Water Transport of Venice

Venice is a city of canals, small islands, winding streets, squares, and pavements that run along the canals. The most budget-friendly way to explore the city is on foot. From the land, it's impossible to see all the interesting places and fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the city. With Venetian means of transportation, you can see more attractions. Here you will learn how the water transport of Venice works.

In this article, we will understand how the water bus functions, what to ride while exploring small streets to the sound of a serenade, and why large gondolas are necessary.

Gondola

The calling card of Venice. For tourists, it is one of the main attractions of the city, and for gondoliers, it is the only income. This profession is passed down from father to son and brings in a good income.

Naturally, it is possible to travel through the canals of Venice on the more economical transport, the vaporetto (water bus). But only on a gondola can you travel through the small streets of the canal, arrange a romantic evening, or propose to your beloved.

You won't have to search long for a place to rent a gondola. They are located at bridges, piers, and hotels. Plan your ride in advance and book online to avoid queues.

There are 2 tariffs for rides:

Daytime price from 8:00-19:00 - 80 euros;

Night price from 19:00 to 8:00 - 100 euros;

No more than 6 passengers can sit on a gondola. The standard ride time is 40 minutes. You can choose a longer ride time or rent a gondola for the whole day and enjoy the day and night beauty of Venice. For an additional fee, you can order a serenade performance. This service is available only during the daytime.

Gondolas are just entertainment, not the main means of transportation. 

Vaporetto

is a ferry that functions like a bus. On it, you can reach various points of the city to multiple destinations, travel to islands, or simply ride along the canals. 

The vaporetto is considered one of the most expensive types of public transport. The ticket price is 8 euros.

If you plan to use the ferry services frequently, it's more cost-effective to purchase a subscription:

• 1 day - 20 euros;

• 2 days - 30 euros;

• 3 days - 40 euros;

• 7 days - 60 euros;

Tickets can be purchased online, at piers, in tobacco kiosks, or onboard (prices onboard are higher).  

There is free travel for certain groups of people: children under 6, the disabled, and their companions. 

The ticket validity starts with the activation of the first trip. The pass also applies to buses plying the islands of Lido and Pellestrina.

Before boarding the ferry, make sure it is heading in the direction you need. Ferries with the same number may flow in different directions.

If you look at the map of the water bus routes, you will see colored, winding lines that resemble a metro map.

Vaporetto routes that may be useful for tourists:

Route No. 1.

Departs from Piazzale Roma to the island of Lido. It goes through the Grand Canal with all the stops. Leaves every 15-20 minutes.

Route No. 2.

Similar to route No. 1, but travel time is shorter as it only stops at crowded stations. Leaves from San Marco to the island of Lido. Passes through the Grand Canal via the city center.

Route No. 2 follows 3 different lines of direction:

1. It follows through the Grand Canal from station San Zaccaria - Piazzale Roma. 
2. Passes through the Giudecca Canal from station San Zaccaria - Piazzale Roma. 
3. The fastest of the listed routes follows from corsa bis. Piazzale Roma - Rialto and makes only one stop at the Ferrovia railway station.

Routes No. 4.1 and 4.2

run around Venice and follow to the island of Murano. On the way, there will be many tourist places: San Michele cemetery, Fondamente Nove, Piazzale Roma, San Zaccaria.

Routes No. 5.1 and No. 5.2

also run around Venice and follow to Lido.

Route 3, 4, 5 - express.

Follows from the center to the island of Murano stopping at the railway station and bus station.

Route No. 14.

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

Route N.

Goes along the route No. 1 and No. 2 at night. Leaves every half hour.

Traghetto

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. If you're tired after a long walk around the city, and a bridge is far from you, use the traghetto. Two gondoliers will ferry you across the canal in a few minutes. Payment is made directly on the boat. The fare is 2 euros.

Ferry points can be found at:

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

Carbon - from 8:00 to 13:00;

Santa Marcuola - from 9:00 to 13:00;

San Toma - from 7:30 to 20:00 on weekdays, - 8:30 to 19:30 on weekends;

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

San Barnaba - from 8:30 to 13:00

Water Taxi

There are many companies in Venice that provide transfers from Marco Polo Airport to any point in the city. Prices are fixed. Not by the meter. For example, the price from the airport to the center of Venice for 4 people and 4 suitcases will be 120 euros. Note that prices are significantly higher at night. This service is popular with tourists. To avoid wasting time at the airport, book your transfer in advance.