Navigating the City
The Grand Canal snakes its way through the heart of Venice, from Piazzale Roma (near Santa Lucia train station) to Piazza San Marco. Only four bridges cross the Grand Canal: Ponte degli Scalzi near Santa Lucia train station, Rialto, Accademia and Calatrava bridge, the new one near Piazzale Roma. If you have the time and energy, walking is the best way to get around Venice. It takes about 40 minutes to walk from the train station to Piazza San Marco. Otherwise you can choose between the other modes of transport: vaporetto, traghetto, gondola and water taxi.
Vaporetto
The most economical means of public transportation are the vaporettos, or public water buses. A number of lines travel different routes at varying speeds, check the ACTV website for more details. To take in the Grand Canal you can choose between the quicker line 2 or the slower line 1, which stops at every stop. Make sure you board the vaporetto going in the right direction! Most stops have two landing stages; if in doubt, ask a crewman - they are usually very helpful.
The vaporettos run every 10-20 minutes; look for the line schedules posted at every stop. Tickets can be bought at most stops and cost €6,50 and lasts 60 minutes. Validate your ticket before you board. If you are caught without a ticket you may be fined. You can choose to purchase a 24 hour (€ 16,00) or 48 hour (€ 26,00) or 72 hour (€ 31,00) vaporetto pass, which will save you time and money. Tickets can also be purchased in bars and tabacchi (tobacconist's) displaying the ACTV sign.
Traghetto
The traghettos are slightly larger than gondolas and come in very handy for crossing the Grand Canal where bridges are lacking. They also offer a cheaper way to sample the gondola experience. Signs will direct you to the 7 traghetto points (San Marcuola, San Stae, Santa Sofia, San Tomà, San Samuele, Santa Maria del Giglio and Dogana) located along the Grand Canal. Give € 0,50 directly to the gondoliere when you board - no ticket is needed. Most people stand on the traghettos though sitting is permitted at the back and along the sides of the boat.
Gondola
A gondola should cost € 80,00 for 50 minutes (up to six passengers), with an additional € 35,00 surcharge for every additional 25 minutes. The price goes up to € 90,00 between 8pm and 8am. The tariffs for gondola rides are established by the government, but the gondolieri are notorious for extorting large sums of money from unsuspecting tourists. You are advised to agree on a price before
boarding.
Water taxi
Water taxis are extremely expensive, but readily available. You can hail a taxi from the taxi stand around all the city or order one using the following numbers: 041.522.2303. A journey from the airport to the city and vice-versa may cost up to € 95,00, whilst a trip within the city centre may cost up to € 80,00. Agree on a price before leaving for your destination and note that between 10pm and 7am and on Sundays there is a surcharge of € 5,00. Make sure your taxi is licensed (they should have a black registration number on a yellow background).
Venice Card
The Venicecard is the card to access the city's main tourism services: public transport, visits to the City's main Museums, Churches and Foundations and use of toilet&nursey points. It also gives reduced entrance fees to exhibitions and cultural venues in Venice, discounts and other concessions at the main car parks, recommendations for excursions and leisure time.
There are two different types of Venice Cards, one only for the transport and the other for the tranport&culture, each one available for 3 or 7 days. A discounted rate is foreseen for cardholders up to 29 years old. For more information, see the Venice Card WebSite.
