Venice is a city unlike any other, built on a network of canals and filled with stunning architecture, intriguing history, and vibrant culture. With no roads and no cars, getting around Venice can be an adventure in itself. But fear not – this blog post will guide you through how to get to Venice, the best ways to navigate the city using Venice public transportation and other methods so that you can make the most of your time in one of the world’s most unique destinations. From gondola rides to hidden neighborhoods and colorful islands, we’ll also show you the best things to do in Venice and how to get there, whether by foot, water taxi, or vaporetto.
How to get to Venice, Italy
Via Water Taxi:
Taking a private water taxi is one of the most unique and convenient ways to get to Venice. Once you arrive at the airport, follow the signs to the water taxi dock. You’ll find several companies that offer water taxi services, and you can either book in advance or buy tickets on the spot.
The water taxi ride takes around 30-45 minutes and costs approximately 100-150 euros. It’s definitely a splurge, but it offers a great way to see the city from the water and take in the famous views of Venice’s iconic canals.
Via shuttle bus:
The cheapest way to get from the airport to central Venice is to use Venice public transportation via a public bus. There’s a shuttle service with ATVO buses. Click here to buy tickets for the ATVO Bus from Marco Polo airport.
Every 30 minutes, they drive from the airport via Mestre to Piazzale Roma in Venice. The journey takes 25 minutes and costs about 18 euros for a return ticket or 10 euros for one-way. Buy your tickets at the airport or online.
Via vaporetto (waterbus):
There is another lovely way to get to Venice that’s cheaper than taking a water taxi. The waterbus takes longer but offers a scenic journey and costs between 15 to 22 euros per person. You can book tickets in advance or buy from an airport kiosk. If you’ve been trying to figure out how to get to Venice in the least expensive way and don’t mind the journey taking longer, this is the option for you. You can also book water transfer services with private company Alilaguna.
Via train from outside Venice:
If you’re traveling from another part of Italy, you can take a train to Venice’s main train station, Santa Lucia. You can buy your Venice train ticket online or at a train station. Once you arrive at the train station, you’ll find yourself in the heart of Venice, with easy access to all the city’s attractions, but you will still need to utilize the services of a vaporetto, shuttle, or water taxi to get to your accommodation.
How to Get Around Venice’s Grand Canal
If you’re looking for how to get around Venice, familiarize yourself with the Grand Canal. This waterway makes an S shape across the city, dividing it into two sides. It can only be crossed by using one of four footbridges, or by taking a vaporetto (water-bus), traghetto (large gondola-ferry), or water taxi. Navigating Venice by foot is also a great way to see the city and its footbridges are an attraction in themselves. However, if you’re tired or walking and looking for a convenient way to get around Venice, hop on a vaporetto or indulge in a gondola ride for a scenic ride through the city.
Line 1 on the vaporetto is one of the most convenient routes, especially for sightseeing and intra-travel in Venice. It meanders along the beautiful Grand Canal, taking you from the main bus station in Piazzale Roma all the way to Venezia Lido, passing landmarks like the iconic Piazza San Marco, the grand Ca’Rezzonico, and the renowned Rialto Bridge. For short-distance trips, you can opt for Line 3, which links Piazzale Roma and Murano; Line 7, connecting Piazza San Marco and Murano; or Line 10, a fast way to get from Piazza San Marco to Lido. And lastly, Line 18 runs between Lido and Murano for those looking to traverse the islands.
How to get Burano & Murano islands from Venice
To get to Burano and Murano from central Venice, you can take a vaporetto (water bus) from various locations in Venice, such as San Zaccaria, Fondamente Nove, or the main train station. Departures are roughly every 20-30 minutes, and the journeys take around 45 minutes.
To get to Burano:
Take Line 12 vaporetto from Fondamente Nove or Line 14 vaporetto from the train station or San Zaccaria.
To get to Murano:
Take the Line 3 vaporetto from San Zaccaria or the Line 4.1 or 4.2 vaporetto from Fondamente Nove.
It’s important to check the schedules of the vaporetto before you go, as they may vary depending on the time of day and season. Additionally, keep in mind that vaporetto can be crowded, so it’s best to try and avoid peak times if possible.
Best things to do in Venice
- Take a gondola ride along the winding canals and admire the architecture and city life of Venice from the water.
- Visit the iconic St. Mark’s Basilica and marvel at its intricate mosaics and domed ceilings.
- Wander through the maze-like streets of Venice’s neighborhoods, such as Cannaregio, Castello, and Dorsoduro, to discover hidden gems and local shops.
- Explore the Doge’s Palace, once the political and judicial center of Venice, to learn about the city’s rich history and see masterpieces by famous artists.
- Indulge in traditional Venetian cuisine, including fresh seafood and risotto, paired with a glass of Prosecco or local wine.
- Admire the art and architecture of the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, which houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art in a stunning 18th-century palace overlooking the Grand Canal.
- Watch a performance at the Teatro La Fenice, one of the most famous and prestigious opera houses in the world.
- Take a day trip to the nearby island of Burano, known for its colorful houses and lace-making tradition, and Murano, renowned for its glass-blowing industry and artistic heritage.
- Enjoy a sunset over the lagoon from the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, where you can climb the bell tower for panoramic views of Venice and the surrounding islands.
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Have you visited Venice before? Do you have any hassle-free advice on how to get to Venice that you could share with our readers? Do you have any Venice public transportation tips?
