Visiting Venice in one day by car in 2026: complete itinerary and parking
Visiting Venice in one day by car is a perfectly achievable experience with the right planning. Piazzale Roma is the only point accessible to vehicles in the historic centre, where Garage San Marco offers 900 monitored spaces 24/7 with video surveillance and online booking so you can start exploring the lagoon city right away.
Planning every detail allows you to make the most of the hours available without stress and without wasting time searching for a safe parking spot. Here is the ideal itinerary from morning to sunset.
Where to park when visiting Venice in one day by car
The first decision for anyone wanting to visit Venice in one day by car concerns parking. Piazzale Roma is the city’s car terminal, connected to the mainland by the Ponte della Libertà, and from here all pedestrian routes to Venice’s main attractions begin.
Garage San Marco at Piazzale Roma is the ideal choice thanks to its strategic location just 100 metres from the vaporetto stops and 5 minutes from Santa Lucia Station. The covered facility offers active video surveillance and qualified staff on site 24 hours a day. By booking online at garagesanmarco.it you are guaranteed priority access via a dedicated lane, avoiding queues on arrival.
Morning itinerary: from the Rialto Bridge to St Mark’s Square
With the car safely stored, anyone choosing to visit Venice in one day by car starts at the Rialto Bridge, reachable from Piazzale Roma in about 20 minutes through charming narrow streets and small squares. The oldest bridge over the Grand Canal, built between 1588 and 1591, offers a spectacular view of the canal.
From Rialto, continue towards St Mark’s Square, the beating heart of the city, where you can admire the Basilica with its golden Byzantine mosaics and the majestic Campanile standing over 98 metres tall. Just a few steps away is the famous Bridge of Sighs, a symbol of Venetian history. For those wishing to visit Venice in one day by car, it is advisable to arrive early in the morning to avoid the queues.
Afternoon among hidden treasures and sunsets over the Grand Canal
After lunch at the characteristic Venetian bacari with cicchetti and spritz, those who have decided to visit Venice in one day by car can dedicate the afternoon to hidden treasures. The Scala Contarini del Bovolo is a hidden gem tucked away among the narrow streets, with a spectacular spiral staircase offering a unique panorama over the city’s rooftops.
Continue towards Teatro La Fenice, a world-renowned temple of opera, before reaching the Accademia Bridge. From here you can enjoy one of the most photographed views in the city, with the Basilica of Santa Maria della Saluteilluminated by the golden light of sunset against the backdrop of the Grand Canal.
Practical tips and access fee 2026
Visiting Venice in one day by car requires some essential precautions. Wearing comfortable shoes is vital for walking approximately 5 kilometres along a route that includes bridges and steps. Booking tickets in advance for St Mark’s Basilica and the Campanile allows you to skip the lines and make the most of your time.
Since 2024, Venice has introduced the mandatory Contributo di Accesso for day visitors. In 2026 it applies on 60 days from 3 April to 26 July, between 8:30 AM and 4:00 PM, at a cost of 5 euros when booked in advance or 10 euros for last-minute payments. Veneto residents and those staying overnight in accommodation within the municipality are exempt.
Why choose Garage San Marco as your starting point
Choosing where to park determines the quality of the entire experience for anyone wanting to visit Venice in one day by car. Garage San Marco eliminates every worry thanks to permanent surveillance with advanced video monitoring and dedicated staff 365 days a year. The facility also offers charging stations for electric vehicles and a partnered water taxi service.
The daily rate of 45 euros for 24 hours includes online booking with instant confirmation at garagesanmarco.it. For shorter stays, flexible rates are available starting from 25 euros for 5 hours. Starting from Garage San Marco means beginning your Venetian day with complete peace of mind and security.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to visit Venice in one day by car?
Visiting Venice in one day by car requires at least 8–10 hours. By leaving early in the morning from Garage San Marco at Piazzale Roma, you can see all the main attractions while walking approximately 5 kilometres on foot through the sestieri.
How much does it cost to park at Piazzale Roma for a day?
Rates at Piazzale Roma range from 25 to 45 euros per day. Garage San Marco offers 25 euros for 5 hours and 45 euros for 24 hours with booking at garagesanmarco.it.
Is the Access Fee required to visit Venice in 2026?
In 2026 the fee applies on 60 days from 3 April to 26 July for day visitors who are not residents of the Veneto region, at a cost of 5 euros when booked in advance.
Visiting Venice in one day by car is an adventure that begins with a smart choice. Parking at Garage San Marco at Piazzale Roma guarantees safety, convenience and direct access to all the wonders of La Serenissima without worrying about your vehicle.
Book your space at garagesanmarco.it and enjoy your Venetian day worry-free, from the first stroll through the narrow streets to the last sunset at the Accademia Bridge in the heart of the lagoon city.
Read also: Safe parking in Venice: 24h guarded garage at Piazzale Roma
