Water Transport in Venice

Venice is a city of canals, small islands, winding lanes, squares and walkways running alongside the canals. The most budget-friendly way to explore the city is on foot. However, from dry land it is impossible to see all the interesting places and fully soak up the atmosphere of the city. Using Venice's own means of transport, you will see many more sights. Here you will learn how water transport in Venice works.

In this article, we explain how the water bus works, what to take if you want to glide through the narrow canals to the sound of a serenade, and what the large gondolas are used for.

Gondola

The gondola is the symbol of Venice. For tourists, it is one of the city's main attractions, and for gondoliers, it is their only source of income. The profession is passed down from father to son and pays well.

Of course, you can also travel along the canals of Venice on a more economical vaporetto (water bus). But only on a gondola can you glide through the narrowest canals, enjoy a romantic evening or propose to your loved one.

You won't have to look far for a place to hire a gondola. They can be found near bridges, piers and hotels. Plan your ride in advance and book online to avoid queues.

There are 2 rates for gondola rides:

Daytime rate from 8:00 to 19:00 – 80 euros;

Night-time rate from 19:00 to 8:00 – 100 euros;

A gondola can carry no more than 6 passengers. A standard ride lasts 40 minutes. You can opt for a longer ride or even hire a gondola for the whole day and enjoy the beauty of Venice both by day and by night. For an additional fee, you can request a serenade. This service is only available during the day.

Gondolas are purely for pleasure rather than a practical means of getting around. 

Vaporetto

The vaporetto is a boat that serves as a bus. You can use it to travel from different parts of the city to many destinations, hop between the islands or simply take a ride along the canals. 

The vaporetto is considered one of the most expensive forms of public transport. A single ticket costs 8 euros.

If you plan to use the water bus often, it is better value to buy a travel pass:

• 1 day – 20 euros;
• 2 days – 30 euros;
• 3 days – 40 euros;
• 7 days – 60 euros;

Tickets can be bought online, at the piers, at tobacconists or on board (prices on board are higher).  

Certain groups travel for free: children under 6, people with disabilities and those accompanying them. 

The ticket's validity period starts when you validate it for your first trip. The pass is also valid on the buses running on the islands of Lido and Pellestrina.

Before boarding, make sure the boat is going in the direction you need. Boats with the same number may travel in different directions.

If you look at the water bus route map, you will see colourful winding lines that resemble a metro map.

Vaporetto routes that may be useful for tourists:

Route No. 1.

Runs from Piazzale Roma to the island of Lido. It travels along the Grand Canal, calling at every stop. Departs every 15-20 minutes.

Route No. 2.

Similar to Route No. 1, but faster, as it only stops at the busiest stops. It runs from San Marco to the island of Lido, passing along the Grand Canal through the city center.

Route No. 2 operates on 3 different lines:

1. Along the Grand Canal from San Zaccaria to Piazzale Roma. 
2. Along the Giudecca Canal from San Zaccaria to Piazzale Roma. 
3. The fastest of these is the "corsa bis" service from Piazzale Roma to Rialto, which makes only one stop, at the Ferrovia railway station.

Routes No. 4.1 and 4.2

These routes circle Venice and continue to the island of Murano. Along the way, you will pass many tourist spots: San Michele Cemetery, Fondamente Nove, Piazzale Roma and San Zaccaria.

Routes No. 5.1 and No. 5.2

These routes also circle Venice and continue to Lido.

Routes 3, 4, 5 – express.

These run from the center to the island of Murano, stopping at the railway station and the bus station.

Route No. 14.

This route is for those who want to relax on the beach. It goes to the island of Lido.

Route N.

Follows Routes No. 1 and No. 2 at night. Departs every half hour.

Traghetto

Traghetti are large gondolas used to ferry passengers across the Grand Canal. There are bridges in the city that you can use to cross the canal, but if you are tired after a long walk and the nearest bridge is far away, take a traghetto. Two gondoliers will row you across the canal in just a few minutes. You pay on board. The fare is 2 euros.

You will find traghetto crossings at:

Santa Sofia – from 7:30 to 20:00 on weekdays, from 8:45 to 19:00 at weekends;

Carbon – from 8:00 to 13:00;

Santa Marcuola – from 9:00 to 13:00;

San Tomà – from 7:30 to 20:00 on weekdays, from 8:30 to 19:30 at weekends;

Santa Maria del Giglio – from 9:00 to 18:00;

San Barnaba – from 8:30 to 13:00

Water Taxi

Many companies in Venice offer a transfer from Venice Marco Polo Airport to any point in the city. Prices are fixed rather than metered. For example, a trip from the airport to the center of Venice for 4 people with 4 suitcases costs 120 euros. Please note that night-time prices are considerably higher. This service is very popular with tourists. To avoid wasting time at the airport, book your transfer in advance.