Venice Vaporetto Guide
Venice Vaporetto Guide. Everything you need to know about the Vaporetto public transport system in just one post.
Understanding how to get around Venice and how to buy vaporetto tickets, is rather confusing at first. This definitive and comprehensive one-stop guide to water transportation, will help travellers understand which of the many options for buying tickets is best for them; whether online in advance, or once you have arrived, at the airport or in the historic city.
You also have the option for buying customisable passes, designed for either short term users, or for frequent visitors to the city; which offer access to the main attractions, museums, churches and other tourist services, to which you can add your transport requirements.
- Introduction.
- Brief history.
- Public water-transport services in Venice.
- Water-Buses and Stations (Docks).
- Need a vaporetto map? You have options:
- Where to Buy?
- Available Options.
- Links (internal: external).
(Please note. One of the worst aspects of writing about Venice, is keeping up with the changing cost of transport and attraction prices, particularly with the inflationary pressures resulting from Covid-19 and sanctions placed on Russia at the onset of the Ukrainian war. The Israeli-Palestinian war has further increased these pressures, particularly with regard to the re-routing of shipping to avoid the area.
I have endeavoured to give you up to date information, as of December 2023. Unfortunately, some Venetian tourist websites and blog posts are slow to update pricing information and were still showing old price structures. I have started using AI to check such details, however; it is best to remember that AI-search results are only as good as the websites and information it trawls through!
Introduction – Venice Vaporetto Guide
Vaporetto (pl:Vaporetti) is the name given to the waterbus service boat(s), that operate in Venice and its surroundings. They are a convenient and scenic way to explore the city and its attractions. For many people, they bring a completely new experience to their land-locked lives.
Combined with walking, it is the most effective way to make the most of your time in Venice; especially so if your time is limited and you want to see as much as possible.
Although the historic centre is relatively compact, there are around 400 hundred bridges to cross within the historic city and the walkways are mostly hard granite pavers or brick; so, you need to avoid getting over fatigued, so as not to spoil your enjoyment of the city.
There are different types of tickets and passes available, depending on your needs and preferences and to a degree, your ability to use online technology to search out and get the best deals available to suit you.
Apart from those based on only transportation, there are organisations, such as “Venice Unica”, that offer several types of all-inclusive passes; that give you free entry to selected famous sights, museums and galleries; as well as free boat rides, exclusive guided tours and other services. Your transportation requirements can be added to the card. These cards are available in two forms: designed for either short term users, or for frequent visitors.
Waterbus travel in Venice is expensive, so within the historic city and especially if your time is limited; plan your visits/attractions carefully and choose the travel card to suit. A good example is that a fair proportion of the main attractions of Venice, are to be found in San Marco and the Dorsoduro districts, that are close together. The Dorsoduro is just one stop away from San Marco Vallaresso on the waterbus; or around 25 minutes by foot from St Mark’s Square, via the Academy bridge.
Also do remember, that Venice can be very busy in the warmer months and during the main festival periods. In such times, consider planning your visits to certain major attractions; either early in the morning or from around 4pm onwards, so as to avoid long queues. You can also with some major attractions; pay extra to book “jump the queue” tickets.
Finally, today there are only around 50,000+ permanent residents of the historic centre. Every day, more than double that number commute in and out the city by boat, bus and rail; predominately to maintain tourism and its income generation. The cost of buying, renting and maintaining a property, is to most people, too expensive and somewhat inconvenient. In high season especially, transportation systems during the “rush-hour” will be very busy, with some queuing inevitable. Bear this in mind when planning your day’s schedule.
Brief History
The first vaporetto appeared in 1881, in competition with gondoliers and hotel boatmen.
The subsequent debate that arose about the first few vaporetto’s, helped shape their role as “Venetian buses”; as well as benefiting the gondoliers who continue into the present day, as the only ones with access into the smaller waterways.
The name vaporetto means “little steamer” and refers to the first steam-powered waterbus that operated on the Grand Canal. Later, the vaporetto’s were replaced by diesel and electric engines, and some of them are even hybrid electric/diesel.
The vaporetto is an essential part of the Venetian transport system, with 19 scheduled lines that operate 24 hours a day. Note that there are, reduced night-time services, as well as extra summer and reduced winter schedules.
There are two vaporetto public services, the main one serving locales within Venice, and travels between Venice and nearby islands, such as Murano, Burano, and Lido; whilst the other offers a shuttle service between various points of the historic city and Marco Polo International airport. Both offers scenic views of the city and its architecture, as well as the lagoon with its many other islands.
Today, there are three types of boat operating, all termed “vaporetti:”
- Vaporetto: This is the most common type of water bus, with a flat deck and a single level. They operate in more sheltered waters, such as the Grand Canal.
- Motoscafo: This is a smaller and faster version of the vaporetto, which can skip some stops and travel along the Giudecca Canal.
- Motonave: This is a double-decker boat that is used to transport passengers to the outlying islands and the Lido.
Public water-transport services in Venice.
(Note: you need separate tickets for each service provider (you may find that the customisable tourist passes, may include the Aliliguna water transport service. Always check.)
ACTV, is the city-owned company that runs both water and land buses in Venice and the surrounding areas.
ALILAGUNA,: is a private water-bus shuttle-service, that connects Venice Marco Polo Airport with various locations in Venice and the islands. The Alilaguna vaporetto has four lines: Blu (blue), Arancio (orange), Rossa (red), and Verde (green). Each line has different stops and routes, which you can see on vaporetto line maps. Some of the main stops of the Alilaguna vaporetto are:
- San Marco: This is the most central and popular stop in Venice, where you can see the famous St. Mark’s Square and Basilica, the Doge’s Palace, and the Bridge of Sighs. The Blu and Rossa lines stop here.
- Rialto: This is the heart of Venice’s commercial and financial district, where you can find the iconic Rialto Bridge, the Grand Canal, and the Rialto Markets. The Arancio line stops here.
- Lido: This is the island where the Venice Film Festival takes place, and where you can enjoy the sandy beaches and the views of the lagoon. The Blu, Rossa, and Verde lines stop here.
- Murano: This is the island famous for its glass-making tradition, where you can visit the Glass Museum, the Glass Factory, and the Glass Church. The Blu and Verde lines stop here.
- Fondamente Nove: This is the northernmost stop in Venice, where you can catch a ferry to other islands such as Burano, Torcello, and San Michele (cemetery). The Blu line stops here.
Water-Buses and Stations (Docks).
At each named waterbus stop, there may be 1,2, or 3 docking stations. You will see: a large map board of the lines with named stops, the line number that stops there and which direction the boat is headed. Note, there are Night services (N), extra summer and restricted winter services.
Electronic reader boards on larger stations, display the order of boats coming next and arrival time. More important stations have a ticket office and a self-service ticket machine. Always touch you ticket/pass on the validation point. Larger stations may have electronic gates that open for boarding area waiting area and boat access.
Some stops have just one dock for boats going in both directions, so make sure the boat you get on, is pointing in the direction you want to go. If in doubt ask. Along the Grand Canal some smaller, single direction docks, may be on the other side of the canal. Larger stops might have two or three separate docks side by side (respectively, one for each direction and for different routes or destinations).
Aerial view of the San Marco Waterfront. On the Riva degli Schiavoni (front centre to right), you can see the complex of the San Zaccaria waterbus stations. Courtesy of Google Earth.
Lines 1 and 2. The Grand Canal: is roughly S-shaped. At the northern end of the Grand Canal are stops for Tronchetto (Car Parking island), Piazzale Roma (Bus Terminal), and Ferrovia (Santa Lucia Rail Terminal). At the other south end are San Marco Vallaresso and San Zaccaria stops. Halfway down is the important and busy Rialto stop; the original banking, commercial and market area of Venice. Remember from the Rialto, it is only 15 minutes walk to St Mark’s Square, along the “Mercerie” shopping lanes; to the political and religious centre of Venice.
Two lines service the Grand Canal. Line 1 is the slow boat, that takes 45 minutes and makes every stop along the way. Line 2 takes 25 minutes, stopping only at Tronchetto (car parking island), Piazzale Roma (bus terminal), Ferrovia (train station), San Marcuola, Rialto Bridge, San Tomà (for the Frari Church), Accademia Bridge and San Marco Vallaresso (close to the Royal Gardens to the west of St. Mark’s Square).
Especially in the high season, avoid the rush hour, when boats can be packed. Morning rush hour (8:00–10:00) is headed in the direction of St. Mark’s Square, as tourists and all the local commuters arrive. Afternoon rush hour (about 17:00) is when they’re headed in the other direction for the train and bus stations.
A cruise up and down the Grand Canal, can be regarded as one of the extra-wonders of the world. It is a “must-do” for every visitor. If you interested in photography, sit out in the open at the front of the boat. However, do not stand up – you will be quickly admonished by the captain! Wrap up well in winter. If you want to see what real life’s like in Venice, stand on the Rialto bridge at peak times, overlooking the three waterbus stations and wonder how the hell, all that water traffic avoids each other. You realise that most things for life on Venice, have to be brought in by boat, distributed and the rubbish taken away. You might not want to take a gondola ride from there either! The bridge is also a bit of a “selfie-stick” paradise or to some a nightmare!
Lines 4.1, 4.2, 5.1, 5.2. These four lines circumnavigate the historic centre of Venice and start from the Fondamente Nova, on the northern Cannaregio coast. Lines 4.2 and 5.2 travel in a clockwise direction; while lines 4.1 and 5.1, go in a counter-clockwise direction. Theses lines are great for going longer distances to the other side of the island, rather than by foot.
Lines 4.1, and line 4.2 also take you via the beautiful Cemetery to Murano in about 15 minutes. You can also take Line 12, which is the most direct and frequent, departing every 10 to 20 minutes and taking about 10 minutes to reach Murano. From there, you can easily go on to Burano and Torcello. All should be near to the top of your “must see” list.
Need a vaporetto map? You have options:
Several pocket-sized Venice guide books, available in different languages, contain vaporetto maps. My recommendation, is for the widely and long available “Venice Spiral Guide”, by AA Publishers (Amazon, Waterstones).
Government local tourist offices throughout Venice, offer free street and waterbus maps.
Your hotel reception, usually offers tourist information and pamphlets, advice and help with bookings.
You can download the 2023 vaporetto network map as a PDF file and save it to your phone or print it. It shows all the routes and stops of the water-buses.
Where to Buy?
What you’ll pay to ride Venice’s water buses this year and what you need to do before boarding the boats.
The ticket prices listed in the fare structures below, are for Venice’s water transit network, which includes the historic centre and islands such as Murano, Burano, and the Lido di Venezia. (Venice also has a land bus network, operated to and from the Bus terminal; that serves car-friendly districts on the mainland and the Lido. There are taxis and a tram service, as well.
- Larger Vaporetto Stations. You’ll find a “ticket point” (biglietteria) at most of the larger vaporetto stations: such as Piazzale Roma (Bus Terminal), Ferrovia (outside the Santa Lucia Railway station), Rialto, San Marco Vallaresso (in front of the Royal Gardens, St Mark’s Square) and San Zaccaria (on the Riva degli Schiavoni waterfront just past the Doge’s Palace). There are also kiosks at the airport.
- ACTV ticket vending machines at many vaporetto stations. You can use these touch-screen machines to buy tickets and passes. They accept both cash and credit cards.
- Venezia Unica ticket outlets (formally HelloVenice from 2012).
- Tobacconists and News-stands. You can buy tickets and passes at some tobacco shops and news-stands around the city.
- AVM Venezia App. You can download this official app, to buy and validate tickets with your Android or iOS smartphone.
- Chat & Go (WhatsApp). You can scan a QR code at any ACTV stop or add a number to your contacts list to buy electronic tickets via WhatsApp.
Helpful remarks:
Pre-purchased online documents. If you purchase online you will have to use a ticket machine, to turn this into a proper ticket; which needs validating before you enter the landing stage (and then for every journey you make).
Validating tickets before use Look for the white electronic card reader on the walkway, that leads to the floating vaporetto platform and waiting area. Inspectors on board, can check the validation of your ticket.
Hold your ticket within 6 cm (about 2.5 inches) of the circular panel for three seconds, or until you see a green light and hear a beep. At some stops, a gate or turnstile will open when you validate your ticket.
If you’re at a vaporetto stop without a ticket office or machine, you can buy a ticket from the boat conductor as you board, to avoid a fine. However, there are reports of ticket inspectors ignoring the ACTV’s published policy and fining tourists who tried to buy tickets upon boarding; so it is strongly recommend going out of your way to buy a ticket on land, to avoid these issues.
Baggage Allowances on Vaporettos. On water buses, you’re allowed to carry one piece of luggage with a combined length, width, and height of 150 cm (60 inches) or less, plus a smaller backpack, purse, or other personal item. For more luggage, or for a bigger bag, you may need to pay a supplement of 3 euros . Ask the agent in the ticket booth or the boat conductor as you board.
Don’t forget that an ordinary single waterbus ticket is good for 75 minutes in one direction, which means you can transfer boats; as long as you are not headed back toward your starting point.
Available Options – Venice Vaporetto Guide
ONE WAY FARES ON ACTV WATERBUSES ONLY. (Note: as of December 2023.)
Adult and children over 6 one-way fares: €9,50
Good for 75 minutes after validation on all routes of the Venice transportation network except the Alilaguna, Fusina, and Clodia lines. You can use more than one line to reach your destination, but return trips during the 75 minutes are not allowed.Children under 6, one-way fares: Free
Disabled w/wheelchair (companion travels free): € 1.50
Limited non-resident’s ferry or “traghetto ordinario” ticket: €5 one-way, €10 roundtrip
Valid only for traveling between certain stops: Lido S.M.E.-Sant’Elena-Giardini, San Marco-San-Zaccaria-San Servolo, San Marco-San Zaccaria-San-Giorgio, Zattere-Palanca, Murano Colonna-Cimetero-Fondamente Nove.Roundtrip beach ticket (Lido di Venezia): €13
This return ticket is valid on Line 14. You can take the “motonave” (a large multi-deck waterbus) to the Lido SME station from either Venice San Zaccaria (above the Piazza San Marco) or Punta Sabbioni. Once you’re on the Lido, you can use the ticket to ride local buses.
MULTI-DAY PASSES AND TICKETS (BOATS AND LAND BUSES).
One-Day Pass €25 *
Two-Day Ticket €35 *
Three-Day Ticket €45 *
Seven-Day Ticket €65 *
* For an additional €7 (one-way) or €13 (roundtrip), you can travel between Venice’s Piazzale Roma and Marco Polo Airport on the ACTV’s No. 5 Aerobus. (This bus is less comfortable than the ATVO airport coach on the same route.)
Three-day Young Person’s Ticket. €27. Valid 72 hours after swiping; to buy this card, you’ll need a Rolling Venice Card for travellers between the ages of 6 and 29, which you can purchase at any ACTV ticket counter or branch of the Venice Tourist Office for €6:
Venezia Unica – the Official City Pass of Venice.
Venezia Unica, is a private company that sells tickets and passes for public transport, museums, churches, and many other attractions. You may see or read about an organisation called “Hello Venice” – that was the previous name of the company that managed the city pass and other services in Venice. It was rebranded as Venezia Unica in 2012. You can buy Venezia Unica tickets from their offices, authorized retailers, automatic machines, apps, or websites.
They offer two different products: “The Venezia Unica Tourist Pass” and “The Venezia Unica Card for Regular Users”, that are customisable to your requirements and allow you to access various services and attractions in Venice; such as public transport, museums, events, and more. Both the Tourist Pass and the Card for Regular Users are personal and non-transferable. You must present them to the ticket inspector, if asked.
The Tourist Pass, is designed for short-term visitors who want to enjoy the city’s main attractions. It costs € 52.90 (US$ 58) for adults and is valid for seven days from the first day of use.
The Tourist Pass includes free admission to the Doge’s Palace and several museums without standing in a ticket line. It also offers discounts at other museums and exhibitions.
You can find more details and book your pass online at this website. Or buy it from VU ticket offices or their authorised resellers throughout Venice.
The Card for Regular Users, is intended for residents or frequent visitors who want to benefit from cheaper fares on public transport and airport boats. It is free to issue, but it has a one-off activation fee that varies depending on your residency status.
For example, if you are a resident of the Veneto region, the activation fee is € 10 (US$ 11), while if you are a non-resident, the activation fee is € 50 (US$ 55).
The Card for Regular Users can also be used for other services such as car sharing, bike sharing, and car parking. In the future, it may also include access to cultural and tourism offers within the city.
It is valid for five years and can be recharged online or at the ticket machines. You can buy it online, or from the larger Venezia Unica ticket offices.
Venezia Unica. Points of Sale and Collection throughout Venice
You can find Venezia Unica at the following locations:
- Tronchetto: at Actv Ferry-Boat waterbus stop, at Actv waterbus stop, and at Isola Nova del Tronchetto.
- Piazzale Roma: at Santa Chiara near Actv waterbus stop F-G, and at Agenzia Piazzale Roma.
- Santa Lucia Railway Station: at Actv waterbus stop, and at Agenzia Ferrovia.
- San Marco: at Agenzia San Marco, at Giardinetti Reali near Actv waterbus stop, and at Calle Larga Ascensione near Actv waterbus stop.
- Rialto: at Actv waterbus stop, and at Agenzia Rialto.
- Accademia: at Actv waterbus stop.
- Zattere: at Actv waterbus stop.
- Murano: at Actv waterbus stop Colonna, and at Agenzia Murano.
- Burano: at Actv waterbus stop.
- Lido: at Actv waterbus stop Santa Maria Elisabetta, and at Agenzia Lido.
- Mestre: at Agenzia Mestre, and at Agenzia Piscina Comunale.
- Marco Polo Airport: at Agenzia Aeroporto.
You can also buy Venezia Unica tickets from authorised retailers, automatic ticketing machines, the AVM Venezia Official App, or online on www.veneziaunica.it
Chat & Go (WhatsApp).
You can scan a QR code at any ACTV stop or add a number to your contacts list to buy electronic tickets via WhatsApp.
The service allows you to buy and validate vaporetto tickets in Venice using WhatsApp. You can scan a QR code at any ACTV stop or add a number to your contacts list to purchase electronic tickets via WhatsApp. You can pay with your credit card or PayPal account
Chat & Go is a convenient and fast way to buy vaporetto tickets without using cash or machines. However, you need to have a smartphone with WhatsApp and an internet connection to use it. You also need to validate your ticket before boarding the vaporetto, by scanning the QR code on the boat, or by showing it to the conductor.
AVM Venezia App. You can download this official app, to buy and validate tickets with your Android or iOS smartphone.
AVM stands for “Azienda Veneziana della Mobilità”, which means Venetian Mobility Company in English. It is a company of the Municipality of Venice, holder of service contracts for local public transport and parking in Venice and its metropolitan area. AVM was founded in 1996 and became the parent company of the AVM Group in 2013, which includes Actv. SpA (the public transport operator) and Ve.La. SpA (the cultural and tourist promotion agency)
The AVM app is a smartphone application that allows you to purchase and validate tickets for public transport and parking in Venice. It also lets you plan your routes and check the timetables and news about mobility services.
The app is available for Android and iOS devices, but it has some limitations and drawbacks. For example, it may not work with larger smartphones, and you need to adjust your screen brightness to make the QR code readable. Also, not all stations have QR code scanners, and the app has low user ratings.
LINKS (internal: external)
Visit Venezia Official – The guide of the city of Venezia This is the official tourist board of Venice, which provides information on attractions, events, transport, accommodation, and more.
List of all the Tourist Board Offices in Venice
Venezia Autentica. Enjoy the best of Venice and support the local community
ACTV, waterbus and land-bus operators
This useful video below, explains the use of the Venezia Unica Pass at waterbus stops .
My own most relevant posts will quickly turn you into an expert on Venice:
“The Venetian Lagoon and its Ecosystem”
“Getting Around – Basic Terminology”
Venice Vaporetto Guide Venice Vaporetto Guide Venice Vaporetto Guide Venice Vaporetto Guide
Venice Vaporetto Guide Venice Vaporetto Guide Venice Vaporetto Guide Venice Vaporetto Guide