Up and Down the Bridges 2026: How to Participate and Where to Park in Venice
Up and Down the Bridges returns on Sunday, 12 April 2026 with the 46th edition of Venice’s most beloved solidarity walk. Those arriving by car can count on Garage San Marco at Piazzale Roma, the attended car park with 900 spaces and 24/7 CCTV surveillance, ideal for enjoying the event without a worry.
This year the event is part of the Milan Cortina 2026 Cultural Olympiad, under the theme “Ignite the Passion”. Thousands of participants will cross alleyways, squares and bridges in a day of sport, culture and solidarity.
What is Up and Down the Bridges in Venice?
Up and Down the Bridges is an event born in 1975 on the initiative of the Salesians of Don Bosco that every spring brings together over ten thousand people for a walk through the historic centre of Venice. Families, schools, sports groups and associations take part in a day of friendship and sustainable tourism.
The proceeds are donated to charity in support of the Salesian missions and local educational organisations. The 2026 edition is particularly prestigious thanks to its inclusion in the Milan Cortina 2026 Cultural Olympiad calendar, with the cultural itinerary “Giochi Serenissimi” dedicated to the sporting history of the Serenissima.
Programme and Routes of the 46th Edition
The programme for Up and Down the Bridges 2026 includes Holy Mass at 8:30 am at the Church of San Moisè, followed by staggered departures between 9:30 and 10:30 am from St Mark’s Square. The full route covers 11.6 kilometres with 44 bridges, while the short route starts from the Port of Venice covering 5.7 kilometres and 24 bridges.
A brand new feature of this edition is the passage through the historic area of the Venice Arsenal, with exit through the monumental 1600s gateway guarded by the famous stone lions. The award ceremony takes place at 1:00 pm in St Mark’s Square, with the event closing at 3:00 pm.
How to Register for Up and Down the Bridges 2026
Registration for Up and Down the Bridges is open to everyone with no age limit. The participation bib costs €9.00 in advance at suezo.it or at authorised registration points. Those who register online receive one free bib for every ten purchased.
The official solidarity T-shirt is available for €10.00 in children’s and adult sizes. On 12 April, the Venice access fee is required, with an exemption for residents of the Veneto Region. Upon arrival, each participant receives a commemorative medal of the event.
How to Reach Venice by Car for Up and Down the Bridges
Those reaching Venice by car for Up and Down the Bridges must head to Piazzale Roma, the only area of the historic centre accessible to vehicles. From Milan, take the A4 motorway towards Venice, while from Bologna follow the A13 to the junction for the A57 towards Mestre.
With over ten thousand participants expected, booking your parking space in advance is essential to guarantee a spot. Garage San Marco allows online booking 24 hours a day, eliminating the risk of finding everything full on a very busy day.
Where to Park for Up and Down the Bridges 2026
Garage San Marco is the ideal choice for those participating in Up and Down the Bridges arriving by car. The structure is located at Piazzale Roma, just a few minutes’ walk from the pedestrian entrance to the historic centre. With 900 attended parking spaces and staff on site 24/7, the garage guarantees security throughout the entire day.
The rate is €45 for 24 hours with online booking, while on-site rates start from €25 for 5 hours. The strategic location of Garage San Marco allows you to reach St Mark’s Square, the starting point of the walk, in approximately 25 minutes through the city’s alleyways.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Up and Down the Bridges 2026 take place?
The 46th edition takes place on Sunday, 12 April 2026, with departures from 9:30 to 10:30 am from St Mark’s Square and the Port of Venice.
How much does it cost to participate in Up and Down the Bridges 2026?
The bib costs €9.00 in advance at suezo.it. On 12 April, the Venice access fee is required, with an exemption for Veneto residents.
Where to park for Up and Down the Bridges in Venice?
Garage San Marco at Piazzale Roma offers 900 attended parking spaces with online booking at garagesanmarco.it.
Experience Up and Down the Bridges Without a Worry
Up and Down the Bridges 2026 is a unique opportunity to discover Venice through one of the most heartfelt events in local tradition, made even more special by the backdrop of the Milan Cortina 2026 Cultural Olympiad.
Book your parking space at garagesanmarco.it and head to Piazzale Roma for a day of solidarity and culture in the heart of the lagoon city. Garage San Marco awaits you with attended parking, CCTV surveillance and the peace of mind of knowing your vehicle is always safe.
Also read: Visiting Venice in one day by car in 2026: complete itinerary and parking
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