Getting Around Venice: Complete Guide to Transportation in the City on Water

  • 3 min read

In this guide, you’ll find all the essential information to get around Venice: public transport, ferries, gondolas, water taxis, and walking routes to explore the city in the best way.

Come muoversi a Venezia

How to Get to Venice

Venice is accessible by various means:

By train: you arrive directly at Santa Lucia Station, right in the heart of the city.

By bus or tram: you reach Piazzale Roma, the last point accessible by road.

By car: parking is available at Piazzale Roma or on Tronchetto Island.

From Marco Polo Airport: water buses, water taxis, and shuttle buses to Venice are available.

Getting Around by Vaporetto

The vaporetto is Venice’s main public transport, operated by ACTV. It covers all areas of the city and connects islands like Murano, Burano, and Lido.

Services run daily, with extended hours into the late evening.

Single tickets and daily or multi-day passes are available.

To save time, it’s useful to download the AVM Venezia app for planning trips and purchasing digital tickets.

During peak hours, vaporetti can be crowded: travel early in the morning or late in the evening for a more relaxed experience.

Getting Around by Gondola

The gondola is Venice’s iconic symbol. Although a tourist transport, it allows you to discover hidden views and narrow canals inaccessible to other vessels.

We offer private gondola rides for groups up to 5 people, departing from some of the most scenic city areas.

For couples or small groups, a shared gondola ride is also available: an authentic experience with other travelers at a lower price than a private ride.

Crossing the Grand Canal by Ferry

As a quick and affordable alternative to the classic gondola, gondola ferries cross the Grand Canal at several key points.

The trip lasts just a few minutes and is done standing, like the locals.

It’s an ideal solution for short trips between the two banks of the canal.

Getting Around by Water Taxi

Water taxis offer a private, comfortable, and fast service, especially useful:

If traveling with a lot of luggage.

If staying at a hotel with direct canal access.

For direct trips or outside normal hours.

Be aware: costs are significantly higher than other transport options.

Walking Around Venice

Venice is a city meant to be discovered on foot. Walking through alleys, bridges, and squares is the best way to soak in its authentic atmosphere.

All main attractions are within walking distance.

Getting lost in the narrow streets is normal — it’s part of the experience.

Wear comfortable shoes, especially if you plan long walks or crossings over bridges with stairs.

Whatever mode of transport you choose, getting around Venice is part of the magic of the trip: let yourself be guided by the water, the slow pace, and the unique atmosphere of the lagoon city.