This is what everyday life on the vaporetto looks like in Venice.
Quick answer:
The vaporetto is Venice’s public water bus.
It is the main way to move around Venice without walking long distances or crossing multiple bridges.
A single ticket costs €9.50 (75 minutes), but most visitors should buy a 24h or 48h pass to save money.
👉 Best for getting around Venice and visiting islands like Murano, Burano and Torcello.
🎫 Vaporetto Tickets Venice — Quick Guide
If you’re looking for vaporetto tickets in Venice, here’s the simple answer:
- A single ticket costs €9.50 (valid 75 minutes)
- Travel passes (24h, 48h, 72h) are often cheaper for visitors
- Tickets can be bought at machines, ticket offices, or online
- Contactless payment is available at many stops
👉 Most visitors save money by choosing the right pass instead of single tickets.
🌊 Introduction
Using the vaporetto in Venice can be confusing if you don’t understand how it works.
Tickets, lines, directions, stops — everything looks simple at first… but many travelers end up wasting time, money, or taking the wrong route.
In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to use the vaporetto step by step, avoid common mistakes, and move around Venice like a local.
The vaporetto in Venice is the public water bus.
It works like a bus — but on water. 🚤
If you want a simple and truly local way to move around Venice, the vaporetto is the best way to:
- explore Venice,
- reach Murano, Burano, Torcello, Giudecca, San Giorgio, Sant’Erasmo,
- move around like a local.
Tip: Vaporetto boats run day and night. Venice never sleeps — and neither does the lagoon.
👉 Most first-time visitors make at least one mistake when using the vaporetto — usually choosing the wrong ticket or line.
💡 Which Vaporetto Ticket Should You Choose?
Choosing the right ticket is the most important decision when using the vaporetto.
- If you stay 1 day → 24h pass is usually the best choice
- If you stay 2–3 days → 48h or 72h pass saves money
- If you only take 1 ride → single ticket (€9.50)
💡 Most visitors underestimate how often they use the vaporetto — and end up spending more with single tickets.
Quick rule: if you plan to use the vaporetto more than twice in one day, a travel pass is usually the better choice.
💶 Vaporetto Tickets Venice — Prices & Passes (ACTV)
💡 Most travelers end up buying single tickets — and spend more than necessary.
| Ticket | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One-way | 75 minutes | €9.50 |
| 24h pass | 24 hours | €25 |
| 48–72h | 2–3 days | €35–45 |
| 7-day pass | 7 days | €65 |
✅ If you visit Murano + Burano + Torcello → 24h pass, you save money.
💡 One of the most common mistakes in Venice is wasting time at ticket machines — especially during peak hours or right after arrival.
Checking your vaporetto pass in advance means you can start moving immediately, without queues or confusion.
💡 Many travelers only realize they chose the wrong ticket after spending more than expected — especially when visiting multiple islands in one day.
👶 Do children pay for vaporetto in Venice?
Children up to 5 years old travel free on ACTV vaporetto in Venice. From 6 years old, a regular ticket or pass is required.
💡 This is especially useful for families — you don’t need to buy tickets for younger children when planning your transport budget.
This rule applies to ACTV public transport only.
👉 Check vaporetto passes & choose the best option (skip queues and avoid mistakes)
👉 See prices & buy your pass
💡 This is not just a single ticket — it gives you unlimited access to Venice public transport (vaporetto + buses), which can save you money if you plan to move around the city or visit the islands.
👉 If you’re planning to visit Murano, Burano and Torcello in the same day, this pass usually pays for itself.
⚠️ Important: airport transfers (Alilaguna) are NOT included — this pass only works for public transport inside Venice.
👉 This is the easiest way to avoid queues at ticket machines, especially during high season.
If you’re arriving at Venice Airport, read this first →
how to get from Venice Airport to Venice.
If you’re traveling with a dog, read our full guide to Dog-Friendly Venice — including real vaporetto rules, where locals walk their dogs, and what most tourists only discover too late.
🎫 Where to Buy Tickets
You can purchase them:
- at ACTV ticket booths
- from ticket machines
- at tobacco shops
- online (credit card / Apple Pay)
Tip: These machines are available at most main vaporetto stops.
You must tap the ticket on the validator machine before boarding.
Contactless Payment at Vaporetto Stops (Tap & Go)
Since 2023, ACTV allows contactless payment directly at vaporetto piers.
You can simply tap your credit card, debit card, or smartphone on the reader at the gate — exactly like in London, New York, or other major cities.
No need to buy tickets in advance
No apps required
The system automatically calculates your fares for the day
Daily caps and multi-trip discounts are applied automatically
Works with VISA, Mastercard, Apple Pay, Google Pay
This is one of the easiest ways for visitors to move around Venice without worrying about ticket machines or queues.
💡 Tap & Go is convenient for short stays or occasional rides.
However, if you plan to use the vaporetto multiple times or visit the islands, a travel pass is often more convenient and easier to manage.
🚏 How to Use the Vaporetto (Step-by-step)
Follow these steps to avoid mistakes:
- 1. Go to the floating platform (the stop is called imbarcadero).
- 2. Check the line number + direction (display at the stop).
💡 Some stops show multiple departures for the same line — always check the final destination, not just the line number.
- 3. Tap ticket on the validator.
- 4. Let passengers get off first.
- 5. Board and enjoy the ride.
🔥 Best view? Stand outside at the stern (back of the boat).
🟦 Complete List of Vaporetto Lines
🚤 Grand Canal Lines (the classic Venice experience)
Line Route Perfect for
1 🟡 Piazzale Roma → Rialto → San Marco → Lido Slow, scenic Grand Canal
2 🔵 Piazzale Roma → Rialto → San Marco → Giudecca → Tronchetto Faster, fewer stops
🟣 Circular Lines (go around Venice)
Line Direction Use
4.1 🟣 Counterclockwise 🔄 Murano → Giudecca → Certosa
4.2 🟣 Clockwise 🔁 Same as 4.1, opposite direction
5.1 🟠 Counterclockwise 🔄 (fast) Zattere → Giardini → Lido
5.2 🟠 Clockwise 🔁 (fast) Same stops, reverse
🟢 Direct Lines to the Islands (Lagoon routes)
Line Route Use
12 🟢 Fondamente Nove → Murano → Burano → Torcello Island day trip 🚤🌈
13 🌿 Fondamente Nove → Sant’Erasmo → Treporti “The Garden of Venice” 🌾
14 🏖️ San Marco → Lido → Punta Sabbioni Beaches / Parking
20 🏝️ San Zaccaria → San Servolo → San Lazzaro degli Armeni Secret islands / Exhibitions
22 🟦 (summer) San Zaccaria → Lido Seasonal extra service
N 🌙 Night line (00:30–05:00) Move around Venice at night
🟧 SPECIAL: direct express line to Murano
Line Route Why use it
7 ⚡ San Zaccaria → Murano (DIRECT) Fastest way to Murano – no stops
✨ Perfect for visiting Murano quickly without Line 4.1/4.2.
🚗 Lido + Pellestrina Area
Line Route Use
11 🚙⛴️ Lido → Alberoni → Pellestrina Includes BUS + FERRY → You can take your car
Cars can reach the Lido using a dedicated vehicle ferry from Tronchetto (car ferry) — not a vaporetto, but a service used by locals and transport vehicles to cross the lagoon.
💡 Update 2026 — Bike transport reservation
On some coastal ACTV routes, bike transport now requires online reservation (Line 14 Punta Sabbioni–Lido and Line 11 Chioggia–Pellestrina).
This mainly affects cyclists exploring the Lido and Pellestrina area, and does not impact most visitors using vaporetto lines in Venice.
If you’re planning your routes in advance, choosing the right area to stay can save time every day.
Read also our local guide Where to Stay in Venice.
🚤 Best seats on the Vaporetto
✔️ Outside at the back → best photos
✔️ Left side when approaching San Marco from the Canal Grande
The first time you see Piazza San Marco from the water is unforgettable.
Looking for a faster and more private option? Discover how water taxis in Venice work and when they are worth the price.
🌫️ Vaporetto Service During Fog (Nebbia)
In winter, dense lagoon fog can significantly reduce visibility.
For safety reasons, some vaporetto lines may be delayed, limited, or temporarily suspended.
Electronic boards at piers display real-time updates, and staff may redirect passengers to alternative routes.
Venice continues to function — but always according to maritime safety rules.
Not sure how to reach your hotel after using the vaporetto? Read this step-by-step guide → How to reach your hotel in Venice
❓ FAQ – Vaporetto Venice
Is the vaporetto the same as a water taxi?
No. The vaporetto is public transport (shared, low cost). A water taxi is private and much more expensive but exclusive.
Do I need to validate my ticket?
Yes. Always tap your ticket on the white validator before boarding — inspectors can fine you.
Which vaporetto line goes to Murano?
Line 7 (express) from San Zaccaria (high season only). Alternatives: 4.1 /4.2.
Which line goes to Burano and Torcello?
Line 12 from Fondamente Nove to Burano. Then change to Line 9 at Burano.
Is there a vaporetto at night?
Yes. Night Line N runs approx. 00:30–05:00.
Can I take my car on a vaporetto?
Only on Line 11 (Lido ↔ Pellestrina ferry). Cars are not allowed inside Venice.
Where can I buy tickets?
ACTV ticket offices, yellow machines, some tobacco shops, or online (credit card / Apple Pay).
Which pass should I choose?
If you visit Murano + Burano + Torcello in one day → 24h pass saves money.
Best seats for photos?
Outside at the back. When approaching Piazza San Marco → sit on the left side.
Official schedules?
ACTV official website (timetable, maps, strikes):
➡ avm.avmspa.it
Public transport is only one visible part of Venice’s water network — behind it, a much larger system of services and logistics keeps the city running, as shown in our page about the hidden workforce of Venice.
🟢 Suggested Itinerary Using the Vaporetto
Morning — ✨Murano (Line 7 or 4.1/4.2)
Lunch — 🌈 Burano (Line 12)
Sunset — 🍀 Torcello (line 9 or T from Burano)
For the other islands, take a look to the 🌊 Venetian Islands – Discover the Lagoon Beyond Venice guide.
If you prefer moving freely without waiting for timetables,
small boats are another option. 👉 🚤 Boat Rental in Venice — The Freedom of the Lagoon
🧭 Final Tip
The vaporetto is not just transport — it’s part of the Venice experience.
If you understand how it works, you save time, avoid stress, and enjoy the city from the water — the way it was meant to be seen.