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Venice water bus 101: History, routes & why it matters

Venice vaporetto: The city’s floating transit system

Venice is a city like no other—where roads are canals and cars give way to boats. At the heart of this unique landscape is the Venice water bus, locally known as the Vaporetto, the city’s primary public transport system. Whether you're commuting between islands, sightseeing along the Grand Canal, or heading to the airport, the Vaporetto is the easiest and most scenic way to get around.

Venice water bus | Quick facts

Venice Water Bus
  • Name & origin: The Vaporetto (meaning "little steamer") was originally steam-powered when introduced in 1881.
  • Operator: Managed by ACTV (Azienda del Consorzio Trasporti Veneziano), which oversees Venice’s public transport system.
  • Routes: There are about 23 lines, connecting Venice’s canals and islands like Murano, Burano, and Lido.
  • Accessibility: Most boats have ramps for wheelchair access, and discounted fares (€1.50 per journey) are available for passengers with disabilities.
  • Ticket options: Choose from one-way tickets, 24-hour passes, or multi-day passes (1 to 7 days), available online or at ticket counters.

Why the Venice water bus is essential for visitors?

The Venice Water Bus, or Vaporetto, is indispensable for visitors to Venice due to its comprehensive coverage, affordability, and convenience. Here are some reasons why:

Vaporetto approaching Murano Island

Comprehensive coverage

  • Citywide network: With 19+ scheduled lines, the Vaporetto connects major attractions like St. Mark’s Square, Rialto Bridge, and the Grand Canal, as well as Venice’s outer islands, including ​Murano, Burano, and Lido.
  • Mainland Access: ACTV passes also include bus services in Mestre and Marghera, making it easy to reach Venice from the mainland.
Vaporetto navigating the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy, with historic buildings lining the waterway.

Affordable travel

  • Save more with passes: While a single Vaporetto ticket starts from €8, multi-day passes (1/2/3/7 days) cover unlimited rides and better value for frequent travelers and longer stays.
  • Special discounts: Long-term visitors can benefit from Venezia Unica City Pass discounts on transport fares.
Vaporetto stop in Venice with bright yellow signage.

Hassle-free experience

  • Easy access: Most Vaporetto stops have ramps for wheelchair users, and tickets can be bought online, via apps, or at ticket booths across Venice.
  • Reliable & frequent service: Operating from early morning to midnight, with select night routes, the Vaporetto ensures you can get around whenever you need.

A brief history of Vaporetti in Venice

The Vaporetto has been an essential part of Venice’s public transport system for over a century, evolving from steam-powered vessels to the modern fleet that serves millions of passengers today.

Early beginnings (1881)

  • The first Vaporetto, "Regina Margherita," was launched in 1881, inspired by French steamboats on the Seine.
  • Initially, Venice had just a handful of these boats, but by 1882, the fleet expanded to include eight more vessels.

Expansion and development

  • By 1883, routes extended beyond Venice to Torcello, Malamocco, and Pellestrina, with Murano and Fusina following in 1887.
  • Over time, the original steam-powered boats transitioned to diesel engines, and today, some modern Vaporetti use hybrid electric/diesel systems for efficiency.

Challenges and growth

  • World War II (1941) posed significant operational challenges, affecting maintenance and availability.
  • Post-war, the system was improved to increase efficiency and passenger capacity.

Today, Venice’s ACTV-run Vaporetto network connects the city’s waterways and nearby islands, preserving the name "Vaporetto" as a nod to its steam-powered origins.

The role of Vaporetti in modern-day Venice

The Venice Water Bus, or Vaporetto, is more than a mode of transport—it’s the city’s lifeline, connecting residents, businesses, and tourists while preserving Venice’s cultural fabric.

Venice Vaporetto water bus on Grand Canal with historic buildings in background.

Sustaining the community

Vaporetti provide local jobs, from captains to maintenance crews, and support small businesses by making markets, restaurants, and artisan shops easily accessible—especially on islands like Murano and Burano, where tourism is vital. By offering a sustainable way to experience Venice, they also encourage appreciation for the city's heritage and architecture.

People riding a Vaporetto on the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy.

A cultural icon

Beyond function, the Vaporetto is a symbol of Venice, evolving from steam-powered boats to modern vessels while remaining an essential part of daily life. It connects neighborhoods, schools, and workplaces, reinforcing Venice’s unique, water-bound identity.

Plan your Venice water bus trip

Venice Water Bus - What are the Venice Water Bus Routes?
  • City centre route: Routes 1 and 2 run through the city centre connecting Piazzale Roma, Academy Bridge, St. Mark's Cathedral, Tronchetto and Rialto.
  • City orbital routes: Routes 4.1, 4.2, 5.1, 5.2 and 6 connect Fondamenta Nuove, Arsenale, Lido, the Gardens, Zattere and Murano to the city centre areas of Piazzale Rome or Tronchetto.
  • Lagoon routes: Routes 11, 17 and 20 connect St. Mark's Cathedral to Pellestrina, Lido and St. Servolo, respectively.
  • N route: Running from 11:30 PM to 5:00 AM, the N Route are nighttime buses that connect the city centre and other important landmarks in Venice.
Detailed Route Map
Venice Water Bus - What are the Venice Water Bus Routes?
  • Vaporetto, across all the routes, run from 5am to 12am. 
  • The N Route, operating at the city centre and other important landmarks in Venice, runs from 11:30pm to 5am.
  • The frequency of Vaporetto is one every 12 minutes during the daytime and one every 35 minutes at night.
  • Vaporetto runs all days a week, every day of the year. It is the main public transport system in Venice.
  • Services can be restricted during high tide, known as acqua alta in Venice.
Detailed Venice Water Bus Schedule

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Who operates the Vaporetto?

Venice Water Bus - Who Operates the Vaporetto?

Azienda del Consorzio Trasporti Veneziano, popularly known as ACTV, is the company that operates the Water Bus in Venice.

Founded on 1st October 1978, ACTV began public transport operations in Venice and Chioggia municipalities. The ACTV has more than 150 waterbuses in its fleet that connect Venica and adjoining islands within the Venetian Lagoon.

The first Vaporetti was started in 1881, gradually spreading all across Venice and nearby islands. ACTV also has autobus, people mover, tram and ferry boat services within Venice, while in municipalities like Chioggia, ACTV runs urban buses. The ACTV network is spread across Lagoon Area, Lido and Pellestrina Islands, and the mainland within the Venice municipality.

How accessible is the Venice water bus?

Venice Water Bus - Is the Vaporetto Accessible?

While navigating Venice’s canals and bridges can present challenges, the Vaporetto system has made significant strides in accessibility for visitors with reduced mobility.

  • Most Vaporetti have ramps and are designed to float level with docks, allowing for easier wheelchair boarding. Each boat can accommodate up to four wheelchairs at a time.
  • Peak-hour crowds may make boarding trickier, as boats float lower with more passengers. Operators assist by letting wheelchair users board last for a smoother transfer.
  • While many docks are accessible, tidal changes can sometimes pose difficulties—traveling during off-peak hours (early morning or late evening) is recommended.
  • Discounted fares are available for passengers with disabilities upon presenting valid documentation.
  • Lines 1 & 2 (Grand Canal route) are the most accessible, offering easy access to major sights without bridge crossings.

Despite Venice’s historic layout, the Vaporetto system offers one of the best mobility solutions for visitors with disabilities, ensuring a smoother and more inclusive experience.

Other modes of transport in Venice

Gondola gliding on Canal Grande with historic Venetian buildings in the background.

Gondola

At one point, gondolas were the only mode of transport in Venice. It was a rowing boat that has now become a tourist attraction in the city. A gondola tour costs €80 for 30 minutes.

Book a gondola ride
Venice Public Transpotation- Bus

Bus

While bus connectivity is limited in Venice, visitors can still use bus services to travel to landmarks connected via land. A single journey can cost about €1.50.

Alilaguna water bus navigating Venice's Grand Canal with cityscape in the background.

Alilaguna

A special ferry that connects Marco Polo Airport to Venice city centre is owned by a company called Alilaguna. A single journey ticket costs €30 and is valid for 24 hours.

Book Venice airport transfer

​A guide to Venice public transportation system

Frequently asked questions about the Venice water bus

What exactly is the Vaporetto?

The Vaporetto is Venice’s version of a public bus—except it floats! These water buses are the city’s primary form of transportation, gliding through the canals to connect various districts, islands, and famous landmarks.

Is there any difference between Venice water bus and Vaporetti?

No, there’s no real difference between the Venice Water Bus and Vaporetti—they're the same thing!
"Vaporetto" (plural: Vaporetti) is the local Italian term, meaning "little steamer," referring to the steam-powered boats originally used in the 19th century.
"Venice Water Bus" is just the English equivalent, used to describe the city's public ferry system for tourists.
Both refer to the network of boats operated by ACTV that serve Venice and its surrounding islands. So whether you call it the Venice Water Bus or Vaporetto, you're talking about the same essential transport system!

Why is the Vaporetto so important in Venice?

Venice has no roads for cars, so the Vaporetto is the city's lifeline. It serves as the main public transit for locals and tourists alike, making it essential for daily commutes, sightseeing, and even grocery runs.

How fast does a Vaporetto go?

Vaporettos travel at a steady pace of around 10-15 km/h (6-9 mph), ensuring a smooth ride while respecting speed limits to protect the city's fragile canals.

How much does it cost to use the Vaporetti?

It costs about €9.50 to ride the ​Venice Water Bus and the ticket is valid for 75 minutes. You can buy tickets based on the time you will be spending on your travel. For people with reduced mobility, the ticket costs €1.50, along with free access to an accompanying adult.

Do Vaporettos run on a fixed schedule?

Yes, just like a bus system, the Vaporettos follow set timetables. However, depending on the season and the route, frequency can vary from every 10 minutes to every 30 minutes.

Are Vaporettos ever affected by high tide (Acqua Alta)?

Yes, extremely high tides (Acqua Alta) can disrupt Vaporetto services, especially in lower-lying areas. However, major routes usually continue operating with some adjustments.

How many Vaporetto lines are there?

There are over 23 Vaporetto lines covering different parts of Venice, including popular tourist spots, outer islands like Murano and Burano, and even a night service.

Do Vaporettos ever get overcrowded?

Yes, especially on popular routes like Line 1 along the Grand Canal. Rush hours (mornings and late afternoons) and peak tourist seasons can make the ride quite packed.

What’s the difference between a Vaporetto and a Traghetto?

A Vaporetto is a full-fledged public water bus, while a Traghetto is a simple gondola used to ferry passengers across the Grand Canal at specific points for a small fee.

How do Vaporettos compare to private water taxis?

Vaporettos are budget-friendly and part of Venice’s public transport network, while water taxis are private, more expensive, and offer direct, customizable routes.

Are there Vaporetto routes that go to the airport?

No, but Alilaguna boats provide a similar water bus service connecting Marco Polo Airport to Venice’s main stops.

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