CIBJO Congress 2026 logo (gold)
Travel Information

While the CIBJO Congress 2026 will take place in Vicenza, Italy, the official congress hotels are in Abano Terme, a famous Italian spa resort town located  53 kilometres or a 30 -to-40-minute drive northeast of Vicenza.

Participants are recommended to travel first to Abano Terme, from which there will be complimentary transportation to and from Vicenza during the congress, provided by the organisers.

GETTING TO AND FROM VICENZA/ABANO TERME

BY AIR

For most participants, the most convenient airport of arrival and departure will Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE). Alternative options include Treviso Airport (TSF), Verona Airport (VRN) and the three airports serving Milan – Malpensa (MXP), Linate (LIN), and Bergamo Orio al Serio (BGY).

For information about flight (and train) options, view the “How to get to VICENZAORO” page.

  • VENICE MARCO POLO AIRPORT (VCE)

The main port of entry to Italy’s northeast, the airport is located approximately 60 kilometres from Abano Terme and 75 kilometres from Vicenza. Travel time by car to both locations is about one hour, depending on traffic.

Traveling from Venice Airport to Abano Terme

  • Private taxi or transfer (recommended for convenience). The Atam Taxi and Chauffeur-Driven Car Hire Consortium of Abano Terme operates every day of the year, 24 hours a day, by advance booking via email or phone call: https://www.taxiabanoterme.it/taxi-aeroporto-abano-montegrotto-padova/taxi-aeroporto-di-venezia-abano-montegrotto-padova/ 
  • Bus or shuttle to Venezia Mestre railway station, then train to Terme Euganee–Abano–Montegrotto
  • By shuttle and train from and to Venice Airport, use Venezia Airlink. Travel by train to Venezia Mestre station and from there continue by bus to the airport and back.The bus departs from Venezia Mestre station, at Via Cappuccina 183 (ATVO bus station).
  • Rental car

Traveling from Venice Airport to Vicenza

The fastest way to travel is by car or private transfer, while the most cost-effective method is taking a direct bus. Transportation Options include:

  • Bus:  FlixBus operates direct services from the airport to Vicenza twice daily.
  • Bus + Train: Take the ATVO Mestre Express or ACTV Bus Line 15 from the airport to Venezia Mestre Station, transfer to a train (Frecciarossa or Regionale) to Vicenza.
  • Shuttle Services: Operators like GoOpti provide shared shuttles with multiple daily departures.
  • Private & Direct Road Travel: The distance is roughly 72 kilometers via the A4/E70 highway.
  • PrivateTransfer/Taxi: A pre-booked private transfer starts around €165, while a standard airport taxi can cost between €200 and €250

You can view all travel solutions and purchase your train+bus ticket together on https://www.trenitalia.com/en/services/venezia-airlink.html

TREVISO AIRPORT (TSF)

Located approximately 55 kilometres from Abano Terme and 60 kilometres from Vicenza. Travel time by car to both locations is about 1 one hour, depending on traffic.

Travel options to both locations include private taxis, or train. Treviso Centrale railway station can be reached by a shuttle or bus. A high-speed connection is available to Vicenza. and when traveling to Abano Terme a change to a regional train must be made at Padua, connecting to Terme Euganee–Abano–Montegrotto.

VERONA AIRPORT (VRN)

Located approximately 90 kilometres from Abano Terme and 60 kilometres from Vicenza. Travel time by car to Abano Terme about 1 hour and 20 minutes, while the travel time to Vicenza is about 50 minutes, depending on traffic.

Travel options to both locations include private taxis, or train. For those traveling by train, take the airport shuttle bus to Verona Porta Nuova railway station. A high-speed connection is available to Vicenza. When traveling to Abano Terme a change to a regional train must be made at Padua, connecting to Terme Euganee-Abano-Montegrotto.

MILAN AIRPORTS (MXP / LIN / BGY)

A private transfer by taxi or rental car to Vicenza and Abano typically takes two to three hours depending on traffic.

To travel by train from all three Milan airports, one must first travel to Milano Centrale railway station. An airport shuttle or train connection is available depending on airport. There one can take a high-speed train to Vicenza. If you are traveling to Abano Terme, the high-speed train should be taken to Padua, and then a regional connection is made to Terme Euganee-Abano-Montegrotto.

A chauffeur-driven rental service is available at exclusive discounted rates for the round-trip route to the airports: Marco Polo Venice, Verona Catullo, Milan Malpensa and Linate, Bologna, Treviso and Bergamo:  https://autonoleggiodebeni.ncconline.it/it/home.aspx

BY TRAIN

Travelling to Vicenza and Abano Terme by train is a convenient option, especially for participants arriving from neighbouring European countries. Northern Italy is well connected through high-speed rail services.

Vicenza is served by Vicenza Railway Station, located close to the historic city centre and A taxi or bus ride away from the congress venue.

Abano Terme is served by Terme Euganee–Abano–Montegrotto Station, located approximately 10–15 minutes by taxi from the main hotel area.

VICENZA RAILWAY STATION

Connections:
 Vicenza is located on the Milan–Venice high-speed railway line.

  • Direct high-speed trains from Milan, Verona, Venice, Florence and Rome
  • Frequent regional connections throughout the Veneto region
  • Approx. 45 minutes from Venice
  • Approx. 2–2.5 hours from Milan
  • Approx. 3–4 hours from Rome

TERME EUGANEE–ABANO–MONTEGROTTO STATION

Connections:
 This station is the closest rail access point to Abano Terme.

  • Regional trains from Padua  (approx. 10–15 minutes)
  • Connections via Padua from Milan, Rome, Bologna and Venice
  • Taxi transfer to Abano Terme hotels (approx. 10–15 minutes)

BY ROAD

Driving to Vicenza and Abano Terme allows travellers to explore the Veneto countryside and surrounding regions at their own pace.

Road infrastructure is modern and efficient, though traffic may increase near Venice and Padua during peak hours.

MAJOR ROUTES

From the West (Milan):
Take the A4 (Autostrada Serenissima) toward Venice. 

From the South (Bologna):
Take the A13 toward Padua.

From the North (Austria / Brenner Pass):
 Take the A22 motorway, then connect to the A4 toward Vicenza. 

From the East (Trieste / Slovenia):
 Take the A4 westbound toward Vicenza. 

HIGHWAYS AND TOLLS

Toll Roads (Autostrade): Most major highways in Italy are toll roads. Fees vary based on distance travelled. For example, Milan to Vicenza typically costs around €15–€20.

Payment Options: Tolls can be paid by cash or credit card. Electronic systems such as Telepass allow faster access through toll gates.

PARKING

In Vicenza

Street Parking is available in designated blue-marked zones (paid parking). Several covered parking facilities are available near the historic centre and Congress venue.

In Abano Terme

Most hotels provide private on-site parking for guests. Public parking areas are also available near major hotels and spa facilities.

 

VISAS TO ITALY (EUROPEAN UNION)

Italy is part of the Schengen Area, meaning short stays for tourism, business, or conference attendance are generally permitted for up to 90 days within any 180-day period without a visa for citizens of certain countries.

Whether you require a visa depends on your nationality:

Visa-Exempt Travelers

Citizens of many countries (including the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia, Japan and most Western countries) can enter Italy for up to 90 days without a Schengen visa for tourism, business, or conference purposes.

However, it should be noted that starting during the fourth quarter of 2026, some 1.4 billion people from 59 visa-exempt countries and territories are required to have a travel authorisation to enter 30 European countries for a short stay. Called a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), it is similar to the ESTA visa required to enter the United States. Obtained online, it will be valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first.

The traveller can fill in the application form using either this official ETIAS website or the ETIAS mobile application. Applying for the ETIAS travel authorisation costs EUR 20, though some travellers are exempt from paying this fee. Most applications will be processed within minutes. but it is possible, however, that your application may take longer to process. You will receive an email confirming the submission of your application, which will include your unique ETIAS application number. Make sure you keep this number for future reference.

The introduction of the ETIAS system has been delayed several times already, so it is important whether it is being applied before you travel to the CIBJO Congress.

Travelers Who Require a Schengen Visa

Citizens of countries that do not have a visa-waiver agreement with the EU will need a Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) before travelling to Italy. Typically, this includes many countries in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, such as:

Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, China, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Morocco, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Syria, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam and Yemen — among others that require a Schengen visa for entry.

ACTIONABLE STEPS FOR VISA APPLICATION

  • Determine Eligibility: Confirm if your nationality requires a Schengen visa.
  • Prepare Documents: Include your passport, travel insurance, and invitation letter for the conference.
  • Apply Early: Schedule an appointment at the nearest Italian consulate or visa application centre as processing can take time.

ACTIONABLE TIPS

  • Check Your Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from Italy.
  • Travel Insurance: While not mandatory, having travel insurance is highly recommended for peace of mind.
  • Keep Documents Handy: Always have copies of your travel itinerary and accommodation details, as they might be requested by border control.

INVITATION LETTER FOR VISA

If you are informed that you require a letter of invitation from the congress organisers to apply for a visa, please contact us at: admin@cibjo.org.

WEATHER IN NORTHERN ITALY IN EARLY SEPTEMBER

Early September in Vicenza and Abano Terme still carry a late-summer atmosphere, with warm days and pleasant evenings. The surrounding Veneto countryside remains green, and outdoor cafés and piazzas are lively during this period.

TEMPERATURES

Expect daily highs around 24–28°C (75–82°F) and evening temperatures cooling to approximately 15–18°C (59–64°F).

RAINFALL

September can bring occasional short showers or late-summer thunderstorms, though rainfall is generally moderate. Sudden but brief rain is possible.

WHAT TO WEAR

Light Layers: Lightweight clothing is suitable during the day. Evenings may require a light jacket or shawl.

Sun Protection:  Sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat are recommended during daytime activities.

Comfortable Footwear: With historic streets and cobblestones in Vicenza’s centre, comfortable walking shoes are advisable.

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

POLICE

112

FIRE DEPARTMENT

115

AMBULANCE

118