Venice may be one of the most walkable cities in the world, but understanding its public transport system can make your trip smoother and far more enjoyable. Here’s a simple guide to everything you need to know before you arrive.
1. The Basics: No Cars, Only Water
Venice is built on water and has a network of canals with pedestrian streets. There are no cars or buses in the historic centre. Emergency services such as police and ambulances usually move by boat. The main public transport is the vaporetto, the water buses run by ACTV. You can also use water taxis for private rides. For airport transfers or guided trips to the islands, Alilaguna boats are the public service option.
2. Vaporetto (Water Bus)
The vaporetto is Venice’s public water bus run by ACTV. It’s the easiest and cheapest way to move along the Grand Canal or reach the islands.
- Single ride: €9.50, valid for 75 minutes from validation
- Passes: 1-day €25, 2-day €35, 3-day €45, 7-day €65
- Includes: unlimited ACTV water buses and ACTV buses on the mainland (Mestre/Marghera)
- Not included: Alilaguna airport boats, private water taxis, gondolas
- Where to buy: ticket offices at main stops, self-service machines or online (Venezia Unica / ACTV app)
- Validate before boarding: tap your ticket before boarding at the reader.
3. Alilaguna
Separate from the vaporetto. These boats link Marco Polo Airport with Venice and some islands. Tickets start around €18 one way and must be bought separately. If you’re interested in guided experiences rather than public transport, check the Alilaguna website, they also offer organised tours between islands such as Murano, Burano and Torcello. Here’s my experience Half Day trip to Murano, Burano and Torcelo.
4. Walking
Most of Venice can be explored on foot. Combine walking with the vaporetto for the easiest experience. Explore the small alleys, then hop on a boat when you’re tired or heading to the islands.
Quick Tips
- Buy a pass if you’re going to ride more than twice a day
- Download the official AVM Venezia app for live schedules and mobile tickets
- Line 1: scenic Grand Canal service from Piazzale Roma to Lido with many stops like Rialto and San Marco.
- Line 2: faster pattern. One branch uses the Grand Canal with fewer stops, another runs via Giudecca to Tronchetto and Piazzale Roma.
- Murano: from Fondamente Nove take 4.1 or 4.2. You can also use Line 3 direct from Piazzale Roma or Ferrovia.
- Burano and Torcello: from Fondamente Nove take Line 12.
- Travel early morning or late evening for fewer crowds and better light if you want to take pictures of the Grand Canal and buildings along it.
