World City Guide

Getting Around

Public Transport
For a real sense of the city, a wander through the tiny side streets, over hump-backed bridges and into pocket-sized piazzas is a must for visitors to Venice. But if time is of the essence, visitors should consider using the extensive network of water buses (vaporetti), operated by Azienda Consorziale Transporti Venezia – ACTV (tel: (041) 528 7886; website: www.actv.it).

Tickets cost 5 for journeys that include the Grand Canal and 3.50 for those that do not. There is also a 24-hour pass available for 10.50 and a good value three-day ticket at 22 – both allow the holder to travel on the Grand Canal. Tickets and passes are available for purchase at most landing stations and selected newsagents and should be punched in the machine before boarding. Failure to provide a valid ticket when requested results in a 30 fine, plus the full value of the ticket. Tickets are also valid for ACTV road buses, which operate to Piazzale Roma from Mestre and the airport. ACTV operate a 24-hour service but not on all routes.

Traghetti (public ferries) are traditionally used by locals to cross the Grand Canal – there are only three bridges with another currently planned – but sadly they are an increasingly rare breed. A poor relation to the gondola, these wooden dinghies nonetheless conjure up some of the romance of old-fashioned Venice. A swift plunge of the oars and the journey is complete but at 0.40 per trip (many locals round up to 0.50) it is worth it for the chance to see Venice just as Marco Polo might have done. For travellers who cannot afford the expense or do not want to succumb to the clich of taking a tourist gondola ride, a traghetti is a better option, although standing is de rigeur and the ride an unsteady one, not to be attempted after one too many Bellinis. The traghetti are run by the gondoliers co-operative in conjunction with the city council – there are no set routes or times of operation.

Taxis
Water taxis have to offer the most expensive taxi service in Europe – there is a minimum set charge of around 15 – and the trip will only be a maximum of seven minutes. A brief trip along the Grand Canal will cost in the region of 70-80 and on top of this there are surcharges for luggage, extra passengers (over the standard four) and travelling by night.

Water Taxis (tel: (041) 541 5084) can be ordered by telephone but will have a minimum of 5 on the clock when they arrive. Co-operative San Marco (tel: (041) 523 5775) also operates a water taxi service. Stands are located at the station, Piazzale Roma, Rialto, San Marco and the Lido. Official water taxis have a black registration number on a yellow background. Visitors are advised to stay away from illegal operators who charge what they want.

Taxis of the four-wheeled variety only operate between Piazzale Roma and the mainland. Since hailing a taxi can prove difficult, visitors find it easier to call for a pickup from a reputable company, such as Radio Taxi (tel: (041) 523 7774), which charges from 10 for short trips. Visitors should beware of unlicensed taxis without the usual sign or meter.

Tipping is expected for both land and water taxis, with approximately 10% the accepted norm.

Gondolas
The Venetian equivalent of a limousine is the gondola. For the ultimate travelling experience, there is nothing like gliding under the Bridge of Sighs, leaning back in plush red velvet seats and listening to the gentle slap of water against the crumbling palazzi walls. First mentioned in the city’s annals in 1094, there are now just 400 of these sleek, flat-bottomed vessels negotiating the Venetian waters. The traditional cabins that once shielded lascivious English lords and their courtesans from prying eyes were done away with long ago. The gondoliers of today must rely on fine weather and long summer days for their business, which may account for the high cost of the ride. For visitors who balk at paying 62 for 50 minutes (more after 2000), the cost can be kept down by doubling up with other sightseers. All gondolas can carry up to six people and fees for additional services – such as musical accompaniment, costing an extra 100-130 – should be negotiated before setting off. Gondolas depart from St Mark’s Square, the Rialto, Piazzale Roma and the railway station. Fares are set by a central body called The Ente Gondola (tel: (041) 528 5075; fax: (041) 521 1534; e-mail: gondola@gondolavenezia.it; website: www.gondolavenezia.it) and any complaints should be directed there. Bargaining down the price by 10-15% is possible, particularly in shoulder seasons, although this should never be attempted when there is a group of gondoliers gathered together, as this is deemed insulting.

Driving in the City
No cars are allowed in Venice at all. Even the emergency services operate by boat.

Car Hire
Cars are not allowed in Venice, although for forays into the surrounding countryside, cars can be hired at the airport or in Piazzale Roma. Major providers include Avis (tel: (041) 541 5030; website: www.avis.com), Hertz (tel: (041) 541 6075; website: www.hertz.com) and Europcar (tel: (041) 541 5654; website: www.europcar.com). All have offices at Piazzale Roma and the airport. Rates are approximately 80 per day. Drivers must be 23 years or over (depending on the company policy) and carry an EU licence or full International Driving Permit. Basic insurance is usually included, although drivers are recommended to purchase excess insurance to avoid any excess charges in case of an accident.

Bicycle & Scooter Hire
No bicycles or scooters are allowed in Venice at all.