From happy customers

Loved by 47 million+
Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5
John Remond
US

John

United States
Jan 2026

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We purchased the 48 hour pass and it was the best purchase we made in Venice! We used it from the train station to a stop close to our hotel so we didn't have to drag our luggage, even though we packed light, half way across Venice. We also used the pass, after spending hours in the Basilica & Doge's Palace, for relaxing tour...I mean ride to Murano...it was a great day but it wasn't over...then we used the pass for a ride to the Rialto Bridge. I don't know if you are counting, but we got our $$ worth in the first 24 hours!
Nadia Maria Magnaguagno

Nadia

Jan 2026

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+1 more

I executed the ticket online and after printing the tickets I went to the ticket machine to type in the code, I was issued two tickets valid for 48 h for two people. With those tickets we traveled on the vaporettos far and wide visiting all of Venice without any problem of queues at the counters and schedules. Excellent choice
Belhachemi Dimitri
FR

Belhachemi

France
Oct 2025

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+2 more

It was great, we were able to see a lot of Venice, a very profitable ticket at €25 a day, I recommend it.
Olivia Hempel

Olivia

Jul 2025

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The booking was uncomplicated. The journeys all ran smoothly. The fact that you have to print out the tickets at the machine afterwards was not worth the five euro fee for the online booking. We could have gone straight to the ticket machine.
Lina

Lina

Dec 2025
Got the pass for my parents and I—it covered Doge’s Palace, a super informative walking tour, and even a gondola ride! I was worried about missing something but the emailed instructions were clear. Only thing: bring ur ID for audio guides, learned that the weird way. Overall, Venice felt less stressful with this pass.
Ravi

Ravi

Oct 2025
I took my parents for their anniversary. The city pass made things super smooth, especially since they don’t love waiting around. The only hiccup, the app froze once in St. Mark’s square, but the staff at the booth fixed it fast.
Mary-Laure Kohler
CH

Mary-laure

Switzerland
Oct 2025
A city with no car noise, no bicycles, no scooters... where everything can be done on foot or by boat, what a delight! The audioguide is very well done and gives interesting information about Venice, which can be consulted long after your stay. Please note: it's important to download the official Vapporetto "CheBateo?" app to keep up to date with boat timetables and directions, but above all to be aware of any changes that may occur: cancellation of a line on a certain day in the event of an event, and above all any strikes that may have occurred on the last day!
dardour ep castelneau

Dardour

Jul 2025
C'est pratique et permet de visiter Venise dans tous les sens, passer d'un quartier à l'autre sans se soucier de l'achat des tickets seulement de composter son pass.


Venice’s lifeline: The Vaporetto experience

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.

Why choose the Vaporetto?

💰 Affordable

A cost-effective alternative to water taxis.

⏳ Convenient

Frequent routes connect major landmarks and islands.

🌅 Scenic rides

Enjoy stunning views of Venice from the water.

🏝️ Island access

The best way to reach Murano, Burano, and Lido.

♿ Mobility-friendly

Wheelchair-accessible boats make must-see sights easier to visit.

How to use the Vaporetto?

🛑 Step 1: Find a Vaporetto stop

  • Stops are marked with yellow signs displaying the route number and stop name.
  • Major stops include Piazzale Roma, Rialto, St. Mark’s Square, and Santa Lucia Station.
  • Larger stations have electronic boards showing boat arrival times.

🎟️ Step 2: Buy your ticket

Get tickets at kiosks, ticket booths, vending machines, or online to save time. Ticket options are:

  • Single ride (€9.50) – Valid for 75 minutes.
  • Unlimited passes (1–7 days) – Best for multiple trips.
  • Airport + Vaporetto combo – Includes Alilaguna water bus.

💡 Pro tip: To reach Castello from Santa Lucia station, turn right, cross the glass-sided bridge, and find the yellow "WATERBUS TICKETS" stand.

📌 Step 3: Validate your ticket

  • Tap your ticket or pass it through the validation machine at the dock entrance.
  • This activates your ticket and prevents fines.

🛳️ Step 4: Check your route & board

  • Look at route numbers and destinations inside the boat or at stops.
  • To Castello, take Line #1 via Rialto Bridge.
  • When the Vaporetto arrives wait for passengers to exit first, board quickly—boats don’t wait, and stow luggage safely.

🌊 Step 5: Enjoy the ride & get off at your stop

Relax and take in Venice’s stunning canals. To track your stop:

  • Look at scrolling signs inside the boat.
  • Watch for landmarks (e.g., passing under the Rialto Bridge means Rialto stop is next).
  • When you arrive, exit quickly and move away from the dock to avoid crowding.

Vaporetto routes & stops in Venice

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 classic Grand Canal route

  • Route: Piazzale Roma – Ferrovia (Santa Lucia Train Station) – Rialto – San Marco – Lido S.M.E.
  • Why take it? The most scenic and most popular route, stopping at all major attractions along the Grand Canal.

The fast Grand Canal route

  • Route: San Marco/San Zaccaria – Giudecca – Tronchetto – Piazzale Roma – Ferrovia – Rialto – Accademia.
  • Why take it? Fewer stops, faster travel, great for reaching Piazzale Roma or Rialto in less time.

Murano express

  • Route: Piazzale Roma – Ferrovia – Murano.
  • Why take it? Direct service to Murano, perfect for a quick trip to see Venice’s famous glassmakers.

Venice’s circular route

  • Route 4.1: Fondamente Nove – Cemetery Island – Murano.
  • Route 4.2: Fondamente Nove – Hospital – San Marco.
  • Why take it? Circles the city, connecting different neighborhoods while offering a panoramic ride around Venice.

Island hopper to Burano & Torcello

  • Route: Fondamente Nove – Burano – Mazzorbo – Torcello.
  • Why take it? Best way to explore Venice’s outer islands, including Burano’s colorful streets and Torcello’s historic cathedrals.
  • Piazzale Roma: Venice’s main bus terminal, gateway for travelers coming from the mainland.
  • Ferrovia (Santa Lucia Train Station): Venice’s main railway station, with direct Vaporetto access.
  • Rialto Bridge: A must-visit, accessible on Line 1 & Line 2.
  • St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco): Reachable via multiple lines, home to Venice’s most famous attractions.

Timings & frequency of Vaporetto in Venice

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.

Frequency: Peak vs. off-peak

  • Peak hours (9am – 7pm): Major lines like Line 1 & Line 2 run every 10 to 15 minutes, making it easy to hop between stops.
  • Off-peak hours (early morning & late evening): Service slows down to every 20 to 30 minutes on most lines.
  • Night Vaporetto (Line N): Runs every 30 minutes between 11:30pm and 5am, ideal for late-night explorers and diners.

Seasonal changes

  • April to October: More frequent and extended services during the peak tourist season.
  • Winter months: Some routes operate with reduced frequency or may be temporarily suspended.

Find complete Venice vaporetto schedule

Practical tips for taking the Vaporetto in Venice

  • Hop on Line 1 for a slow ride along the Grand Canal with views of Rialto Bridge and historic palaces. For a quicker trip, take Line 2. Want to explore the islands? Line 12 takes you to Burano, Mazzorbo, and Torcello.
  • Travel early morning or late evening to skip peak-hour congestion (10am – 5pm). Use less popular stops near main attractions and plan your route with apps like Moovit.
  • While there’s no strict luggage limit, keep bags compact and stow them properly, especially during busy hours.
  • Most Vaporetti have ramps, but not all stops are wheelchair accessible—check ahead for specific routes.
  • Buy tickets in advance online or at machines to avoid queues. Don’t forget to validate your ticket at the dock before boarding.
  • Download the Ulmon Venice Travel Guide for offline maps, sightseeing info, and Vaporetto routes.
  • Grab a seat outdoors on Line 1 during off-peak hours for the most scenic ride through Venice.

Frequently asked questions about the Vaporetto

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.

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