Venice Getting Around

Getting around Venice
Venice is made for walking. There is very little reason to take public transport other than to experience travelling on the canals. The cheapest way to experience Venice canals at any length is the water bus (vaporetto). The short hop across the Grand Canal on a bobbing Traghetto is also a must.

Walking
Most short break visitors will happily see most of Venice on foot. Walking the maze of narrow lanes and squares and crossing endless bridges is what being in Venice is all about. Walking is also usually the quickest way to visit the key Venice attractions. Venice has a lot of steps. Tourist office maps show the easiest routes around the city. Getting lost in Venice is both inevitable and desirable. Losing your way is often the means to discovering less touristy backwaters of the city. The city is wonderfully lit for strolling at night.

Vaporetto
Venice water buses must rank among the world’s most memorable public transport. The No. 1 runs along the Grand Canal between the Piazzale Roma and the Piazza San Marco. Tickets are not cheap but the trip is well worth it. Vaporetto tickets are valid for a period of time and can be bought from the landing stages. Tickets for Grand Canal water buses are more expensive than the other canals. Good-value 1 day and 3 day passes are available.

Traghetto
The cheap way to experience a Venice gondola! These are wooden boats that quickly ferry locals across the Grand Canal for a tiny fixed fare of around 50 cents. Passengers normally stand. Great fun.

Gondolas
The quintessential Venice romantic experience. There is no doubt Venice gondolas are touristy and expensive but the experience is clearly unique. Venice gondolas ply the Grand Canal or the much quieter side canals. Only really practicable in fine weather. Expect to pay a minimum of 60 euros and probably more (prices are higher at night). Gondolas can be shared with other tourists (up to six people). Music and singing obviously cost a lot more.  Be clear and make sure you understand all costs before starting so you can relax and enjoy the trip! St Mark’s Square, Piazzale Roma and the Rialto are good places to find Venice gondolas. 

Water taxis
Venice water taxis are motorboats. They are almost as expensive as gondolas. Surcharges for luggage, night trips and larger groups.

Taxis
Regular Venice taxis connect Piazzale Roma with the mainland

Getting to Venice Airport
Most flights to Venice airport arrive at Marco Polo International Airport. Getting from Venice Marco Polo is easy. Take the Venice airport boat from Marco Polo to Piazza San Marco. There is also a faster, more expensive shuttle boat service. The airport bus goes to Piazzale Roma. A cheaper public bus (No. 5), without luggage space, also goes into the centre. Getting to Venice from Marco Polo airport takes about 20 minutes by road. A few airlines (Ryanair) fly to Treviso Airport, 19 miles from Venice. The bus is the best way of getting from Treviso airport. It takes 70 minutes to Piazzale Roma.

Venice City Breaks  Getting Around Venice

Things To Do In Venice  Venice Weather