🌊 Introduction
The vaporetto in Venice is the public water bus.
It works like a bus — but on water. 🚤
Forget expensive water taxis and tourist traps.
If you want freedom, low cost, and the real Venetian experience, 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.
💶 Tickets & Prices (ACTV)
Ticket Duration Price
One-way 75 minutes €9.50
24h Pass 24 hours €25.00
48–72h Pass 2–3 days €35–€45
7-day Pass 7 days €65.00
✅ If you visit Murano + Burano + Torcello → 24h pass, you save money.
🎫 Where to Buy Tickets
You can purchase them:
at ACTV ticket booths 🎟️
from yellow ticket machines 🟡
at tobacco shops 🚬
online (credit card / Apple Pay)
You must tap the ticket on the white 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.
🚏 How to Use the Vaporetto (Step-by-step)
- Go to the floating platform (the stop is called imbarcadero).
- Check the line number + direction (display at the stop).
- Tap ticket on the validator.
- Let passengers get off first.
- 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
Yes — with Line 11, you can reach Lido Venice with your car inside a ferry.
🎭 Carnival Special — Vaporetto becomes “masked”
During the Venice Carnival, some vaporetto lines change names and appear on screens and maps with Commedia dell’Arte characters:
Temporary Name Usual Line
🎭 ARLECCHINO
🎭 COLOMBINA
🎭 PANTALONE
🎭 BRIGHELLA
🚤 Best seats on the Vaporetto
✔️ Outside at the back → best photos
✔️ Left side when approaching San Marco
The first time you see Piazza San Marco from the water is unforgettable.
❓ 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
🟢 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.