About
the City
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 three
bridges cross the Grand Canal: the Ponte degli Scalzi near Santa Lucia
train station, the Rialto, and the Accademia. If you have the time and
energy, walking is the best way to get around Venice. It takes about
25 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 vaporetti, or
public water buses. A number of lines travel different routes at varying
speeds, check ACTV
website for more details. To take in the grand canal you can choose
between the quicker line 82 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
vaporetti run every 10-20 minutes; look for the line schedules posted
at every stop. Tickets can be bought at most stops and cost €3,50
single/€ 6,00 return. Punch your ticket in the appropriate machine
before you board. Individual tickets may be purchased on board for a
slightly higher price. If you are caught without a ticket you may be
fined. You can choose to purchase a 1 day (€ 10,50) or 72 hour
(€ 22,00) vaporetto pass, which will save you time and money. Tickets
can also be purchased in bars and tabacchi (tobacco shops) displaying
the ACTV sign.
Traghetto
The
traghetti 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 located along the Grand Canal. Give €
0,40 directly to the gondoliere when you board – no ticket is needed.
Most people stand on the traghetti though sitting is permitted at the
back and along the sides of the boat.
Gondola
A
gondola should cost € 70,00 for 50 minutes (up to six passengers),
with an additional € 35,00 surcharge for every additional 25 minutes.
The price goes up to € 80,00 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 stand in front of the Piazzetta San Marco, or order one
by telephone. Use the following numbers: 041.522.2303, 041.522.8538,
or 041.522.9750, a journey from the airport to the city and viceversa
may cost up to € 80,00, whilst a trip within the city centre may
cost up to € 60,00. 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); unauthorised taxis
charge more.
