Is Vaporetto better than Gondola for commuting?

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.

How do I travel from Marco Polo Airport to Venice?

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.

Are water taxis worth the cost?

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.

Can I use Venice public transport at night?

Yes! The Vaporetto runs 24/7, with Line N operating from 11:30pm – 5am for late-night travel.

What are the things to note before boarding a Venice water bus?

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.

Will I get seasick on a Venice water bus?

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.

How long does a Vaporetto ticket last after validation?

A standard Vaporetto ticket is valid for 75 minutes, allowing unlimited transfers within that time. Multi-day passes remain valid until their expiry.

Can I bring my luggage on the Vaporetto?

Yes, but keep it compact, especially during peak hours, to ensure a comfortable ride.

Are there toilets in the Venice water buses?

There are no toilets on a Venice water bus.

Are there discounts for families or students on Vaporetto passes?

Kids under 6 travel free, and the Rolling Venice card offers discounted fares for ages 6-29 on transport and attractions.

What should I do if I lose my Vaporetto ticket?

If you lose your ticket before validation, you must buy a new one—lost tickets cannot be replaced or refunded once validated.

Venice Water Bus Tickets | ACTV Passes & Unlimited Travel

‌

Public Transport

Combo: 2- Day Venice ACTV Bus Pass + Venice Museum Pass with Fast-Track Tickets to Doge's Palace

Discover Venice’s must-see museums and enjoy unlimited public transport with one convenient, value-packed combo.

Everything you get with Venice Museums Pass: Skip the hassle of separate tickets and access Doge’s Palace, the Museo Correr, the Archaeological Museum, and more. Visit 12 renowned cultural landmarks with a single pass, valid for up to 6 months, and explore Venice’s art, history, and architecture at your own rhythm.
Everything you get with ACTV Vaporetto Water Bus & Mainland Bus Pass: Travel freely across Venice with unlimited access to water buses, city buses, and trams for 2 full days. Cruise along the Grand Canal, reach Murano, Burano, and Lido, and move easily between Venice and the mainland.
Why choose this combo: See more and spend less by combining top museum access with unlimited transport. No ticket switching, no planning stress, just seamless sightseeing across the city.

‌

Check availability

Explore at your pace

‌

Combos

Combo (Save 5%): 1-Day ACTV Water Bus Pass + Doge’s Palace Tickets

All ACTV tickets must be validated before each boarding—failing to do so may result in a fine. You can redeem your ACTV voucher at a ticket machine or kiosk.
The ACTV ticket is valid for 24 months from the date of purchase.
The ACTV 1-Day Pass allows you to carry up to 3 items of luggage (total dimensions must not exceed 150 cm).
Children under 6 travel free on ACTV transport and don’t require a ticket.
Skip-the-line entry at Doge’s Palace reduces wait times, but short delays may still occur during peak hours.
Flash photography, tripods, selfie sticks, and commercial photography are not allowed inside Doge's Palace.
The Secret Itineraries, Prisons, and Armory at Doge's Palace are not wheelchair or stroller accessible. Ramps and elevators provide access to most areas of Doge's Palace.
The Correr Museum, Archaeological Museum, and Biblioteca Marciana are wheelchair accessible, but the Church of Santa Maria del Giglio is not.
Doge's Palace admission is valid only for the selected date and time. Other included attractions allow one-time entry and are valid for three months, after your visit to the Doge's Palace.

‌

Check availability

Explore at your pace

‌

Public Transport

Vaporetto ACTV Water Bus & Mainland Bus Pass: 1 to 7 Days with Audio Guide

The voucher comes with a unique PNR code. You can collect your pass by simply entering the PNR code at any of the ACTV automatic ticket machines or at one of the Points of Sale and Collection spots.
The pass is valid for the number of days you selected and starts from the moment they are validated.
You can use your pass anytime within 24 months from the date of purchase.
ACTV/AVM validity period starts when the ticket is used for the first time once purchased.

‌

Check availability

Extended validity

Explore at your pace

Audio guide

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Slide 1 of 4

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.

‌

Public Transport

Combo: 2- Day Venice ACTV Bus Pass + Venice Museum Pass with Fast-Track Tickets to Doge's Palace

Discover Venice’s must-see museums and enjoy unlimited public transport with one convenient, value-packed combo.

Everything you get with Venice Museums Pass: Skip the hassle of separate tickets and access Doge’s Palace, the Museo Correr, the Archaeological Museum, and more. Visit 12 renowned cultural landmarks with a single pass, valid for up to 6 months, and explore Venice’s art, history, and architecture at your own rhythm.
Everything you get with ACTV Vaporetto Water Bus & Mainland Bus Pass: Travel freely across Venice with unlimited access to water buses, city buses, and trams for 2 full days. Cruise along the Grand Canal, reach Murano, Burano, and Lido, and move easily between Venice and the mainland.
Why choose this combo: See more and spend less by combining top museum access with unlimited transport. No ticket switching, no planning stress, just seamless sightseeing across the city.

‌

Check availability

Explore at your pace

Discover Venice’s must-see museums and enjoy unlimited public transport with one convenient, value-packed combo.

Everything you get with Venice Museums Pass: Skip the hassle of separate tickets and access Doge’s Palace, the Museo Correr, the Archaeological Museum, and more. Visit 12 renowned cultural landmarks with a single pass, valid for up to 6 months, and explore Venice’s art, history, and architecture at your own rhythm.
Everything you get with ACTV Vaporetto Water Bus & Mainland Bus Pass: Travel freely across Venice with unlimited access to water buses, city buses, and trams for 2 full days. Cruise along the Grand Canal, reach Murano, Burano, and Lido, and move easily between Venice and the mainland.
Why choose this combo: See more and spend less by combining top museum access with unlimited transport. No ticket switching, no planning stress, just seamless sightseeing across the city.

Inclusions #

Venice ACTV 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

Additional information

Venice ACTV Water Bus Pass

Duration: valid for 2 consecutive days.
Tickets must be validated before entering any ACTV public transport; the ticket or travel card becomes active upon first validation.
Each passenger may carry one bag, provided the combined dimensions (length + width + height) do not exceed 150 cm.

Venice Museum Pass with Fast-Track Tickets to Doge's Palace

The pass can be used within 3 months from the purchase date.
Validity begins with your first visit and runs for the selected number of consecutive days.
Admission to Doge’s Palace is only valid for the specific date chosen at the time of purchase.
Access to Doge’s Palace is allowed between 12pm and 6pm. Any delays are caused by mandatory security screening.

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

‌

Combos

Combo (Save 5%): 1-Day ACTV Water Bus Pass + Doge’s Palace Tickets

All ACTV tickets must be validated before each boarding—failing to do so may result in a fine. You can redeem your ACTV voucher at a ticket machine or kiosk.
The ACTV ticket is valid for 24 months from the date of purchase.
The ACTV 1-Day Pass allows you to carry up to 3 items of luggage (total dimensions must not exceed 150 cm).
Children under 6 travel free on ACTV transport and don’t require a ticket.
Skip-the-line entry at Doge’s Palace reduces wait times, but short delays may still occur during peak hours.
Flash photography, tripods, selfie sticks, and commercial photography are not allowed inside Doge's Palace.
The Secret Itineraries, Prisons, and Armory at Doge's Palace are not wheelchair or stroller accessible. Ramps and elevators provide access to most areas of Doge's Palace.
The Correr Museum, Archaeological Museum, and Biblioteca Marciana are wheelchair accessible, but the Church of Santa Maria del Giglio is not.
Doge's Palace admission is valid only for the selected date and time. Other included attractions allow one-time entry and are valid for three months, after your visit to the Doge's Palace.

‌

Check availability

Explore at your pace

All ACTV tickets must be validated before each boarding—failing to do so may result in a fine. You can redeem your ACTV voucher at a ticket machine or kiosk.
The ACTV ticket is valid for 24 months from the date of purchase.
The ACTV 1-Day Pass allows you to carry up to 3 items of luggage (total dimensions must not exceed 150 cm).
Children under 6 travel free on ACTV transport and don’t require a ticket.
Skip-the-line entry at Doge’s Palace reduces wait times, but short delays may still occur during peak hours.
Flash photography, tripods, selfie sticks, and commercial photography are not allowed inside Doge's Palace.
The Secret Itineraries, Prisons, and Armory at Doge's Palace are not wheelchair or stroller accessible. Ramps and elevators provide access to most areas of Doge's Palace.
The Correr Museum, Archaeological Museum, and Biblioteca Marciana are wheelchair accessible, but the Church of Santa Maria del Giglio is not.
Doge's Palace admission is valid only for the selected date and time. Other included attractions allow one-time entry and are valid for three months, after your visit to the Doge's Palace.

Inclusions #

1-Day ACTV Transport Pass

1-day validity from validation
Access to unlimited ACTV Vaporetti (water buses) in Venice, Lido and lagoon islands
Access to ACTV land buses within Venice mainland, Mestre, and Marghera; Trams within Venice and Mestre; People Mover (connecting Piazzale Roma to the Tronchetto parking area).
Access to Trenitalia regional (R & RV) trains within the Venice municipality.

Doge's Palace Tickets

Skip-the-line entry to Doge's Palace
Access to Museo Correr
Access to the Archaeological Museum
Access to Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Marciana

Exclusions #

Guided tour of Doge’s Palace and other attractions
Hotel transfers
Food and drinks
Personal expenses
Additional transport beyond the included ACTV ticket

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

‌

Public Transport

Vaporetto ACTV Water Bus & Mainland Bus Pass: 1 to 7 Days with Audio Guide

The voucher comes with a unique PNR code. You can collect your pass by simply entering the PNR code at any of the ACTV automatic ticket machines or at one of the Points of Sale and Collection spots.
The pass is valid for the number of days you selected and starts from the moment they are validated.
You can use your pass anytime within 24 months from the date of purchase.
ACTV/AVM validity period starts when the ticket is used for the first time once purchased.

‌

Check availability

Extended validity

Explore at your pace

Audio guide

The voucher comes with a unique PNR code. You can collect your pass by simply entering the PNR code at any of the ACTV automatic ticket machines or at one of the Points of Sale and Collection spots.
The pass is valid for the number of days you selected and starts from the moment they are validated.
You can use your pass anytime within 24 months from the date of purchase.
ACTV/AVM validity period starts when the ticket is used for the first time once purchased.

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 #

ACTV Services from/to Marco Polo Airport
Routes no. 16, 19, 21, Casinò and Alilaguna lines

Make sure your ticket is stamped each time you board a Vaporetto or bus to avoid fines.
While pre-booking tickets saves you from long queues, please note that there may still be some waiting time during peak hours and high season.
You can bring up to three pieces as long as the total dimensions don’t exceed 150 cm.
Children under 6 travel for free—no ticket needed!

These tickets are valid for 24 months from the date of purchase.

Discover Venice’s must-see museums and enjoy unlimited public transport with one convenient, value-packed combo.

Everything you get with Venice Museums Pass: Skip the hassle of separate tickets and access Doge’s Palace, the Museo Correr, the Archaeological Museum, and more. Visit 12 renowned cultural landmarks with a single pass, valid for up to 6 months, and explore Venice’s art, history, and architecture at your own rhythm.
Everything you get with ACTV Vaporetto Water Bus & Mainland Bus Pass: Travel freely across Venice with unlimited access to water buses, city buses, and trams for 2 full days. Cruise along the Grand Canal, reach Murano, Burano, and Lido, and move easily between Venice and the mainland.
Why choose this combo: See more and spend less by combining top museum access with unlimited transport. No ticket switching, no planning stress, just seamless sightseeing across the city.

Inclusions #

Venice ACTV 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

Additional information

Venice ACTV Water Bus Pass

Duration: valid for 2 consecutive days.
Tickets must be validated before entering any ACTV public transport; the ticket or travel card becomes active upon first validation.
Each passenger may carry one bag, provided the combined dimensions (length + width + height) do not exceed 150 cm.

Venice Museum Pass with Fast-Track Tickets to Doge's Palace

The pass can be used within 3 months from the purchase date.
Validity begins with your first visit and runs for the selected number of consecutive days.
Admission to Doge’s Palace is only valid for the specific date chosen at the time of purchase.
Access to Doge’s Palace is allowed between 12pm and 6pm. Any delays are caused by mandatory security screening.

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

All ACTV tickets must be validated before each boarding—failing to do so may result in a fine. You can redeem your ACTV voucher at a ticket machine or kiosk.
The ACTV ticket is valid for 24 months from the date of purchase.
The ACTV 1-Day Pass allows you to carry up to 3 items of luggage (total dimensions must not exceed 150 cm).
Children under 6 travel free on ACTV transport and don’t require a ticket.
Skip-the-line entry at Doge’s Palace reduces wait times, but short delays may still occur during peak hours.
Flash photography, tripods, selfie sticks, and commercial photography are not allowed inside Doge's Palace.
The Secret Itineraries, Prisons, and Armory at Doge's Palace are not wheelchair or stroller accessible. Ramps and elevators provide access to most areas of Doge's Palace.
The Correr Museum, Archaeological Museum, and Biblioteca Marciana are wheelchair accessible, but the Church of Santa Maria del Giglio is not.
Doge's Palace admission is valid only for the selected date and time. Other included attractions allow one-time entry and are valid for three months, after your visit to the Doge's Palace.

Inclusions #

1-Day ACTV Transport Pass

1-day validity from validation
Access to unlimited ACTV Vaporetti (water buses) in Venice, Lido and lagoon islands
Access to ACTV land buses within Venice mainland, Mestre, and Marghera; Trams within Venice and Mestre; People Mover (connecting Piazzale Roma to the Tronchetto parking area).
Access to Trenitalia regional (R & RV) trains within the Venice municipality.

Doge's Palace Tickets

Skip-the-line entry to Doge's Palace
Access to Museo Correr
Access to the Archaeological Museum
Access to Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Marciana

Exclusions #

Guided tour of Doge’s Palace and other attractions
Hotel transfers
Food and drinks
Personal expenses
Additional transport beyond the included ACTV ticket

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

The voucher comes with a unique PNR code. You can collect your pass by simply entering the PNR code at any of the ACTV automatic ticket machines or at one of the Points of Sale and Collection spots.
The pass is valid for the number of days you selected and starts from the moment they are validated.
You can use your pass anytime within 24 months from the date of purchase.
ACTV/AVM validity period starts when the ticket is used for the first time once purchased.

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 #

ACTV Services from/to Marco Polo Airport
Routes no. 16, 19, 21, Casinò and Alilaguna lines

Make sure your ticket is stamped each time you board a Vaporetto or bus to avoid fines.
While pre-booking tickets saves you from long queues, please note that there may still be some waiting time during peak hours and high season.
You can bring up to three pieces as long as the total dimensions don’t exceed 150 cm.
Children under 6 travel for free—no ticket needed!

These tickets are valid for 24 months from the date of purchase.

Venice Water Bus Tickets

Combo: 2- Day Venice ACTV Bus Pass + Venice Museum Pass with Fast-Track Tickets to Doge's Palace

Combo (Save 5%): 1-Day ACTV Water Bus Pass + Doge’s Palace Tickets

Vaporetto ACTV Water Bus & Mainland Bus Pass: 1 to 7 Days with Audio Guide

Top things to do in Venice