stops and vaporetto (water bus) landing stages are situated close to the port terminals, providing easy onward connections into Venice city centre and to Venice Santa Lucia railway station.

How many terminals are there at Venice Port?

Venice Port comprises several passenger terminals used by different ferry operators and catering to different routes. The principal terminal is Stazione Marittima, handling the majority of international crossings to Croatia, Greece and Slovenia. 

San Basilio terminal is also in use for certain services, particularly seasonal and smaller-scale routes. Some lagoon ferry services depart from alternative waterfront stops entirely. Because terminal assignments can vary by operator, season and vessel, passengers should always confirm the exact departure point on their booking confirmation and follow the port's directional signage carefully upon arrival to avoid confusion.

How to get to Venice Port

• By vaporetto: ACTV water bus services connect the port area with Venice city centre, the railway station and other key points throughout the lagoon. Lines 1 and 2 are among the most useful for reaching the port waterfront, though services can be slow during busy periods. Tickets can be purchased at vaporetto stops or via the ACTV app.
• By taxi: Both road taxis and water taxis operate throughout Venice. Water taxis offer a faster and more direct route to the port terminals and can accommodate luggage, though they are considerably more expensive than vaporetto services. Road taxis are practical for passengers arriving by car or travelling from the mainland.
• By train: Venezia Santa Lucia station, Venice's main railway terminus, is located approximately a 10–20 minute journey from the ferry port depending on the mode of transfer. From the station, passengers can take a vaporetto, arrange a water taxi, or use private transfer services to reach their specific terminal.
• By car: Vehicles can access Venice via the Ponte della Libertà causeway, which connects the city to the mainland. Drivers should follow signs for "Porto" or "Stazione Marittima." As private cars cannot travel within Venice itself, passengers should use the designated multi-storey car parks at Piazzale Roma or the Tronchetto island parking facility, both of which are located adjacent to the port area and offer both short-stay and long-stay options.

Pula Port Guide

Pula Port is one of Croatia's most important ferry hubs on the Adriatic coast, located at the southern tip of the Istrian Peninsula. The port enjoys a privileged position just a short walk from Pula's vibrant historic centre, making it exceptionally convenient for travellers combining their ferry journey with a city visit. The port provides regular ferry connections to Venice, making it one of the key maritime links between Croatia and Italy, as well as connections to other Adriatic destinations and domestic coastal services along the Croatian coastline.

Pula Port handles both foot passengers and vehicles on selected routes. International ferry services to Venice and other destinations are predominantly seasonal, operating at their highest frequency during the summer months from approximately April to October, when demand from tourists and holidaymakers peaks considerably. During these busy periods, check-in queues can be lengthy, and passengers are strongly advised to arrive at least 60 minutes before departure for foot passengers and 90 minutes or more for vehicle check-in to allow sufficient time for boarding procedures.

Address: Port of Pula, Riva, 52100 Pula, Croatia

Facilities at the port

• Passenger ferry terminal: The main terminal building houses dedicated ticket purchase windows and check-in counters staffed by ferry operators, where passengers can collect booking confirmations, purchase tickets and receive boarding instructions. Separate vehicle and passenger processing lanes are in operation during busy sailings.
• Waiting areas: Comfortable seating is provided within the terminal building, with passenger information boards displaying departure times, boarding gate allocations and any announced delays or changes to scheduled services.
• Toilets and basic passenger amenities: Toilet facilities are available within the terminal, including provisions for passengers with disabilities. Basic amenities such as drinking water points are also accessible.
• Cafés, restaurants and shops: While the port terminal itself offers limited on-site catering, an excellent range of cafés, restaurants and shops is available within a very short walking distance along Pula's Riva waterfront promenade, which runs directly alongside the port area.
• Taxi ranks and bus connections: A taxi rank is situated immediately outside the terminal entrance, and several local bus routes stop nearby, providing straightforward connections to other parts of Pula, including the bus station and key tourist areas.
• Assistance for passengers with reduced mobility: Support for passengers requiring assistance, including wheelchair access and boarding help, is available upon advance request directly with the relevant ferry operator. Passengers are advised to notify their operator of any accessibility requirements well in advance of travel.

How many terminals are there at Pula Port?

Ferry services at Pula operate from a single consolidated passenger terminal, which simplifies the arrival and boarding process considerably compared to larger multi-terminal ports. Within the terminal, individual boarding areas, gangways and vehicle lanes are allocated according to the specific route and operating ferry company. 

Passengers should monitor the information boards displayed inside the terminal and follow instructions from port staff, particularly during the busy summer season when multiple vessels may be in port simultaneously and boarding areas can shift between operations.

How to get to Pula Port

• On foot: Pula Port is exceptionally accessible for pedestrians, being located right on the Riva waterfront just minutes from the city's old town, main shopping streets and many of the major hotels and guesthouses in the city centre. Travellers staying in central Pula can comfortably walk to the port with luggage in under 10 minutes from most locations.
• By taxi: Taxis are readily available throughout Pula and can be hailed on the street, booked by phone, or arranged through hotel reception desks. The taxi ride from most parts of the city to the port is short and relatively inexpensive. Ride-hailing apps also operate in Pula.
• By bus: Several local Pulapromet bus routes serve stops close to the ferry port, connecting it with the wider city, the central bus station and outlying residential and tourist areas. Timetables and route maps are available from the bus station or the Pulapromet website.
• By car: The port is accessible via Pula's main city roads, with clear directional signage for the harbour and ferry terminal. A number of public car parks are located in the vicinity of the port, including both short-stay options for drop-offs and longer-stay facilities suitable for passengers leaving their vehicle for the duration of a multi-day trip or holiday.

Guide to Venice and Pula

Venice Travel Guide

Venice is one of the world’s most iconic cities, built across a network of canals in north-eastern Italy. Renowned for its romantic atmosphere, historic architecture and artistic heritage, Venice offers a truly unique travel experience. From grand landmarks to quiet backstreets, the city blends centuries of history with everyday local life, making it a must-visit destination for culture lovers, couples and first-time visitors to Italy.

What to see and do in Venice: Top attractions and experiences

• St Mark’s Square: The city’s main square, home to historic landmarks and lively cafés.
• St Mark’s Basilica: Admire ornate mosaics and Byzantine-inspired architecture.
• Doge’s Palace: Explore Venice’s former seat of power and grand halls.
• Grand Canal: Travel the city’s main waterway by vaporetto or gondola.
• Rialto Bridge: Visit one of Venice’s most famous bridges and nearby markets.
• Neighbourhood walks: Wander districts such as Dorsoduro and Cannaregio for a quieter feel.
• Venetian cuisine: Enjoy seafood dishes, cicchetti and traditional Italian classics.

Pula Travel Guide

Pula is a historic coastal city in southern Istria, Croatia, known for its well-preserved Roman ruins and relaxed Adriatic atmosphere. With a history stretching back thousands of years, Pula combines ancient landmarks, scenic beaches and a laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle. The city is ideal for travellers interested in history, coastal scenery and easy access to Istria’s natural and cultural attractions.

What to see and do in Pula: Must-see sights and activities

• Pula Arena: Visit one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world.
• Historic centre: Explore Roman temples, arches and historic streets.
• Pula Fortress: Enjoy panoramic views over the city and harbour.
• Pula beaches: Relax at nearby beaches and coves with clear Adriatic waters.
• Boat trips: Take excursions to nearby islands and coastal parks.
• Local markets: Discover fresh produce, seafood and regional specialities.
• Istrian cuisine: Sample seafood, truffles, olive oil and local wines.