Venice Water Bus & Taxi Tickets Tours 2025

The water bus (vaporetto) is Venice’s public transport boat. It runs on fixed routes with stops around the city and lagoon, and you share it with other passengers, just like a city bus. A water taxi is a smaller, faster private or semi-private boat that usually takes you directly to a pier near your hotel, with fewer or no intermediate stops—and at a higher price.

Single vaporetto rides are relatively expensive if you pay per trip, which is why most visitors choose a time-based pass. Passes typically start from around €9.50 for short durations and increase for 24-hour, 48-hour, 72-hour, or 7-day validity. Exact prices depend on the option you pick and any seasonal updates, so always check the latest details on your pass product page before booking.

It depends on how long you stay and how often you plan to use the boats: for a short city break, a 24 or 48-hour pass often covers core sightseeing. If you’re visiting Murano, Burano, or the Lido, or staying 3–4 days, a 72-hour pass usually works well. For week-long trips with lots of ferry use, a 7-day pass can be better value than buying shorter passes back to back.

From Venice Marco Polo Airport you walk to the docks and can board either: a shared water taxi, a private water taxi, or a scheduled airport boat such as Alilaguna. Shared and private taxis take you closer to your hotel area, while airport boats run on fixed routes between key stops like San Marco, Rialto, and the Lido. All options include a scenic ride across the lagoon.

It’s strongly recommended to book airport transfers in advance, especially in high season, on weekends, or if you arrive late at night. Pre-booking secures your seat on a shared boat or reserves a private taxi for your landing time, so you avoid long queues at the airport docks and know in advance where to meet your boat.

Travel time depends on the type of boat and how many stops it makes. A typical shared or private water taxi from Marco Polo Airport takes roughly 30–45 minutes to reach central Venice areas. Airport boats with more stops can take longer, while rough weather or busy traffic on the lagoon may add a few extra minutes.

For St. Mark’s Square, look for vaporetto stops like San Zaccaria or San Marco. For the Rialto Bridge, use Rialto stops along the Grand Canal. If you are staying near the station, Santa Lucia and Piazzale Roma are the main gateways. Always check the route map for your line number, as several different lines may serve the same general area with different stopping patterns.

Yes, there are night services, but they run less frequently than daytime boats. Main routes continue in the evening and overnight with reduced schedules. If you plan late dinners or evening events, check the timetable for your line and consider booking an airport taxi or planning your last return boat in advance, especially outside high season.

Small and medium suitcases are usually allowed on vaporetti and airport boats, but there may be guidelines on size, number of bags, and where to place them on board. Shared water taxis also accept luggage, while private taxis are ideal if you have several bags or bulky items. In all cases, keep your luggage close, avoid blocking doors, and follow crew instructions.

Many piers have ramps and relatively level access, but there can still be steps, gaps, and changes in height due to tides. Some lines and boats are easier for wheelchairs and mobility aids than others. If accessibility is important, look for routes and products that mention step-free access and consider staying near a major, well-served stop where boats are more frequent and platforms are larger.

Yes, boats are generally family-friendly and many children enjoy the ride. Depending on age and height, some kids may qualify for discounted fares or travel free under specific conditions—check your ticket details for the exact rule. Hold children’s hands at piers, keep buggies/strollers locked, and choose seats away from the edges if they are nervous on the water.

Many products now accept mobile e-tickets, especially for airport transfers, which are scanned or checked before you board. For public water bus passes, you may need to exchange a voucher or QR code at a ticket office or machine to receive a physical card that you validate at the pier. Always read the “Important information” section on your ticket page so you know exactly what to do on arrival.

Cancellation rules vary by provider and ticket type. Many tours and transfers offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before your scheduled time, while some discounted or last-minute fares may be non-refundable. Always check the “Cancellation policy” and keep an eye on local weather or transport alerts if you plan to change your schedule.

Arrive at the pier a little early, especially at busy times, and stand behind the line until boats finish unloading. Validate your pass every time you enter a platform, keep your bag zipped, and hold the rail when the boat moves. For photos and views, try to stand or sit near the back or sides once everyone has boarded safely. With a bit of planning, the boat network becomes one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to explore Venice.