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How to get around Venice: Transportation tips for first-time visitors
How to get around Venice: walking is the easiest way, but you can also use vaporetti (water buses), water taxis, traghetti, and gondolas.
Venice works differently from any other city. There are no cars in the historic center — only canals, boats, bridges, and narrow walking streets — so the main ways to get around Venice are walking and riding a boat.
Once you understand how these two options work together, moving around Venice becomes straightforward and stress-free, even for first-time visitors. This guide covers all transportation options, airport transfers, and practical travel tips to help you plan a smooth Venice itinerary.
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How to get around Venice without a car
Below are the main ways to get around Venice, whether you’re moving between neighborhoods or figuring out how to get around Venice with luggage. Here’s a short table for a quick comparison.
| Option | Best used for | Luggage-friendly | Tickets/passes | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walking | Short distances, sightseeing | Yes (bridges involved) | None | Free |
| Vaporetto (waterbus) | Longer routes, islands, stations | Yes (can be crowded) | Single ride or multi-day pass | ~€9 for 75-minute ride |
| Water taxi | Direct hotel or airport transfers | Very | No passes | €70–€150+ |
| Traghetto | Quick Grand Canal crossings | Yes (short trips) | Pay on board | ~€2 |
| Gondola | Leisure and sightseeing | Limited | Fixed fare | ~€80 / 30 min |
Walking in Venice
Walking is the most common way to get around Venice. The city is compact, and most sights are within walking distance. This is also how many people handle luggage, especially when traveling to hotels in the historic center.
Walking is best for sightseeing, short transfers, and areas not directly served by boats. There are no tickets or costs involved.
Vaporetto (Venice waterbus)
The vaporetto is Venice’s main public transport system and the most practical option for longer distances or traveling with luggage. It connects the historic center with major areas and islands, including the Lido, Murano, Burano, and Torcello, making it essential for day trips from Venice and everyday travel.
Tickets are time-based rather than per ride. A 75-minute ticket costs around €9–€10, while passes are available at roughly €25–€30 for 1 day, €35–€40 for 2 days, and around €70 for 7 days. Multi-day passes offer better value if you plan to use the vaporetto frequently.
Boats can be crowded during peak hours and throughout the Venice Carnival, especially in the afternoon and evening.
Water taxi
Unlike the vaporetto, which follows fixed routes and shared stops, a water taxi provides direct, point-to-point service, often dropping you close to your hotel.
They are the easiest option when traveling with heavy luggage, arriving late at night, or wanting a faster, more direct transfer. There are no passes or shared tickets, and prices are high, usually €70 to €150 or more, depending on distance and time, but they offer speed and convenience that public boats do not.
Traghetto
Traghetto services are simple gondola ferries that cross the Grand Canal at designated points. They’re practical when you don’t want to walk to the nearest bridge. Rides are short, tickets are bought on the spot, and the cost is usually around €2 for visitors.
Gondola
Gondolas are primarily a sightseeing experience rather than a practical means of transportation. They follow set routes and are best used for leisure, not for getting from point A to B. A standard daytime ride costs about €80–€90 for 30 minutes.
Some gondola rides include an introductory walking tour before the ride, highlighting landmarks along the way. Gondolas are not suitable for luggage or daily travel.
Getting from Venice airport to the city
Venice Marco Polo Airport is located outside the historic center, so you’ll need to continue by water or public transport. The most direct option is the airport waterbus (Alilaguna), which connects the airport to major stops in Venice and nearby islands. It’s slower than a taxi but much cheaper and suitable for luggage.
You can also take a water taxi for a direct transfer to a stop near your accommodation in Venice. This is the fastest and easiest option if you’re carrying heavy bags, but also the most expensive. A third option is to take a bus or taxi to Piazzale Roma, the edge of the historic center, and then continue on foot or by vaporetto.
Getting from Venice train station to the city
Venice’s main train station, Venezia Santa Lucia, sits right on the edge of the historic center. Once you exit the station, you’re already in Venice. From here, you can walk to nearby areas or take a vaporetto from the stops directly outside the station to reach other neighborhoods.
If you have luggage, the vaporetto is often the easiest choice for longer distances. For a more direct and private option, water taxis are also available just outside the station. Walking is practical for nearby districts, but expect bridges and stairs along the way.
Practical tips for getting around Venice
A little planning makes getting around Venice easier, especially for first-time visitors. Below are some tips to keep in mind.
- Buy a vaporetto pass if you plan to use public boats more than once a day.
- Download transport and map apps to check routes, stops, and walking directions.
- Use an eSIM for Venice to stay connected and easily access routes and travel updates.
- Pack light to make bridges, stairs, and narrow streets easier to manage. If you’re going to the Carnival, you can bring a mask or even rent a Venice Carnival costume.
- Allow extra travel time during busy hours and peak travel periods.
- Check tide forecasts to avoid flooded routes during high water.
- Walk short distances when possible to save time.
- Confirm hotel access to see whether boats stop nearby or if walking is required.
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