Navigating Venice: How to Use Vaporetto to Get Around the City’s Canals

Navigating Venice: How to Use Vaporetto to Get Around the City's Canals

Navigating Venice: How to Use Vaporetto to Get Around the City’s Canals

A vaporetto is a waterbus that serves as a public transportation system in Venice. It’s a convenient and affordable way to travel around the city’s many canals and waterways. Here are some things to know about the vaporetto in Venice:

  1. Routes: There are several vaporetto routes that operate throughout Venice, including the Grand Canal and the outer islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello.
  2. Tickets: Vaporetto tickets can be purchased at kiosks, ticket booths, or on board the boats themselves. You can buy single tickets or multi-day passes, depending on how long you plan to stay in Venice.
  3. Schedule: Vaporetto schedules vary depending on the route and the time of year. During peak tourist season, boats run more frequently, while off-season schedules may be less frequent.
  4. Stops: Vaporetto stops are marked with signs that display the route number and the name of the stop. Some stops are major landmarks, while others are smaller neighborhoods or islands.
  5. Seating: Vaporetto boats have both indoor and outdoor seating areas. Outdoor seating is popular during the warmer months, but it can get crowded during peak tourist season.
  6. Accessibility: Some vaporetto boats are equipped with ramps or lifts to accommodate passengers with disabilities. However, not all stops are wheelchair accessible, so it’s best to check ahead of time.

Taking a vaporetto ride is a unique and enjoyable way to see the city of Venice, while also getting a feel for the local way of life.

Vaporetto how does it work ?

The vaporetto is a waterbus that operates as public transportation in Venice. Here’s how it works:

  1. Find a vaporetto stop: Vaporetto stops are located throughout Venice and are marked with signs displaying the route number and the name of the stop. You can find a list of stops and routes on the ACTV website or at ticket kiosks.
  2. Purchase a ticket: You can buy a vaporetto ticket at ticket kiosks, ticket booths, or on board the boat. You can buy single tickets or multi-day passes, depending on how long you plan to stay in Venice.
  3. Validate your ticket: Before boarding the vaporetto, you need to validate your ticket by inserting it into a machine located at the entrance to the dock. This time-stamps your ticket and activates it for use.
  4. Board the vaporetto: When the vaporetto arrives, wait for passengers to disembark before boarding. If you have luggage, be sure to stow it safely and keep an eye on it during the ride.
  5. Check the route: Make sure you’re on the correct vaporetto route by checking the route number and destination on the signs inside the boat.
  6. Enjoy the ride: Sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery as you glide through Venice’s canals and waterways. Some boats have indoor and outdoor seating areas, so choose the one that suits you best.
  7. Get off at your stop: When you arrive at your destination, gather your belongings and disembark the vaporetto. Be sure to exit the dock area and move away from the boarding area to avoid crowding.

The vaporetto is a convenient and affordable way to travel around Venice and see the city from a unique perspective. Just be sure to validate your ticket, board the correct boat, and enjoy the ride!

Best vaporetto route

The best vaporetto route in Venice really depends on what you want to see and do. Here are some popular routes and their highlights:

  1. Route 1: This route runs along the Grand Canal and is a great way to see some of Venice’s iconic landmarks, including the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s Square.
  2. Route 12: This route takes you to the outer islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello. Murano is known for its glassblowing, Burano for its colorful houses and lace-making, and Torcello for its ancient cathedral and peaceful atmosphere.
  3. Route 4.1/4.2: These routes run along the Giudecca Canal and provide stunning views of Venice’s skyline, as well as a glimpse into local life in the neighborhoods along the canal.
  4. Route 5.1/5.2: These routes take you to the Lido, a long sandbar that separates the lagoon from the Adriatic Sea. The Lido is known for its beaches, restaurants, and the annual Venice Film Festival.

Ultimately, the best vaporetto route for you will depend on your interests and how much time you have to spend in Venice. I recommend doing some research and choosing a route that aligns with your preferences and schedule.

Where to buy a vaporetto ticket ?

You can buy a vaporetto ticket in several ways:

  1. Ticket booths: There are several ticket booths located throughout Venice, including at major vaporetto stops and at the Piazzale Roma and Santa Lucia train station. These booths accept cash and credit/debit cards.
  2. Ticket machines: You can also purchase tickets at ticket machines located at some vaporetto stops. These machines accept cash and credit/debit cards.
  3. Authorized resellers: You can buy tickets at authorized resellers such as tobacco shops, newsstands, and some hotels. Look for the “ACTV” logo to ensure that the seller is authorized.
  4. On board: If you don’t have a ticket when you board the vaporetto, you can buy one from the onboard ticket machine. However, these machines only accept exact change and may not be available on all boats.

When buying a vaporetto ticket, you have several options:

  1. Single ticket: This ticket is valid for one trip and costs more than a multi-day pass. It’s a good option if you’re only taking one or two trips on the vaporetto.
  2. Tourist travel card: This card is valid for a set number of hours or days and allows for unlimited travel on the vaporetto. It’s a good option if you plan to use the vaporetto frequently during your visit.
  3. Rolling Venice card: This card is valid for 7 days and includes unlimited travel on the vaporetto, as well as discounts at some museums and attractions.

Be sure to validate your ticket before boarding the vaporetto by inserting it into the machine at the entrance to the dock. This time-stamps your ticket and activates it for use.

How much is a vaporetto ticket or pass ?

The cost of a vaporetto ticket and pass in Venice varies depending on the type and duration of the pass. Here are some current (as of my knowledge cutoff date of September 2021) prices for common vaporetto passes:

  1. Single ticket: €9.50 for a single journey. It’s valid for 75 minutes from the time of validation.
  2. Tourist travel card: €25 for a 24-hour pass, €35 for a 48-hour pass, €45 for a 72-hour pass, and €65 for a 7-day pass. This pass allows for unlimited travel on the vaporetto for the selected time period.

It’s worth noting that the prices may change over time, so be sure to check the official ACTV (Venice’s public transportation company) website for the most up-to-date information. Also, keep in mind that there may be additional fees for luggage or pets, so be sure to check the details of each pass before purchasing.

Rember that before getting on boards on the floating water bus stop , you do have special entrances for locals, and entrances for tourists . 
As long the you ll enter you ll find seats designated to elderly , pregnant ladies and people with special needs. Please store the bags in the designated areas , and keep them out of the way to make easy The procedure of embarking and disembarking of the guests. 


Tour with us , just write to us happy to help you!