Online Tickets for Venice Vaporetto Public Transport

If you’ve ever been to London, you know the red double-decker. In New York, it’s the yellow taxi. In Venice, it is the Vaporetto. The word literally translates to “little steamer,” a linguistic relic from the days when these vessels were powered by puffing coal engines.

Today, they are operated by ACTV (Azienda del Consorzio Trasporti Veneziano), and they are the closest thing Venice has to a subway system—except with much better views and a distinct lack of tunnels.

*Vaporettovenice.com is an independent travel agency and authorized reseller. We are not affiliated with ACTV or Venezia Unica.

Book Online – Skip the Line & Travel the Canals

You cannot jump on board without having purchased your ticket in advance.
By booking ahead, you bypass the notorious queues that frequently exceed two hours in the heat, saving valuable time for exploration.
Additionally, having your digital QR code ready is now a legal necessity on peak days to comply with the Venice Access Fee regulations, helping you avoid unexpected fines or entry delays at the city’s main checkpoints.
🎟️ Get your Tickets for the Vaporetto here: Vaporetto-Tickets

💰 Tickets & Passes

For those looking to weave through the Grand Canal and out to the islands multiple times, our multi-day passes offer the best value. They transform the vaporetto from a one-time expense into your private, unlimited gateway to the entire lagoon.

Vaporetto	Price	Tickets
75-Minute	12.00 €	Book Online
24-Hour	23.50 €	Book Online
48-Hour	40.00 €	Book Online
72-Hour	50.00 €	Book Online
7-Day	70.00 €	Book Online
+ Murano + Burano	37.00 €	Book Online
+ Shuttle	24.00 €	Book Online
+ Water Taxi	51.00 €	Book Online
+ Ca’ Pesaro	27.00 €	Book Online

📜 3 Bestsellers – The Magic of the Lagoon

In a city where the streets are made of water, the Vaporetto is more than just a mode of transport—it is your front-row seat to a living museum. While the winding stone alleys of Venice offer their own secrets, the true scale of this floating masterpiece can only be fully appreciated from the waves. Whether you are navigating the golden glow of the Grand Canal at sunset or setting sail for the artisan islands of the outer lagoon, every voyage tells a story.

The World’s Most Beautiful Commute: Drift along the Grand Canal, sweeping beneath the majestic Rialto Bridge as you admire the sun-drenched façades of ancient palazzos that have guarded Venice’s main “street” for centuries.
A Unique Vantage Point: Discover the city as it was meant to be seen—from the water. Our vaporettos offer a front-row seat to architectural masterpieces that were built to impress arriving sailors and royalty alike.
The Authentic Venetian Pulse: Step into the daily rhythm of the lagoon, where you’ll share a voyage with local residents and artisans, weaving through a bustling network of floating piers that serve as the heartbeat of the city.
Gateway to the Hidden Lagoon: Feel the invigorating sea breeze as you leave the labyrinth of stone behind, venturing across the shimmering open water toward the glass-making heritage of Murano and the kaleidoscopic charm of Burano.

Checklist for your Trip

Experience the lagoon like a local.

From the bustling heart of San Marco to the quiet, colorful shores of the outer islands, the Vaporetto is your key to unlocking the true spirit of Venice.

Check the “Landing” (Pontile)

Major stops have multiple platforms (A, B, C, D). Check the screens!

Mind the Gap

Between the dock and the boat, the water causes constant movement.

Luggage

One large bag and one small bag are included. Extra bags might require an extra ticket! 🧳

Stay Alert

Pickpockets love crowded vaporetti. Keep your zipper in sight! 🕵️‍♂️

Vaporetto Pass

This travel pass offers total flexibility: you can choose the duration that best suits your stay—whether it’s 24, 48, 72 hours, or a full 7-day pass. Once activated, you can hop on and off the water buses as often as you like to reach iconic landmarks like San Marco, the Rialto Bridge, or the glass-blowing workshops of Murano.

Unlimited Lagoon Travel: Full access to all ACTV Vaporetto lines in Venice, Murano, Burano, Torcello, and Lido.
Total Time Flexibility: Your pass only activates upon its first use, allowing you to plan your sightseeing perfectly.
Avoid the Queues: Bypass the long ticket lines at the piers and jump straight onto the next boat with your digital pass.
Mobile Ticket Accepted: No need to print—simply scan your digital QR code at the yellow electronic readers at each dock.
Integrated Land Bus: Includes use of ACTV buses in Mestre, Marghera, and Lido (excluding routes to/from Marco Polo Airport).

Use your digital ticket to open the gates at the boarding piers. The journey is made on vaporettos and buses operated by the ACTV company.

Book Vaporetto Pass

🛡️ 100% Secure Ticketing: Official tickets via Tiqets

Vaporetto Pass + Murano and Burano

Securing your transport and island tour tickets online is the most efficient way to navigate the Venetian lagoon. This comprehensive pass provides you with full access to the ACTV Vaporetto network, allowing you to travel seamlessly through the historic canals and across to the world-famous islands.

Complete Lagoon Access: Enjoy unlimited use of the ACTV water buses within Venice and direct transit to the islands of Murano and Burano.
Skip the Ticket Kiosks: Avoid the long, confusing lines at the piers by having your digital pass ready to scan immediately upon arrival.
Visit the Artisan Islands: Discover the ancient glass-blowing traditions of Murano and the iconic, colorful fisherman houses of Burano at your own pace.
Mobile Convenience: Simply present your QR code on your smartphone for a contactless and paperless entry to all ACTV transport services.
Flexible Travel: Navigate the city’s complex waterways with confidence, knowing your transport is fully covered and pre-validated for your selected duration.

Having your digital ticket ready allows you to maximize your time exploring the lace shops and historic cathedrals rather than managing logistics. Simply scan your mobile ticket at the pier and begin your journey through the most picturesque corners of the Venetian lagoon.

Book Vaporetto Pass + Murano and Burano

🛡️ 100% Secure Ticketing: Official tickets via Tiqets

Vaporetto Pass + Venice Shuttle Bus

Start your Venetian adventure without the stress of navigating complex arrival logistics. This convenient bundle combines a return shuttle bus transfer with full access to Venice’s official water bus network, providing a seamless “door-to-door” experience from the moment you arrive on the mainland.

Avoid the confusion of multiple ticket machines and differing fares. With this all-in-one digital pass, you can travel from the transit hubs directly to the Grand Canal, and then continue your journey across the historic center or out to the islands of Murano and Burano.

Integrated Arrival & City Travel: Combines your mainland-to-Venice shuttle transfer with unlimited ACTV Vaporetto use in one single booking.
Total Lagoon Access: Enjoy full freedom on all water bus lines, connecting you to San Marco, the Rialto Bridge, and the artisan islands.
Skip the Ticket Lines: Bypass the notorious queues at both the bus stations and the water bus piers by having your digital pass ready to scan.
Smartphone Ready: No printing required—simply present your QR code to the readers for immediate, contactless entry to all transport services.
Flexible Planning: Choose the pass duration that fits your itinerary (24h to 7 days), with activation only beginning upon your first scan.

Use your digital ticket to open the gates at the boarding piers. This pass covers both the shuttle bus to the city center and the full ACTV water bus network.

Book Vaporetto + Shuttle Pass

🛡️ 100% Secure Ticketing: Official tickets via Tiqets

Vaporetto Pass + Water Taxi Transfer

This travel pass offers the most scenic and convenient way to travel between Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) and the city center. Choose between a one-way or round-trip ticket and enjoy a relaxing boat ride across the lagoon directly to major stops like San Marco, Rialto, or Lido.

Direct Airport Connection: The easiest way to reach Venice from the airport by water, bypassing road traffic and land buses.
Multiple Routes: Access to the Blue, Orange, and Red Alilaguna lines, serving all major areas of the Venetian archipelago.
Flexible Validity: Your ticket is valid for any time on your selected date, allowing for flight delays or changes in plans.
Mobile Ticket Accepted: No need to visit a ticket office—simply show your digital QR code at the Alilaguna pier to board.
Luggage Included: Your ticket price includes one piece of hand luggage and one suitcase per person.

Use your digital ticket to board at the Alilaguna airport pier or various city docks. Transfers are operated by the Alilaguna company.

Book Vaporetto + Water Taxi

🛡️ 100% Secure Ticketing: Official tickets via Tiqets

Vaporetto Pass + Ca’ Pesaro Museum

Combine the convenience of Venice’s iconic water bus network with a cultural journey through one of the city’s grandest palaces. This exclusive bundle gives you unlimited access to the ACTV Vaporetto network while granting you entry to the Ca’ Pesaro International Gallery of Modern Art, housed in a magnificent Baroque marble palace overlooking the Grand Canal.

Unlimited Lagoon Travel: Full access to all ACTV Vaporetto lines in Venice, Murano, Burano, Torcello, and Lido.
Modern Art in a Baroque Palace: Entry to Ca’ Pesaro, featuring world-class 19th and 20th-century art and the Oriental Art Museum.
Total Time Flexibility: Your transport pass only activates upon its first use, allowing you to perfectly time your sightseeing.
Skip the Ticket Lines: Bypass the busy queues at the piers and go straight to the boarding area with your digital pass.
Integrated Land Bus: Includes use of ACTV buses in Mestre, Marghera, and Lido (excluding routes to/from Marco Polo Airport).

Use your digital ticket to open the gates at the boarding piers and present it at the museum entrance for admission. The transport journey is made on vaporettos and buses operated by the ACTV company.

Book Vaporetto + Ca’ Pesaro

🛡️ 100% Secure Ticketing: Official tickets via Tiqets

How to redeem your ACTV Pass once you arrive?

How do I use my online ACTV ticket? How do I convert my digital voucher into a physical ticket upon arrival?

It’s incredibly simple. Once you arrive in Venice, you just need to head to one of the many ACTV automatic ticket machines. You will enter your personal PNR booking code (which you will receive by email once you book your ACTV Pass online).

📍 The easiest way to do this is at Piazzale Roma; the ticket machines are located directly in front of the Vaporetto docks.

Understanding Your Ticket Validity

The validity of your ticket begins the exact moment you validate it for the first time and expires at that same time at the end of your duration (it does not expire at the end of the calendar day). For example, a 24-hour ticket validated at 2:00 PM on Monday is valid until 2:00 PM on Tuesday.

Vaporettos are the most efficient way to navigate Venice. With the ACTV Pass (or Vaporetto Card), you enjoy unlimited travel. All you have to do is step on board and tap your ticket at the electronic readers at each pier.

Your Digital Receipt & QR Code

Below is an example of the email voucher you will receive. As you can see, it clearly lists the ticket type (e.g., a 3-day PASS for 2 people). You will find your unique PNR Code at the top of the voucher.

How to use your digital voucher at the machine

At an ACTV AUTOMATIC MACHINE: Select your language and choose the option to “Print Ticket.”
Enter your personal PNR booking code manually, or scan the QR code from your smartphone.
Collect your paper ticket.
In case of a malfunction, simply head to a “Venezia Unica” point of sale and present your PNR code to a staff member.

Quick Tips for a Smooth Trip

Don’t forget to validate: You must tap your ticket at the yellow/white electronic readers every time you board a boat.
Keep your phone charged: You will need to show your voucher code to the machine to get your physical ticket.
Paper is required: Please note that you must swap your smartphone voucher for a physical paper ticket at a ticket office or self-service machine before boarding.

🗺️ Navigating the Lines: A Web of Water

Venice might look like a maze on a map, but the vaporetto system is surprisingly logical once you understand the “Big Three” categories of lines.

The Centro Città (City Center) Lines 🏙️

These are the workhorses. If you are a tourist, you will spend 80% of your time here.

Line 1: The “Slow Boat.” It stops at almost every dock along the Grand Canal. It is the ultimate sightseeing route. Sit in the outdoor seating at the front or back for the best views of the Palazzos. 📸
Line 2: The “Express.” It skips many stops and is much faster for getting from the Train Station (Ferrovia) to San Marco. In the summer, it extends all the way to the Lido.

The Giracittà (City Circle) Lines 🔄

These lines circle the perimeter of the main island.

Lines 4.1 & 4.2: These go around the city and out to the glass-making island of Murano. 💎
Lines 5.1 & 5.2: Similar to the 4s, but they also connect to the Lido (Venice’s beach).
Line 6: A dedicated express from Piazzale Roma to the Lido via the Giudecca Canal.

The Laguna Nord & Sud (Outer Lagoon) 🏝️

Want to see the colorful houses of Burano? This is your ticket.

Line 12: The “Lagoon Explorer.” It leaves from Fondamente Nove and takes you to Murano, Burano, and the ancient, quiet island of Torcello.
Line 14: Connects San Marco to the beaches of Punta Sabbioni.

🚦 Vaporetto Etiquette: How Not to Look Like a “Turista”

Venetians use these boats to get to work, school, and the grocery store. Nothing grinds a local’s gears more than a tourist blocking the boarding plank with a massive suitcase. 🎒

✅ The Do’s:

Validate Before You Board: Tap your ticket on the yellow/white electronic scanners at the dock. If it doesn’t beep, you’re looking at a €60+ fine. No excuses! 🚨
Move to the Center: Don’t stand right by the gates. The crew needs that space to tie the ropes and let people off.
Take Off Your Backpack: In a crowded boat, your backpack becomes a weapon. Hold it at your feet. 🎒⬇️
Yield to the Elderly: Venice is an aging city. Offer your seat to a Nonna—it’s the polite thing to do.

❌ The Don’ts:

Don’t Block the View: If you’re standing at the railing, be mindful of others trying to see.
Don’t Eat a 4-Course Meal: A quick snack is fine, but don’t set up a picnic on the benches. 🍕
Don’t Forget the Direction: Check if the boat is going “Direzione San Marco” or “Direzione Piazzale Roma.” Getting on the wrong boat turns a 10-minute trip into a 40-minute tour of the lagoon.

🏗️ The Engineering Marvel: Keeping the Fleet Afloat

Ever wonder how these boats stay running in a city with no mechanics’ shops on land? The ACTV has a massive shipyard on the island of Sant’Elena. 🛠️

Wave Damage (Moto Ondoso): The biggest enemy of Venice isn’t the salt—it’s the waves. The vaporetti are designed with flat hulls to minimize the wake, which prevents the underwater wooden pilings of the buildings from eroding.
High Tide (Acqua Alta): When the tide gets too high (usually over +95cm), some routes have to change because the boats can’t fit under the bridges! 🌊
Fog: In the winter, the lagoon turns into a wall of white. Vaporetti use advanced GPS and radar, but sometimes the “Fog Protocol” kicks in, and service slows to a crawl for safety.

🌿 The Future: Electrifying the Lagoon

As of 2026, the push for sustainability has reached fever pitch. The goal is to make the entire inner-city fleet zero-emission. ⚡

E-Vaporetti: You’ll notice some boats are eerily silent. These are the new all-electric models servicing the shorter routes.
Hydrogen Trials: There are ongoing tests for hydrogen-powered vessels for the long-distance hauls to Burano and Chioggia.
Charging Docks: Several main stops, like Rialto and Ferrovia, now feature rapid-charging tech that tops up the boat’s batteries while passengers are boarding.

🌟 Top 5 Scenic Vaporetto Experiences

If you want the “Magic of Venice” without paying €100 for a gondola, try these:

Line 1 at Sunset: Board at Piazzale Roma and sit in the back. Watch the sun dip behind the Santa Maria della Salute church as the Grand Canal lights up. 🌅
The Night Boat (Linea N): After midnight, the crowds disappear. The city is silent, and the reflections on the water are hypnotic. 🌙
Crossing to San Giorgio Maggiore: Take Line 2 just one stop from San Zaccaria to the island across the water. The view of the Doge’s Palace from across the lagoon is unbeatable.
The Murano-Burano Run: Line 12 takes you through the “wild” part of the lagoon, where you can see salt marshes and local birdlife. 🦆
The Giudecca Canal: Take Line 4.1 to see the industrial-cool side of Venice, including the old Hilton Molino Stucky flour mill.

🎬 Conclusion

The Vaporetto is the heartbeat of Venice. It is noisy, sometimes crowded, and occasionally smells like diesel and salt, but it is the most authentic way to experience the city. It connects the luxury of the Gritti Palace to the humble vegetable gardens of Sant’Erasmo.

Vaporetto	Price	Tickets
75-Minute	12.00 €	Book Online
24-Hour	23.50 €	Book Online
48-Hour	40.00 €	Book Online
72-Hour	50.00 €	Book Online
7-Day	70.00 €	Book Online
+ Murano + Burano	37.00 €	Book Online
+ Shuttle	24.00 €	Book Online
+ Water Taxi	51.00 €	Book Online
+ Ca’ Pesaro	27.00 €	Book Online

Whether you’re commuting with a Venetian lawyer or squeezing in next to a group of excited students, you are participating in a 145-year-old tradition. So, next time you hear that familiar thump of the boat hitting the wooden piles of the dock, take a deep breath, step aboard, and enjoy the most beautiful commute in the world. 🇮🇹✨

Safe travels on the water! 👋🚣‍♀️

VAporetto Venice

Navigate the Venetian lagoon with the city’s official water bus network, connecting the historic center to the world-famous islands of Murano, Burano, and Lido.

20+

NAVIGATION LINES

120+

FLOATING STATIONS

95M+

ANNUAL PASSENGERS

24H

NIGHT SERVICE

Vaporetto FAQ

1. What exactly is a Vaporetto?

A Vaporetto is a public water bus operated by ACTV. It is the primary mode of transportation in Venice, serving as the city’s “subway” on water, connecting various points within the historic center and the surrounding islands.

2. How do I validate my ticket?

You must tap your ticket or smartphone against the small electronic scanners located at the entrance of every pier before boarding. If you don’t hear the beep or see the green light, your ticket isn’t valid, and you could face a heavy fine.

3. Does a single ticket cover the islands like Murano and Burano?

Yes, a standard ticket or time-limited pass (24h, 48h, etc.) allows you to travel to Murano, Burano, and Torcello. However, keep in mind that the journey to Burano takes about 45–60 minutes, so plan your time accordingly.

4. Can I buy tickets directly on the boat?

It is highly discouraged. While you can sometimes buy one from the sailor in an emergency, it often comes with a surcharge. It is much cheaper and faster to book online or use a kiosk at the main stops.

5. Is the Vaporetto wheelchair and stroller accessible?

Most Vaporettos (specifically the larger lines like Line 1 and Line 2) are accessible. The crew will usually assist with ramps, but keep in mind that during peak hours, the boats can be very crowded, making it difficult to maneuver.

6. Does the Vaporetto run at night?

Yes, there is a dedicated Night service (Line N) that runs from approximately midnight until 5:00 AM. It follows a specific route connecting the Grand Canal, Giudecca, and the Lido.

7. How much luggage can I bring on board?

The standard ticket price includes one piece of luggage (the sum of the three dimensions not exceeding 150 cm). If you are carrying multiple large suitcases, you may be required to purchase an additional ticket for the extra bags.

8. What is the difference between Line 1 and Line 2?

Line 1 is the “slow boat” that stops at every single station along the Grand Canal—perfect for sightseeing. Line 2 is the “express boat” that skips several stops to get you between major hubs like the Train Station, Rialto, and San Marco more quickly.

9. Can I use the Vaporetto to get to the Airport?

The ACTV Vaporettos do not go to Marco Polo Airport. To get there by water, you must use the Alilaguna service (a separate private company) or a private water taxi.

10. Do children travel for free?

Children under the age of 6 years old travel for free on all ACTV public transport services, provided they are accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket.

Venice Stole My Heart – And the Vaporettos Keep It

I created this space to share that magic with you. To me, the vaporetto isn’t just a “water bus”—it’s the pulse of the city, a floating front-row seat to history, and the most beautiful commute in the world. Whether you are navigating the secret routes to Burano or watching the city lights flicker from the ‘N’ line at midnight, I want to help you experience Venice with the same awe and wonder that I do every single day.

Marc