Venice Water Taxi
A Venice water taxi (locally called a motoscafo) costs 100 to 130 EUR from Marco Polo Airport to central Venice, or 50 to 70 EUR for rides within the city centre, with the fare covering up to four or five passengers per boat. These sleek wooden motorboats are the fastest and most comfortable way to move across Venice, carrying small groups directly to a hotel dock, restaurant, or any point on the canal network. Prices are technically metered, but most drivers quote a flat fare before departure. Always confirm the total before stepping on board. Water taxis operate 24 hours a day and can be booked in advance through licensed operators or hailed at designated taxi stands at Piazzale Roma, Santa Lucia train station, Rialto, and San Marco. For groups of three or more, the per-person cost can approach vaporetto territory, especially on longer routes. The real advantage is door-to-door service with luggage. If you are arriving at the airport with heavy bags and your hotel is deep in a sestiere with no nearby vaporetto stop, a water taxi eliminates the suitcase-over-bridges ordeal entirely. Licensed operators display a yellow stripe and registration number on the hull.
Frequently Asked Questions
5 QuestionsHow much does a water taxi cost in Venice?
A water taxi from Marco Polo Airport to central Venice runs 100 to 130 EUR for up to four or five passengers. Rides within the city centre start around 50 to 70 EUR. Prices are per boat, not per person, so splitting the cost among a small group makes them more reasonable.
Is a Venice water taxi worth it?
For airport transfers with luggage, a water taxi is hard to beat. It delivers you directly to your hotel's water entrance, bypassing the bridges and stairs that make rolling suitcases through Venice miserable. For sightseeing within the city, the vaporetto is far more economical unless you are in a group and value speed.
How do I book a water taxi in Venice?
You can book in advance through licensed water taxi consortiums online, or hail one at designated taxi stands at Piazzale Roma, Santa Lucia train station, Rialto, San Marco, and the airport. Hotel concierges can also arrange pickups. Always confirm the fare before departure.
What is a Venice water taxi called?
Venetians call water taxis motoscafi (singular: motoscafo). They are licensed private hire motorboats, distinct from the public vaporetto water buses. A vaporetto costs 9.50 EUR and follows fixed routes; a water taxi is a private boat that takes you directly to your destination for 50 EUR and up.
How much is a water taxi from Venice train station?
A water taxi from Santa Lucia train station to a central hotel costs roughly 40 to 70 EUR depending on distance. The taxi stand is just outside the station entrance. Water taxis operate 24 hours a day, though night service may carry a surcharge.