Tickets Venice

Venice Public Transport Tickets & Passes

Efficient Public Transit
Efficient Public Transit
Frequent Service
Frequent Service
Easy Pre-booking
Easy Pre-booking
Venice water bus navigating Grand Canal with historic buildings in background.






Venice is a city like no other—no cars, no roads, just a maze of 417 bridges and 177 canals connecting more than 100 islands. Built on wooden piles driven into soft soil, the city relies on water transport as much as walking. That’s why public transport here isn’t just a convenience—it’s a lifeline. Whether you’re strolling through its winding alleys or cruising along the Grand Canal, this guide covers everything you need to know about getting around Venice efficiently.

Additional pointers on how to choose

  • In a rush? Go with the 75-Minute Ticket or 1-Day Pass.
  • On a weekend stay? The 3-Day Pass gives maximum flexibility.
  • First time in Venice? Opt for a Combo to hit the top sights without queues.
  • Love stories? Add the Audio Guide to any pass for neighborhood lore, art & architecture insights.

How to reach Venice city center from the Airport?

Venice has two main airports: Marco Polo Airport (VCE) and Treviso Airport (TSF). Here’s how you can get from each to the city centre:

Distance to Venice: ~13 km (~8 miles)

🚍 By bus (Cheapest & quickest): ACTV Bus #5 (Aerobus) → Piazzale Roma (~20 mins, €10 one way); ATVO Express Bus → Piazzale Roma (~20 mins, €10 one way)

🚤 By water (Scenic Route): Alilaguna Water Bus (Blue, Orange, or Red Line) → Grand Canal, St. Mark’s Square (~1 hour, €15 one way); Private Water Taxi → Direct to your hotel (~30 mins, ~€120-150 for up to 4 people)

🚕 By taxi (Fastest but expensive): Land Taxi: ~€40 to Piazzale Roma (~20 mins); Water Taxi: ~€120-150 (Direct to destination)

💡 Tip: If you’re staying in the city centre, a water taxi or Alilaguna ferry drops you closer to your hotel than a bus.

📍 Distance to Venice: ~40 km (~25 miles)

🚍 By Bus (Best Budget Option)

  • ATVO Express Bus → Piazzale Roma (~70 mins, €12 one way)
  • Barzi Bus Service → Tronchetto (~40 mins, €12 one way), then take the People Mover to Piazzale Roma (€1.50)

🚖 By Taxi (Fastest but Costly)

  • Private taxi → Piazzale Roma (~40-50 mins, ~€80-90)

💡 Tip: Buses are the most convenient and affordable way to reach Venice from Treviso Airport.

Must-have apps for public transport in Venice

Navigating Venice’s unique transport system is easier with the right apps! Here are some must-have apps to help you get around efficiently:

Traveler navigating city streets using a mobile map app in an urban setting.

🗺️ Navigation & Vaporetto

  • Ulmon Venice Travel Guide – Offline maps to explore narrow alleys without draining data.
  • CheBateo – Plan Vaporetto routes and check ACTV timetables in real time.
  • Google Maps – Reliable for public transport schedules, walking routes, and Vaporetto stops.
Man checking weather on phone in urban setting.

🌊 Tide & weather alerts

  • Hi!Tide Venice – Real-time flood alerts (Acqua Alta) and ferry locations.
  • Windy – Live weather updates, useful for planning boat rides in rough weather.
Visitor using Uber app

🚖 Taxis & Transfers

  • itTaxi – Book a land taxi (for Mestre, Piazzale Roma, or airport transfers).
  • Uber (Limited) – Available only for water taxis and some private car hires.

💡 Pro Tip: For Venice transport tickets, use AVM Venezia or CheBateo instead of waiting in line!

Frequently asked questions about Venice public transport

What’s the best pass for Venice public transport?

A. Vehicular movement is not allowed inside Venice. Inside the city, public transport is available in the form of water buses, Gondolas, and Traghetti. However, Venice is a walkable city. The best way to get around the city is on foot.

Is the Vaporetto better than a Gondola for commuting?

Absolutely! Vaporettos are Venice’s public water buses, used for daily transport. Gondolas are for scenic, short rides and cost around €80 for 30 minutes, while a Vaporetto ticket is €9.50—or much less with a travel pass.

How do I travel from Marco Polo Airport to Venice?

You have three main options:
Vaporetto (Alilaguna Line): A scenic 60–75 min ride (€10–€15).
Bus (ACTV No. 5 or ATVO Express): A quick 20–30 min trip to Piazzale Roma (€10).
Water Taxi: Direct and comfortable, but expensive (€100–€150). Best for groups or those with heavy luggage.

Can I use Venice public transport at night?

Yes, but with limited service. The N Vaporetto Line runs every 30 minutes from Piazzale Roma. ACTV night buses also operate in Mestre, but some smaller islands may have no late-night service.

What’s the cheapest way to get around Venice?

Walking is free and often the best way to explore! For water transport, a Vaporetto pass saves money if you’re taking multiple rides. Budget travelers can also use traghetto gondolas for short Grand Canal crossings (€2–€3).

Does Venice have a metro or tram system?

No metro, but Venice has a tram line connecting Mestre to Piazzale Roma. Within the city, Vaporettos are the main mode of transport.

How do I avoid long ticket lines?

Buy tickets online or use automated kiosks at Vaporetto stops. ACTV passes can also be loaded onto a Venezia Unica card for quick tap-and-go access.

Do children travel for free on Venice public transport?

Children under 6 years old travel for free on ACTV buses and Vaporettos. For older kids, consider the Rolling Venice Card, which offers discounts for travelers aged 6–29.

Can I use contactless credit/debit cards to pay for public transport?

No, Venice’s ACTV system does not accept contactless bank cards for direct tap-in payments. You must buy a ticket or pass in advance.

What’s the fastest way to get from Mestre to Venice?

The Tram T1 and ACTV buses (Lines 4, 4L, 5, and 15) run frequently between Mestre and Piazzale Roma in Venice, taking 15–20 minutes.

Can I travel to Venice using a Eurail or Interrail Pass?

Yes, Venice is well-connected by train, and you can use a ​Eurail Pass (for non-European residents) or an ​Interrail Pass (for European residents) to travel conveniently. Trenitalia and Italo operate frequent high-speed and regional trains to Venice, making it easy to reach the city from major destinations like Rome, Milan, and Florence. These passes offer flexible train travel across multiple countries, making them a great option for exploring Europe.

Tickets Venice
Scan code
Download the Headout app

Get Help 24/7

We Accept
VISA
MASTERCARD
AMEX
PAYPAL
MAESTROCARD
APPLEPAY
GPAY
DISCOVER
DINERS
IDEAL
AFFIRM