This is a public transit train system connecting Piazzale Roma and the Cruise Port. You can arrive to Piazzale Roma via taxi (water or road), bus or car. If you arrive by car there is paid parking available. Depending on where you stay in Venice, the walk to Piazzale Roma can be very easy as well.
Why use it? Because it cuts your walk to the cruise port in half once you arrival at Piazzale Roma. Of course, this really only benefits you if you are staying in the Centro Storico di Venezia (central historic) area. That may not seem like much, but when you are dragging luggage it helps! The ride takes about 3-5 minutes and cost €1.50 per person. The cost to get to the port via taxi is expensive and the bus is timely, not to mention awkward depending on the size of your bag(s). All this train really does is get you across the bridge and tracks, but doesn't get you as close as you would think to the cruise ships. No matter how you choose to get to the cruise port of entry point...all modes of transportation end up in approximately the same place. With that said...I need to inform you that once you arrive at the port, depending on where your terminal is, you may still have close to a mile walk to get to your ship. It is what it is!
It's the same in reverse! If you arrive via cruise ship you'll need to walk to the People Mover station. Depending on where your terminal is...it could be close to a mile walk. Then it will take you to Piazzale Roma. From there you can walk to your hotel, grab a water or regular taxi (depending on where you are staying and which side), or the public water bus. The train station is a short walk from Piazzale Roma as well.
Please note: there are people to hire to help you with your luggage if needed at the Cruise Terminal(s), the main port entry point and at Piazzale Roma.
You can buy tickets at a kiosk or ticket booth located outside the People Mover station. Please keep in mind that depending on the time of year, there may be a line and can be timely. If you wish to buy your tickets in advance for a peace of mind, have it "done" or whatever, then I suggest going to http://actv.avmspa.it/en/content/people-mover-0 and buying it/them online. Or you can go to http://www.veneziaunica.it/ if you plan to purchase other modes of transportation for your stay along with tours if you wish...gotta love one stop shopping! You will get a code and you can exchange that code for a ticket at any designated kiosk ACTV station...it's really easy. read more