🚶♂️ On Foot: Discover History and Stunning Views
The city is completely pedestrian, so the best way to explore is by walking. Every district has its own charm, and every alley hides a surprise.
Don’t worry if you get lost: in Venice, getting lost is part of the adventure!
🚤 The Vaporetto: The Bus on Water
The vaporetto is our “water bus.” The name comes from the old steam boats – the first was the “Regina Margherita” in the late 1800s – but today it’s a comfortable motorboat that sails along the Grand Canal and the lagoon.
The stops are called “imbarcaderi” and be careful: often there are two different docks for opposite directions. It’s common to board the wrong vaporetto… but no worries! Sometimes taking the wrong direction leads to discovering hidden, charming corners 😊
Vaporetti run 24 hours a day (less frequently at night), and a very useful app to help you navigate is “Che Bateo”: just enter your start and end points, and it will suggest all possible routes.
🎫 Vaporetto Ticket Prices
- Single ride (75 minutes): €9.50
- 1-day pass: €25.00
- 2-day pass: €35.00
- 3-day pass: €45.00
- 7-day pass: €65.00
Tip: If you plan to use the vaporetto often, the passes save you money!
Tickets can be purchased:
- Online at the official ACTV Venice website
- At ACTV ticket offices
- Authorized shops
- Onboard (with extra charge)
Remember: ticket validity starts from the first validation, not from the purchase time.
🚏 Main Vaporetto Lines (Easy Explanation)
Understanding ACTV lines might seem tricky, but here’s a quick guide to the most useful lines for visitors:
- Line 1 – 🚢 The scenic routeRuns along the entire Grand Canal with many stops. It’s slow but perfect for enjoying the view and taking unforgettable photos.
- Line 2 – 🚀 The fast routeAlso runs along the Grand Canal but with fewer stops. Great to quickly get between Piazzale Roma, Rialto, San Marco, and Lido. Some routes go to Giudecca and Tronchetto.
- Lines 4.1 / 4.2 and 5.1 / 5.2 – 🔄 The island loopCircle around Venice: 4.1 / 5.1 clockwise, 4.2 / 5.2 counterclockwise. Useful to reach areas like Fondamenta Nove, Giardini, Zattere.⚠️ These lines don’t go through the Grand Canal.
- Line 3 – 🏺 To MuranoConnects Piazzale Roma directly to Murano, perfect to visit the famous glass factories.
- Line 12 – 🌈 To the northern lagoon islandsStarts from Fondamenta Nove and goes to Murano, Burano, Torcello, Mazzorbo, and other islands. Great for a day trip.
- Line 14 – 🏖️ To the beachDeparts from San Zaccaria (near San Marco) to Lido, then on to Punta Sabbioni, useful for reaching Jesolo.
Local tip:To visit Murano, Burano, or Torcello, start from Fondamenta Nove—it’s more direct and faster!
🛶 The Traghetto: The Venetians’ Gondola
This is not the tourist gondola! Traghetti are gondola-like boats used by locals to cross the Grand Canal without walking all the way around.
Currently active lines:
- Santa Sofia (San Polo – Cannaregio)
- San Tomà (San Polo – San Marco)
- Santa Maria del Giglio (San Marco – Dorsoduro)
Cost: about €2 per person – just to cross the canal.
🚖 Water Taxis: Elegance and Exclusive Views
For a truly special experience, private water taxis are the way to go: charming, comfortable, and intimate, they offer a privileged and relaxing perspective of Venice. Like limousines on water, perfect for those seeking comfort and exclusivity.
Important note: gondola rides are not public transport. They are romantic and tourist experiences, designed for leisure, not for getting from point A to point B.
FAQ: Most Asked Questions About Getting Around Venice
- Q: Where can I buy vaporetto tickets?A: You can buy them online at the official ACTV Venice site, at ticket offices, authorized shops, or onboard (with extra charge).
- Q: What’s the best way to visit Murano and Burano?A: Take the vaporetto from Fondamenta Nove: it’s the direct and fastest route to these islands.
- Q: Is a vaporetto ticket valid for multiple rides?A: A single ticket lasts 75 minutes from validation and allows unlimited rides during that time. However, day or multi-day passes are better if you plan to travel often.
- Q: Are water taxis expensive?A: Yes, compared to the vaporetto they cost more, but offer a private and exclusive experience.
- Q: Can I use a gondola as public transport?A: No, gondolas are tourist rides for leisure and romance, not public transportation.
Insider Tips & Highlights
- Download the “Che Bateo” app to have updated schedules, routes, and rides at your fingertips.
- Avoid buying tickets onboard to save the extra fee.
- If you get lost, relax and enjoy the discovery: it happens often and is part of Venice’s charm.
- Try the traghetto to cross the Grand Canal quickly and cheaply.
- The vaporetto pass is your best friend if you plan to visit multiple islands.
Ready to explore Venice with ease and curiosity?
If you have any questions, just ask—we’re happy to help you out! 😊
