From happy customers

Loved by 50 million+
Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5

Wong S

Hong Kong
Couple
2 weeks ago

+1 more

It is very easy to use. You go to the vendor machine at the pier which they provided, and scan the QR code then you can take the ticket. Having the ticket, you do not need to worry about the transportation, you can travel anywhere except the airport line and some designated routes.

Riccardo C

Solo
2 weeks ago

+2 more

Excellent, highly efficient, and user-friendly service. The website is simple and intuitive. Ticket issuance is fast and seamless.

Calota C

Romania
Group
Apr 2026
Useful. I used the tickets all day long, with no limits. Easy and quick purchase. I also received a 10% discount voucher via email afterward, valid for future Headout purchases. I’ve always liked this app. You receive the tickets via email, but you can also access them quickly within the app.

Cristina G

Italy
Couple
Mar 2026

+3 more

Excellent service. There were two of us, and we bought 24-hour tickets that we used quite a bit. Venice is beautiful when viewed from the vaporetto, and a ticket like this lets you get on and off wherever you want. The staff was friendly. There are plenty of stops. We highly recommend it!


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Venice’s lifeline: The Vaporetto experience

The Vaporetto is Venice’s public water bus system, operated by ACTV (Azienda del Consorzio Trasporti Veneziano). It’s the city’s main mode of transport, connecting islands and navigating the canals. The name "Vaporetto" means "little steamer," a nod to early steam-powered boats. Locals may also call it "un batèlo" or "un vaporino." Whether you're commuting or sightseeing, the Vaporetto is the easiest way to explore Venice’s waterways.

Why choose the Vaporetto?

💰 Affordable

A cost-effective alternative to water taxis.

⏳ Convenient

Frequent routes connect major landmarks and islands.

🌅 Scenic rides

Enjoy stunning views of Venice from the water.

🏝️ Island access

The best way to reach Murano, Burano, and Lido.

♿ Mobility-friendly

Wheelchair-accessible boats make must-see sights easier to visit.

How to use the Vaporetto?

🛑 Step 1: Find a Vaporetto stop

  • Stops are marked with yellow signs displaying the route number and stop name.
  • Major stops include Piazzale Roma, Rialto, St. Mark’s Square, and Santa Lucia Station.
  • Larger stations have electronic boards showing boat arrival times.

🎟️ Step 2: Buy your ticket

Get tickets at kiosks, ticket booths, vending machines, or online to save time. Ticket options are:

  • Single ride (€9.50) – Valid for 75 minutes.
  • Unlimited passes (1–7 days) – Best for multiple trips.
  • Airport + Vaporetto combo – Includes Alilaguna water bus.

💡 Pro tip: To reach Castello from Santa Lucia station, turn right, cross the glass-sided bridge, and find the yellow "WATERBUS TICKETS" stand.

📌 Step 3: Validate your ticket

  • Tap your ticket or pass it through the validation machine at the dock entrance.
  • This activates your ticket and prevents fines.

🛳️ Step 4: Check your route & board

  • Look at route numbers and destinations inside the boat or at stops.
  • To Castello, take Line #1 via Rialto Bridge.
  • When the Vaporetto arrives wait for passengers to exit first, board quickly—boats don’t wait, and stow luggage safely.

🌊 Step 5: Enjoy the ride & get off at your stop

Relax and take in Venice’s stunning canals. To track your stop:

  • Look at scrolling signs inside the boat.
  • Watch for landmarks (e.g., passing under the Rialto Bridge means Rialto stop is next).
  • When you arrive, exit quickly and move away from the dock to avoid crowding.

Vaporetto routes & stops in Venice

Venice’s Vaporetto system has 23 active lines, connecting the city’s major landmarks and surrounding islands. Whether you’re cruising down the Grand Canal, heading to Murano’s glass factories, or exploring Burano’s colorful houses, here are the key routes you need to know:

The classic Grand Canal route

  • Route: Piazzale Roma – Ferrovia (Santa Lucia Train Station) – Rialto – San Marco – Lido S.M.E.
  • Why take it? The most scenic and most popular route, stopping at all major attractions along the Grand Canal.

The fast Grand Canal route

  • Route: San Marco/San Zaccaria – Giudecca – Tronchetto – Piazzale Roma – Ferrovia – Rialto – Accademia.
  • Why take it? Fewer stops, faster travel, great for reaching Piazzale Roma or Rialto in less time.

Murano express

  • Route: Piazzale Roma – Ferrovia – Murano.
  • Why take it? Direct service to Murano, perfect for a quick trip to see Venice’s famous glassmakers.

Venice’s circular route

  • Route 4.1: Fondamente Nove – Cemetery Island – Murano.
  • Route 4.2: Fondamente Nove – Hospital – San Marco.
  • Why take it? Circles the city, connecting different neighborhoods while offering a panoramic ride around Venice.

Island hopper to Burano & Torcello

  • Route: Fondamente Nove – Burano – Mazzorbo – Torcello.
  • Why take it? Best way to explore Venice’s outer islands, including Burano’s colorful streets and Torcello’s historic cathedrals.
  • Piazzale Roma: Venice’s main bus terminal, gateway for travelers coming from the mainland.
  • Ferrovia (Santa Lucia Train Station): Venice’s main railway station, with direct Vaporetto access.
  • Rialto Bridge: A must-visit, accessible on Line 1 & Line 2.
  • St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco): Reachable via multiple lines, home to Venice’s most famous attractions.

Timings & frequency of Vaporetto in Venice

The Vaporetto, Venice’s public water bus system, runs year-round with varying schedules depending on the time of day and season. Here’s what you need to know:

Operating hours: Most main lines run from 5am to 12am.

Frequency: Peak vs. off-peak

  • Peak hours (9am – 7pm): Major lines like Line 1 & Line 2 run every 10 to 15 minutes, making it easy to hop between stops.
  • Off-peak hours (early morning & late evening): Service slows down to every 20 to 30 minutes on most lines.
  • Night Vaporetto (Line N): Runs every 30 minutes between 11:30pm and 5am, ideal for late-night explorers and diners.

Seasonal changes

  • April to October: More frequent and extended services during the peak tourist season.
  • Winter months: Some routes operate with reduced frequency or may be temporarily suspended.

Find complete Venice vaporetto schedule

Practical tips for taking the Vaporetto in Venice

  • Hop on Line 1 for a slow ride along the Grand Canal with views of Rialto Bridge and historic palaces. For a quicker trip, take Line 2. Want to explore the islands? Line 12 takes you to Burano, Mazzorbo, and Torcello.
  • Travel early morning or late evening to skip peak-hour congestion (10am – 5pm). Use less popular stops near main attractions and plan your route with apps like Moovit.
  • While there’s no strict luggage limit, keep bags compact and stow them properly, especially during busy hours.
  • Most Vaporetti have ramps, but not all stops are wheelchair accessible—check ahead for specific routes.
  • Buy tickets in advance online or at machines to avoid queues. Don’t forget to validate your ticket at the dock before boarding.
  • Download the Ulmon Venice Travel Guide for offline maps, sightseeing info, and Vaporetto routes.
  • Grab a seat outdoors on Line 1 during off-peak hours for the most scenic ride through Venice.

Frequently asked questions about the Vaporetto

The best pass depends on your stay. A 24-hour pass (€25) or 48-hour pass (€35) is great for short visits, while longer stays may benefit from the 72-hour pass (€45) or 7-day pass (€65). The Venezia Unica card bundles transport with museum access.

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