The Complete Vaporetto Venice guide
Venice has no cars — the vaporetto (public waterbus) is the main public transportation system.
This Vaporetto Venice guide explains exactly how the vaporetto works, which lines to take, prices, passes, and the best routes for tourists.
Once you understand how the vaporetto works (the public waterbus), Venice becomes easy and enjoyable to explore.
Use this guide to learn:
how to ride the vaporetto
ticket prices & passes
best lines for tourists
how to reach the islands (Murano, Burano, Giudecca, Lido, Sant’Erasmo…)
🚢 What is a Vaporetto?
A vaporetto is a public boat that works like a bus — but on the water.
Frequent departures
Many lines connecting all Venice stops
Runs every day, from early morning to late night
🎟 Vaporetto Tickets & Prices (2025)
Type of Ticket Validity Price
Single ticket 75 minutes €9.50
Day pass 24 hours €25.00
2-day pass 48 hours €35.00
3-day pass 72 hours €45.00
7-day pass 7 days €65.00
▶ Best value: If you stay more than one day, buy a 24h / 48h / 72h pass.
You can take unlimited boats — perfect for visiting Murano, Burano, Torcello, Sant’Erasmo, Lido, and Giudecca.
📍 How to Buy Tickets
You can buy vaporetto tickets:
at ACTV ticket kiosks
at self-service machines near major stops
online on the official app AVM Venezia Official App (recommended)
💳 Most machines accept credit cards.
⚠️ Important: Validate your ticket by tapping it at the small white 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.
Important note: Contactless payment is valid only on ACTV services (not Alilaguna or private boats).
🚏 Most Useful Vaporetto Lines for Visitors
Line Route Best for
Line 1 Grand Canal (slow, scenic) First-time visitors, sightseeing
Line 2 Express version of Line 1 Shorter trips, Piazzale Roma ↔ San Marco
Line 4.1 / 4.2 Circular route around Venice Giudecca, Fondamente Nove, Murano and back to Venice
Line 12 Fondamente Nove → Murano → Burano Best for island hopping
➜ To visit Murano, Burano, Torcello:
Take Line 12 from Fondamente Nove.
➜ To visit Lido:
Take Line 1 or Line 5.1 / 5.2
🌅 Grand Canal — The Most Scenic Route
If it’s your first time, ride Line 1 at sunset.
It’s like a slow cruise through history — palaces, bridges, gondolas, and sparkling water.
✨ Tips for Using the Vaporetto
✅ Validate the ticket before boarding
✅ Always enter through the boarding gate, not directly from the dock
✅ Keep backpacks and cameras close — landings can be busy
✅ Sit outside (front or back) for the best views
❌ Don’t buy tickets on board — fines are €60+
🚲 Can you bring bikes on vaporetti?
Only on specific routes (mainly to Lido and Sant’Erasmo).
Check the sign at the pier.
💡 Quick Island Connections (recommended itineraries)
From → To Route
Venice → Murano Line 4.1 / 4.2 or Line 12
Murano → Burano → Torcello Line 12 (direct)
San Marco → Giudecca Line 2 or 4.2
San Marco → Lido Line 1 or 5.1 / 5.2
✅ Final Advice
🟦 If you plan to explore Venice + islands → Get the 24h, 48h or 72h vaporetto pass
🟩 If you only need one specific trip → Buy a single ticket
With a pass, Venice becomes an unlimited cruise.
Remember to validate your ticket before boarding.
🏝 Island Guides
Choose an island to explore:
Here are the best routes using the vaporetto:
✨Murano – The Island of Light and Art
🌈 Burano – The Island of Colors and Tradition
🏖️ Lido di Venezia – The Elegant Escape
🏝️ Giudecca – The Island of Quiet Charm and Local Life
🌿 Sant’Erasmo – The Garden of Venice
… and more islands coming soon.