Venice Vaporetto Fares and Information

Using Venice's Water Bus System

Venice's vaporetti (singular - vaporetto), or water buses, are the public transportation of Venice. Vaporetti take visitors along the main canals, to the islands, and around the lagoon. Although often crowded, they are by far the least expensive way to get around (other than walking). If you're visiting Venice, sooner or later you'll probably find yourself on a vaporetto.

Vaporetto Fares

In 2009 the single vaporetto fare is 6.50 euro (good for one hour from the time it's stamped) but if you plan to spend much time on the vaporetto system, it's wise to buy a travelcard that can be bought at any vaporetto ticket office. Travelcards are good for both water and land transport in the Venice area (land services on the Lido and in Mestre). Here are prices as of 2008:

• 16 € - 12-hour travelcard
• 18 € - 24-hour travelcard
• 23 € - 36-hour travelcard
• 28 € - 48-hour travelcard
• 33 € - 72-hour travelcard
• 50 € - 7 days
• 18 € - 3-day youth card, ages 14 - 29
• Venice Card - Includes free and reduced admissions and transportation for 3 or 7 days.

The price of a ticket or travelcard includes one piece of luggage up to 150 cm (total sum of its three dimensions). The ticket or travelcard must be validated (stamped) upon first use. Hours start when the card is validated (not when it's bought) so it can be bought ahead of time.

Vaporetto Routes

Venice's Grand Canal is its main thoroughfare. The number 1 vaporetto runs up and down the Grand Canal, stopping in each of the six sestiere or neighborhoods (see Venice Sestiere Map), so it's a good way to see Venice. Although it's pretty crowded during the day, an evening on the number 1 vaporetto can be scenic and romantic. JoAnn Locktov recommends taking the number 1 in the evening when the lights are on (see Tips for Eating in Venice).

Other routes most commonly used by tourists are:

• Number 2: Connects the Tronchetto with the train station, Piazzale Roma, part of the Grand Canal, and Guidecca.
• Route N: Night bus, follows the number 2 route and continues to the Lido.
• Routes 41 and 42: Go around the outside of Venice, serving the train station and Piazzale Roma, and going to Murano Island from Fondamenta Nove.

Alilaguna lines serve the Venice airport and are not included in the above tickets or travelcards (except the Venice Card). More about Venice - Marco Polo Airport Transporation on Europe Travel.

More information and timetables are available on the ACTV web site.

Venice Vaporetto Maps

Venice Vaporetto Maps that can be downloaded and printed are available in three sizes. See Vap Map Pocket Venice Vaporetto Guide on Living Venice blog.

Gondola Rides in Venice

Find out about taking a gondola in Venice with our Tips for Taking a Gondola Ride in Venice.