How to Get to St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice: Walking Routes, Vaporetto Lines & Gondola Tips
- 8 min read
How to Get to St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice is one of the most common questions asked by tourists. On foot, by vaporetto, or even by gondola, every route becomes a journey through bridges, narrow alleys, and breathtaking views that lead straight to the heart of La Serenissima.
Venice: ACTV Daily Vaporetto Pass
How to Get to St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice
There are several ways to reach the golden façade of the Basilica of St. Mark. Each option offers a unique experience, because the city reveals new perspectives from every angle.
1. On foot through Venice’s alleys and bridges
Walking to St. Mark’s Basilica is the most romantic and authentic choice. After all, Venice is a city best discovered step by step.
However, keep in mind that the narrow alleys (calli) can feel like a maze because of their intricate layout.
From the Cannaregio district, for example, you’ll cross historic bridges and charming small squares, reaching St. Mark’s Square in about 35–40 minutes.
2. By Vaporetto with ACTV: the most scenic water route
The vaporetto is Venice’s version of a public bus on water. If you want to enjoy the Grand Canal in all its splendor, this is definitely the best option. After all, it allows you to admire the palaces and bridges from a unique perspective. Here are the practical details:
Line 1 – from Piazzale Roma or Santa Lucia Station to St. Mark’s Basilica
- Departure stop: Piazzale Roma or Ferrovia (Santa Lucia)
- Direction: Lido di Venezia
- Duration: 42–45 minutes
- Number of stops: about 13
- Disembark at: San Marco – Vallaresso
- Walking route: Calle Vallaresso → Campo San Moisè → St. Mark’s Square (5 minutes)
Line 2 – From Piazzale Roma or Santa Lucia to St. Mark’s Basilica
- Departure stop: Piazzale Roma or Ferrovia
- Direction: San Marco via Grand Canal or via Giudecca
- Duration: 30–35 minutes
- Number of stops: about 9
- Disembark at: San Marco – Vallaresso or San Marco – Giardinetti
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Walking route:
- from Vallaresso → Calle Vallaresso → Campo San Moisè → St. Mark’s Square
- from Giardinetti → follow Riva degli Schiavoni until Doge’s Palace (5 minutes)
Accordingly, this route is perfect both for first-time visitors and for anyone wanting to enjoy Venice from the water.
3. By Gondola: the most romantic experience
A less practical option, but also the most unforgettable. The gondola is not designed for quick transfers; instead, it’s made for soaking in the atmosphere of Venice.
In short, it’s ideal for travelers who want to experience the city just like in ancient times, gliding quietly through its canals and admiring the reflections of palaces on the water.
Venice: ACTV Daily Vaporetto Pass
Which Vaporetto to Take to St. Mark’s Basilica
Not all vaporettos follow the same route, so it’s important to know which line to take depending on your starting district. After all, choosing the right one saves time and offers the most scenic journey to St. Mark’s Square.
From the Cannaregio district
Line 1
- Departure stop: San Marcuola – Casinò or Ca’ d’Oro
- Direction: Lido di Venezia
- Duration: about 30 minutes
- Number of stops: 9–10
- Disembark at: San Marco – Vallaresso
- Walking route: Calle Vallaresso → Campo San Moisè → St. Mark’s Square (5 minutes)
From the Dorsoduro district
Line 2
- Departure stop: Zattere
- Direction: Rialto → San Marco
- Duration: about 20 minutes
- Number of stops: 6
- Disembark at: San Marco – Giardinetti
- Walking route: along Riva degli Schiavoni, reaching St. Mark’s Square near Doge’s Palace in 5 minutes.
From the Castello district
Line 4.1 or 5.1
- Departure stop: Arsenale
- Direction: San Zaccaria / San Marco
- Duration: 5–7 minutes
- Number of stops: 2
- Disembark at: San Marco – San Zaccaria
- Walking route: follow Riva degli Schiavoni, passing the Hotel Danieli, and in 3 minutes you’ll arrive at St. Mark’s Square.
All in all, knowing the right vaporetto line is one of the smartest ways to understand how to get to St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice efficiently and enjoyably.
Venice: ACTV Daily Vaporetto Pass
How to Get to St. Mark’s Square from the Train Station
Many visitors arrive at Santa Lucia Station, so this is one of the most common questions when planning how to get to St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice.
1. On foot from Santa Lucia Station to St. Mark’s Square
Starting point:
Venezia Santa Lucia Station, Fondamenta Santa Lucia, 30121 Venice VE
Recommended route (≈ 3 km – 40/45 minutes on foot):
- Exit Santa Lucia Station and turn immediately right along Fondamenta Santa Lucia, following the Grand Canal (≈150 m).
- Cross the Ponte degli Scalzi (≈100 m) to reach the opposite side of the canal.
- Continue straight on Lista di Spagna (≈500 m), one of the most vibrant alleys filled with shops, bars, and local osterie.
- Walk through Campo San Geremia, then continue along Strada Nova (≈1 km).
- Follow Strada Nova until the Rialto Bridge (≈15 min walk).
- Cross the Rialto Bridge and continue along Calle Larga Mazzini (≈250 m).
- Proceed on Calle Larga XXII Marzo to Campo San Luca (≈400 m).
- Follow the yellow “San Marco” signs and continue on Calle dei Fabbri (≈300 m).
- At the end of the street, St. Mark’s Square opens before your eyes — the heart of Venice.
After all, this walking route is not only scenic but also the most authentic way to discover the city step by step.
2. By Vaporetto: stops, lines, and duration
Line 1 (Grand Canal)
- Starting stop: Santa Lucia
- Direction: Lido di Venezia
- Final stop: San Marco – Vallaresso
- Duration: about 45 minutes
- Number of stops: 13
- Walking route: Calle Vallaresso → Campo San Moisè → St. Mark’s Square
Line 2 (Grand Canal or Giudecca)
- Starting stop: Santa Lucia
- Direction: Rialto → San Marco
- Final stop: San Marco – Vallaresso
- Duration: about 30 minutes
- Number of stops: 9
- Walking route: same as Calle Vallaresso (5 minutes)
Accordingly, the vaporetto is ideal both for those with luggage and for anyone who prefers a comfortable ride with a view.
3. By Gondola: a short yet scenic ride
It may not be the fastest option, albeit certainly the most picturesque. A gondola ride offers a short but unforgettable view of Venice’s canals — perfect if you want to combine romance and sightseeing while heading toward St. Mark’s Basilica.
Venice: ACTV Daily Vaporetto Pass
Venice: ACTV Daily Vaporetto Pass
Practical Tips for Getting Around Venice
- Always carry a map or use Google Maps offline, because internet connection can be unstable in some alleys.
- Follow the yellow “San Marco” signs — they’re everywhere.
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Plan your route in advance, depending on how much time you have.
After all, a little preparation makes it easier to enjoy your visit and understand how to get to St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice without getting lost.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about How to Get to St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice
How to Get to St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice?
You can reach it on foot, by vaporetto, gondola, or water taxi, depending on your starting point and available time.
How to reach St. Mark’s Square from the Train Station?
On foot in about 40–45 minutes, or by vaporetto (line 1 or 2).
Which vaporetto should I take to San Marco?
From the city center, Line 1 along the Grand Canal is the most scenic; from Giudecca, take Line 2.
How to get to Venice city center from the train station?
Take Line 1 or 2 along the Grand Canal, or walk across the Rialto Bridge to reach the main areas.
How long does it take from Piazzale Roma to St. Mark’s Square?
About 30–35 minutes by vaporetto or 40 minutes on foot.
Which vaporetto should I take to St. Mark’s Square in Venice?
The recommended ones are Line 1 and Line 2, both stopping at San Marco – Vallaresso.
How long does it take to visit St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice?
Approximately 1–2 hours, depending on whether you also visit the internal museums.
How much is the ticket to visit St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice?
Basic entry is free, but certain areas are ticketed. Accordingly, to save time, we recommend the skip-the-line ticket: St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace & Bell Tower Tickets.
Which vaporetto should I take to St. Mark’s Square in Venice?
The question is common because there are several lines. In short, the best choices remain Line 1 and Line 2, since they connect Santa Lucia, Piazzale Roma, and Rialto directly to St. Mark’s Square.
How long does it take on foot from Santa Lucia Station to St. Mark’s Square?
On average 40 minutes, due to narrow alleys and bridges. However, walking is still the most charming way to experience Venice.