What is a vaporetto?
A vaporetto is a public water bus operated by the city's transport company, ACTV. It operates similarly to conventional public transport - it has fixed routes, stops and timetables. It caters to both locals and tourists. At each stop you will find a clear map of where each line goes.
Where does the vaporetto go?
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Line 1: Slowly travels the entire Grand Canal, stopping at all the main sights - ideal for a first orientation.
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Line 2: A faster option, suitable for travelling between the station, the Rialto and St Mark's Square.
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Lines to the islands:
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Airport line Alilaguna: It provides connections between Marco Polo airport and the centre.
When wandering around Venice and the surrounding islands, keep an eye on the last departure time so that you don't take too long to get back from Burano, for example. It is possible that some of the late evening services will involve several changes and a walk.
How often does the vaporetto run?
During the day, it runs about every 10-20 minutes. At night, service is limited, but some lines do run at night (e.g., the N night line). Service starts around 5:00 a.m. and ends between 11:00 p.m. and midnight, depending on the line.
Tickets
There are several ticket options to choose from. You can buy single tickets (valid for 75 minutes):
- Adults:€9.50
- Children up to 6 years old: free
- Luggage and dogs: free (limited size)
However, time tickets are more advantageous :
-1 day (24 h): 25 €.
-2 days (48 h): 35 €
-3 days (72 h): 45 €
-7 days: 65 €
With these tickets you can make unlimited transfers between vaporettos and some ACTV bus lines on the mainland. But if you also plan to visit the sights in the Bentazzi, you might find the Venezia Unica Card useful.
What is the Venezia Unica Card and where to buy it?
The Venezia Unica Card (formerly known as the Venice Card) is the official city card that serves as access to services in Venice - including transport, museum entrances, monuments and toilets.
You can buy it online: www.veneziaunica.it, or physically at ACTV shops, vending machines at bus stops, train stations, Piazzale Roma, or the airport.
How does the card work? When you buy, you choose the services you want - for example, the transport and museum package. On the spot, you activate the card by attaching it to a reader when you board the vaporetto.
Tips for travelling by vaporetto
- Prepare your ticket in advance - queues often form at the machines when boarding
- Always mark your ticket by attaching it to the reader (even for time tickets)
- Try to go in the morning or evening when there are fewer tourists - the views are spectacular
- Don't confuse a vaporetto with a gondola - a gondola is an attraction, a vaporetto is public transport!
Venice is best explored from the water. And the vaporetto not only gives you a comfortable transfer, but also a unique view of the city. Make the most of it and enjoy the magical atmosphere of the lagoon like a local.
