A cost-effective alternative to water taxis.
The Vaporetto is Venice’s public water bus system, operated by ACTV (Azienda del Consorzio Trasporti Veneziano). It’s the city’s main mode of transport, connecting islands and navigating the canals. The name "Vaporetto" means "little steamer," a nod to early steam-powered boats. Locals may also call it "un batèlo" or "un vaporino." Whether you're commuting or sightseeing, the Vaporetto is the easiest way to explore Venice’s waterways.
Venice’s Vaporetto system has 23 active lines, connecting the city’s major landmarks and surrounding islands. Whether you’re cruising down the Grand Canal, heading to Murano’s glass factories, or exploring Burano’s colorful houses, here are the key routes you need to know:
The Vaporetto, Venice’s public water bus system, runs year-round with varying schedules depending on the time of day and season. Here’s what you need to know:
Operating hours: Most main lines run from 5am to 12am.
The best pass depends on your stay. A 24-hour pass (€25) or 48-hour pass (€35) is great for short visits, while longer stays may benefit from the 72-hour pass (€45) or 7-day pass (€65). The Venezia Unica card bundles transport with museum access.
It depends on the kind of experience you’re looking for. The Vaporetto is functional and affordable, covering all major routes, while gondolas are more for sightseeing and can be pricey.
Take the ACTV (Line 5) or ATVO express bus to Piazzale Roma or opt for the Alilaguna water bus for a scenic transfer to locations like St. Mark’s Square.
Water taxis are fast and private but cost around €120+. They’re worth it if you have heavy luggage or want a hassle-free transfer.
Yes! The Vaporetto runs 24/7, with Line N operating from 11:30pm – 5am for late-night travel.
You must always validate your ticket from the electronic ticket checkers before boarding a Venice water bus. Make sure that your luggage does not exceed the limit.
Since the waters do not create large waves, you do not have the chance of getting seasick. However, if you feel nauseous, inform the sailors and boatmen. They will help you through the journey.
A standard Vaporetto ticket is valid for 75 minutes, allowing unlimited transfers within that time. Multi-day passes remain valid until their expiry.
Yes, but keep it compact, especially during peak hours, to ensure a comfortable ride.
There are no toilets on a Venice water bus.
Kids under 6 travel free, and the Rolling Venice card offers discounted fares for ages 6-29 on transport and attractions.
If you lose your ticket before validation, you must buy a new one—lost tickets cannot be replaced or refunded once validated.
Super saver Venice combo – 2-day unlimited Vaporetto & bus access, plus fast-track entry to top museums.
Inclusions Venice ACTV Water Bus Pass
2-day access to ACTV Vaporetti(Water-buses) in Venice, Lido and lagoon islands
2-day access to ACTV Buses in Mestre, Marghera and mainland
** Venice Museum Pass with Fast-Track Tickets to Doge's Palace**
Skip-the-line tickets to Doge’s Palace
Entry to Museo Correr
Entry to Archaeological Museum
Entry to Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Marciana
Venice ACTV Water Bus Pass
Venice Museum Pass with Fast-Track Tickets to Doge's Palace
Unlimited travel across Venice's ACTV network all day, plus skip-the-line access to Venice’s seat of power & art.
Inclusions 1-Day ACTV Transport Pass
Doge's Palace Tickets
Exclusions
Complete and cost-effective Venice transport package—airport transfer with unlimited Vaporetto & buses.
Inclusions Alilaguna Water Bus Transfers
Vaporetto ACTV Water Bus Pass & Mainland Bus Tickets
Validity: 1/2/3/7 days
Unlimited use of ACTV Vaporetti (water buses) in Venice, Lido and lagoon islands
Unlimited use of ACTV Buses in Mestre, Marghera and mainland
Exclusions Vaporetto ACTV Water Bus Pass & Mainland Bus Tickets
Blue Line
Click here for the map route.
Red Line
Click here for the map route.
Orange Line
Click here for the map route.
Alilaguna Water Bus Transfers
Vaporetto ACTV Water Bus Pass & Mainland Bus Tickets
Access over 30 monuments and activities across Venice!
Inclusions
1-7-day validity
Attractions: Doge’s Palace, Chiesa di San Sebastiano, Chiesa di San Polo & more
Museums: Leonardo Da Vinci Museum, National Gallery of Modern Art, Archaeological National Museum, Museum Correr (Part of San Marco) & more
Guided tours: Venice City Tour
Boat tours: Gondola ride, Island tour of Murano, Burano, Torcello & more
Discounts with EatWith
Get complete details here
Exclusions
Unlimited travel across Venice’s water and land transport—now with a multilingual city audio guide to explore as you go.
Inclusions
1/2/3/7-day validity
Access to unlimited ACTV Vaporetti (water buses) in Venice, Lido and lagoon islands
Access to unlimited ACTV buses in Mestre, Marghera and mainland
Access to Trenitalia regional (R & RV) trains within the Venice municipality.
Digital city audio guide in Deutsch, English, French, Italian & Spanish
Exclusions
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.