Getting around Venice

The city is literally a maze and the best way to get around is on foot.  Bicycles are forbidden in Venice, so be prepared to walk as the only other transport is on the canals.   As with most of the historic towns of Italy getting lost is the best way to explore – in Venice it is the ONLY way!!!  Do make sure that you buy a map because GPS is not always reliable!

CAPTION Vaporetto at the Rialto stop

The Vaporetto

http://actv.avmspa.it/en/content/vaporetto

Venice has an excellent public transport system of water buses called the Vaporetto.  Much like a bus on water, the vaporetto is a regular service much like the subway or underground with 20 different routes which connects to major stops along the grand canal as well as further afield and to the other islands.  

The service is essential for locals as owning your own boat is a luxury, finding ‘parking’ i.e. a berth is next to impossible and a private garage practically unheard of. Whilst there are seats, most of the year thanks to high numbers of tourists they are standing room only.   

Tickets aren’t cheap at €7.50 for 75 minutes, but day tickets are also available from €20 – 24 h / €30 – 48 h / €40 – 72 h / €60 – 7 days.

or more information visit:  http://actv.avmspa.it/en/content/vaporetto

CAPTION Water Taxi by the canal

Water taxis 

Taxis known as motoscafi are also available in Venice – they are more like the limousine of the waterways.  They offer an experience that you won’t forget with spacious leather-upholstered cabins, open-air seating and private captains who will chauffeur you up the Grand Canal or on a high-speed transfer from the airport.  You are unlikely to forget the price either, water taxis can be very expensive and you should always agree on the price beforehand.

Like taxis in other cities there are taxi stands or ranks at the Santa Lucia Railway Station, the Piazzale Roma, and the Tronchetto parking island and at various spots down by the water.

You can call a water taxi by phoning the Consorzio Motoscafi Venezia at 041 522 2303 (24 hours a day) or e-mailing info@motoscafivenezia.it. Ask for a fare quotation before booking. (The Consorzio is a cooperative of water-taxi operators, with a fleet of more than 100 boats at its disposal.)

Gondolas

Although in days gone by the Gondola was a form of water taxi for the elite, today passage in a Gondola is primarily for sight seeing around the grand canal. There are stations around the city with gondolas offering different routes. The price is fixed at €80 for 40 minutes, €100 after 7pm and extra time costs more. Not sure whether to take a gondola ride? See our blog on the Gondolas