Venice Vaporetto Guide
Venice's vaporetto water bus network is the city's primary public transport, operated by ACTV across 30 lines serving over 120 floating stations. A single vaporetto ticket costs 9.50 EUR and is valid for 75 minutes, while multi-day vaporetto passes start at 25 EUR for 24 hours. Line 1 is the route most visitors use: it travels the full length of the Grand Canal, stopping at every major landing stage from Piazzale Roma to San Marco and onward to the Lido. Line 2 covers the same stretch as an express, skipping smaller stops. For anything beyond a couple of rides, the travel passes are far better value: 35 EUR for 48 hours, 45 EUR for 72 hours, or 65 EUR for a full week. Children under 6 ride free. If you are between 6 and 29, the Rolling Venice card unlocks discounted transport and museum rates. Tickets are sold at Venezia Unica booths, automatic machines at major stops, tabacchi shops, and through the Venezia Unica app. Always validate your ticket at the electronic reader on the dock before boarding. Vaporetto timetables vary by season, with reduced frequency on evening and winter schedules. Beyond the city centre, ACTV vaporetto routes connect to Murano, Burano, Torcello, and the Lido. Alilaguna runs a separate water bus service linking Marco Polo Airport to Venice on three colour-coded lines (Blue, Orange, Red), which are covered on our airport transfer page.
Frequently Asked Questions
5 QuestionsHow much does a vaporetto ride cost in Venice?
A single vaporetto ticket costs 9.50 EUR and is valid for 75 minutes from validation. For multiple rides, multi-day travel passes offer much better value: 25 EUR for 24 hours, 35 EUR for 48 hours, 45 EUR for 72 hours, or 65 EUR for 7 days. Children under 6 ride free.
Which vaporetto line goes down the Grand Canal?
Line 1 travels the entire Grand Canal, stopping at every major landing stage. It runs from Piazzale Roma to San Marco and continues to the Lido. Line 2 covers the same stretch as an express with fewer stops. Both are included in standard ACTV tickets and travel passes.
Where can I buy vaporetto tickets in Venice?
Vaporetto tickets are available at Venezia Unica ticket offices, automatic machines at major stops, tabacchi shops, and online through the Venezia Unica website or app. Buying online in advance saves time at busy stops like Piazzale Roma and San Marco.
How do I use the vaporetto in Venice?
Buy a ticket at a Venezia Unica booth, machine, or app, then validate it at the electronic reader on the dock before boarding. Board from the floating platform when the boat docks. Line 1 stops at every Grand Canal station; Line 2 runs express. The same tickets and passes work on all ACTV vaporetto lines, including routes to Murano, Burano, and the Lido.
Do vaporetti go to Murano, Burano, and Torcello?
Yes. ACTV operates lines connecting the main islands of the Venetian lagoon, including Murano, Burano, Torcello, and the Lido. These routes depart from Fondamente Nove on the north side of Venice. The same tickets and travel passes are valid on island routes.