Getting Around Venice – Transport Tips
‘The Steamboat’
In this incredible wonder city of the world on water, probably the best way to get around (if you don’t want to walk a full day) is the “Vaporetto”.
The Vaporetto is a ship that is like a bus except that it stops at a pier to pick up passengers.
A one-way ticket costs €6.50 (2008 price) each way per person for any line along the Grand Canal, valid for 60 minutes.
Before boarding a ‘Vaporetto’, you must stamp your ticket in a small yellow box, which is located on both sides of the platform. If you forget to do it, tell the guy who ties up the boat to seal it for you. By doing this, you will avoid a 30 EUR fine if the ticket holder checks your ticket while you are on the ship. If this happens, make sure the person who ticketed you gives you a receipt for the ticket you paid. You do not have to show your ticket on board unless a ticket clerk comes on board and asks you to show it, but make sure it is stamped.
If you plan to use the ‘Vaporetto’ frequently, you may want to consider buying a pass which will save you money in the end.
According to your travel arrangement, you will have different options for getting around in Venice upon arrival:
Arrival by Train at Santa Lucía Station and by Vaporetto
When you get off at the Venice (Santa Lucia) train station stop, walk outside and down a long flight of stairs to the boat docks. There are two main lines of “Vaporetti”.
You will have the option of taking Line 1 or Line 2 to get to San Marco. Both lines make several stops, including the Rialto Bridge, but Line 2 is much faster and preferred.
Using water taxis in Venice
The water taxis are fun and great for large groups of 5-8 people and split the costs. This way is fast and fun, but it can be a bit expensive (approximately 100-150 euros depending on the number of people and luggage for a 20/30 minute ride to most of the city). If you use this taxi service in the early hours of the morning or very late at night, you will pay approximately 10 euros more.
Arrival at Treviso airport (Ryanair)
The best and least expensive way to get to Venice from Treviso airport is to take the Ryanair shuttle bus for 5 euros per person to Piazzale Roma in Venice. From there, you can take a public “Vaporetti” along the Grand Canal. Attention: Take the bus only to Piazzale Roma.
Getting to Venice by car
If you drive or have a rental car, ask your car rental company to allow you to leave your car in Piazzale Roma (big square on the mainland) in Venice. Do not park your vehicle at the Airport location. From the airport it makes the trip to the city much longer with the possibility of a higher cost.