4.3(17.9K ratings)Rated 4.3 out of 5.0 from 17925 ratings.

Venice Water Bus

Venice's iconic Vaporetto, or water bus, offers a unique way to explore the city's canals and landmarks. Run by ACTV, it stops at sites like St. Mark's Square and Rialto Bridge. Explore ACTV day passes, including airport transfers via water taxis.

ACTV Water Bus Pass & Mainland Bus Tickets

Mother and daughter travelling by water bus, Venice

ACTV buses in Mestre and Marghera, Venice

4.47(10.5K)

Public Transport

Instant Confirmation

Flexible duration

Explore the City of Canals affordably with an ACTV Water Bus Pass, skipping expensive gondola rides.
Enjoy unlimited rides on Vaporetti (water buses) in Venice, Lido, and the lagoon islands, plus ACTV buses in Mestre and Marghera.
Your travel card is all that you need to traverse Venice's water buses with ease.
Opt for 1, 2, 3, or 7-day passes depending on your flexibility and itinerary.

More details

Explore the City of Canals affordably with an ACTV Water Bus Pass, skipping expensive gondola rides.
Enjoy unlimited rides on Vaporetti (water buses) in Venice, Lido, and the lagoon islands, plus ACTV buses in Mestre and Marghera.
Your travel card is all that you need to traverse Venice's water buses with ease.
Opt for 1, 2, 3, or 7-day passes depending on your flexibility and itinerary.

from

€25

Venice ACTV water bus cruising on the Grand Canal with historic buildings in the background.

3.38(1.2K)

Public Transport

Instant Confirmation

1 hour 15 minutes

Mobile Ticket

Make the most of Venice's unique public transport system with these 1-way tickets.
Embark on a sightseeing spree as you flit from attraction to attraction; in 1 hour 15 minutes, experience the entire span of the Venetian waterways.
Benefit from unrestricted use of the ACTV Vaporetto in Venice, Lido and lagoon islands and of ACTV buses in Mestre, Marghera, and the mainland.
Fun Fact: Around 60% of traffic in Venice passes through the Grand Canal!

More details

Make the most of Venice's unique public transport system with these 1-way tickets.
Embark on a sightseeing spree as you flit from attraction to attraction; in 1 hour 15 minutes, experience the entire span of the Venetian waterways.
Benefit from unrestricted use of the ACTV Vaporetto in Venice, Lido and lagoon islands and of ACTV buses in Mestre, Marghera, and the mainland.
Fun Fact: Around 60% of traffic in Venice passes through the Grand Canal!

from

€9.50

Private water taxi navigating Venice canals near Marco Polo Airport transfer.

Private water taxi navigating Venice canal near Marco Polo Airport transfer.

Private water taxi navigating Venice canal near Marco Polo Airport transfer service.

3.88(17)

Airport Transfers

Free Cancellation

Instant Confirmation

Flexible duration

2 more

Enjoy hassle-free private and premium boat transfers between Marco Polo Airport and Venice at an affordable price.
Departing every 30 mins, these private transfers give you an authentic experience of the solid and liquid aisles of Venice.
Get dropped off or picked up right next door to your hotel, with 13 conveniently located points in Venice and door-step drop-off at Canal Grande.
Choose between day or night transfers.

More details

Enjoy hassle-free private and premium boat transfers between Marco Polo Airport and Venice at an affordable price.
Departing every 30 mins, these private transfers give you an authentic experience of the solid and liquid aisles of Venice.
Get dropped off or picked up right next door to your hotel, with 13 conveniently located points in Venice and door-step drop-off at Canal Grande.
Choose between day or night transfers.

from

€180

Venice water bus on Grand Canal with view of Doge's Palace, part of combo tour with fast-track museum entry.

Doge's Palace exterior with tourists in Venice, Italy, part of the Venice Museum Pass tour.

Visitors exploring the ornate interior of Doge's Palace in Venice with museum pass.

Doge's Palace interior with ornate ceilings and art, Venice Museum Pass experience.

Doge's Palace exterior with tourists using Venice Museum Pass for fast-track entry.

4.46(7.4K)

Combos

Instant Confirmation

Flexible duration

Save big and explore the best of Venice with a 2-day ACTV Water Bus pass and exclusive access to Doge’s Palace and 3 museums.
Board the ACTV Water Bus, and explore the iconic spots of Venice, Lido and the lagoon islands for two days.
Visit the historic Doge’s Palace, which was the official residence of the Doge of Venice, former leader of the Venetian Republic.
Make use of the Venice Museum Pass and explore Museo Correr, Archaeological Museum, and Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Marciana.
Fun Fact: Biblioteca Marciana houses the remarkable Librarian's Staircase, designed by Jacopo Sansovino.

More details

Save big and explore the best of Venice with a 2-day ACTV Water Bus pass and exclusive access to Doge’s Palace and 3 museums.
Board the ACTV Water Bus, and explore the iconic spots of Venice, Lido and the lagoon islands for two days.
Visit the historic Doge’s Palace, which was the official residence of the Doge of Venice, former leader of the Venetian Republic.
Make use of the Venice Museum Pass and explore Museo Correr, Archaeological Museum, and Monumental Rooms of the Biblioteca Marciana.
Fun Fact: Biblioteca Marciana houses the remarkable Librarian's Staircase, designed by Jacopo Sansovino.

from

€65

Marco Polo airport transfer with ACTV water bus pass

Young woman traveling in water bus, Venice

4.35(29K)

Combos

Instant Confirmation

Flexible duration

Transfers

Unsure about commuting through Venice? Get hassle-free water bus transfers, seamlessly connecting Marco Polo Airport to Venice City through vivid routes.
Enjoy the freedom of a one-way or round-trip journey between the airport and the city. Want more? This transfer ticket never expires.
Unlock Venice with the ACTV Water Bus Pass, offering unlimited water bus rides across Lido, and lagoon islands with a choice of 1/2/3/7 days validity.
Traverse through Mestre and Marghera using the mainland bus tickets and explore more of what Venice has to offer.
Did you know? Venice boasts more than 170 canals, forming a complex network of waterways, all navigable with the ACTV Water Bus Pass.

More details

Unsure about commuting through Venice? Get hassle-free water bus transfers, seamlessly connecting Marco Polo Airport to Venice City through vivid routes.
Enjoy the freedom of a one-way or round-trip journey between the airport and the city. Want more? This transfer ticket never expires.
Unlock Venice with the ACTV Water Bus Pass, offering unlimited water bus rides across Lido, and lagoon islands with a choice of 1/2/3/7 days validity.
Traverse through Mestre and Marghera using the mainland bus tickets and explore more of what Venice has to offer.
Did you know? Venice boasts more than 170 canals, forming a complex network of waterways, all navigable with the ACTV Water Bus Pass.

from

€40

Doge's Palace exterior with Gothic arches and tourists in Venice, Italy.

New

City Cards

Free Cancellation

Extended Validity

Flexible duration

2 more

Experience the true magic of Venice with this all-inclusive Turbopass, which gives you access to over 30 attractions, boat tours, and more.
Save 45 by getting free entry to popular attractions like Doge’s Palace, Museum Correr, Archeological Museum, and more, instead of buying individual tickets.
Choose between 1/2/3/4/5/6/7-day validity passes.
Receive your pass via email, which can be used by scanning at any attraction or tour.

More details

Experience the true magic of Venice with this all-inclusive Turbopass, which gives you access to over 30 attractions, boat tours, and more.
Save 45 by getting free entry to popular attractions like Doge’s Palace, Museum Correr, Archeological Museum, and more, instead of buying individual tickets.
Choose between 1/2/3/4/5/6/7-day validity passes.
Receive your pass via email, which can be used by scanning at any attraction or tour.

from

€99.90

Top things to do in Venice

See all

Doge's Palace

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St. Mark's Basilica

from €9.90

Murano, Burano & Torcello Island

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St. Mark's Bell Tower

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Travel guides and tips

Experience Venice on a budget with the Venice Water Bus

While using private transportation is a costly alternative in Venice, there are several options in Venice that can help you save money. The Water Bus is one of the easiest modes of transportation. It is the most affordable and practical method of getting about the city. Continue reading to learn further about the Venice water […]

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Millions love heading out with us

Derchain

4/5

France

The 4 days we spent in Venice this autumn were magnificent. It's great to get around in the Vaporetto, these buses on the water offer a quick trip with a magnificent view of Venice. However, they could be improved. There are very few seats, so we had to stand, and there's nothing to stand on. There could be vertical and/or horizontal bars on the ceiling; low cost for much better comfort. Otherwise, more seats, benches or folding seats would be welcome. We made 2 wrong turns, the platforms being the same, it's not easy to be sure you're not making a mistake, and the signs on the Vaporetto are not sufficiently visible and even less clear. In spite of this, we loved riding on these buses, which we took during the day and in the evening to see Venice in its magnificent light.

View original review in French

Vaporetto ACTV Water Bus & Mainland Bus Pass: 1 to 7 Days

Mihalovits

5/5

Hungary

Super , Venice is wonderful.❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️

Vaporetto ACTV Water Bus & Mainland Bus Pass: 1 to 7 Days

Sabine

4/5

That you can see and photograph Venice from the water. Otherwise fast, good and clean. Seat optional but after 2 stops at the latest you have one.

View original review in German

1-Way Tickets to Venice ACTV Water Bus

Safraou

5/5

France

Very easy to get to (just outside Treviso airport), every 10 minutes. Very clean bus and possibility of storing our luggage in a trunk. Very satisfied

View original review in French

1-Way Tickets to Venice ACTV Water Bus

David

4/5

United States

The ride was excellent and fast. Not cheep, as it cost euro 180 and there were only 2 of us, but it could have taken up to 6 so if you have a group its a no-brainer. Our hotel was back in the winding streets, and it seems they only really pick-up from the grand canal or the docks by the Doges palace. Would easily have been 5 stars if not for the 15 min walk with my luggage.

Private Water Taxi Transfers: Marco Polo Airport to/from Venice City

Venice Water Bus Guide

Traverse the archipelago of Venice in an affordable way with a Venetian water bus a.k.a. ‘Venice Vaporetto’, an economic and efficient means of transport through the waterways of the city. As you arrive at Marco Polo airport, make use of a private water taxi to quickly commute to your hotel in Venice and vice-versa. Explore ACTV water bus passes and private water taxi ticket options here and get information on prices, schedules, and other attractions in the city.

All Your Venice Water Bus Tickets & Tour Options

The public transportation authority ACTV offers an expansive network of water buses around the 118 islands of Venice through its water lines and 120 floating stations. Avail of 1/2 -Way ACTV Water Bus tickets for one or two-way trips to your destination as well as passes for the entire or multiple days with Day & Multi-day ACTV water bus tickets. You can also opt for airport water taxi tickets that will take you from the airport to your destination in a private carrier.

1/ 2-Way ACTV Water Bus Tickets

Multi Day ACTV Waterbus Tickets

Airport Water Taxi Tickets

With these economical tickets, you can use the ACTV water buses in Venice, Lido, and the lagoon islands. Tickets can be either a 1 or 2-way pass. These tickets are a great choice if you are on a self-made itinerary, looking to explore the city, and want to experience this unique mode of transport.

Recommended experiences

1/2-Way Pass: Venice ACTV Water Bus Tickets

Get unrestricted use of ACTV water buses in all waterborne routes excluding routes no. 16, 19, 21, Casinò, and Alilaguna lines. A 2-way pass will allow you to return from your destination to the point of origin while a 1-way pass will not. This type of ticket is valid for 75 minutes and 150 minutes post-validation.

With this kind of ticket, you have unlimited use of the city’s Vaporetti (water buses) for the entire day with the exclusion of routes no. 16, 19, 21, Casinò, and Alilaguna lines. Opt for multi day passes for 2,3 and even 7 days. This ticket is great if you want to spend the day sightseeing in different parts of the city. Also, these multi day passes should come in handy if you have an extended travel duration.

Recommended experiences

1/2/3/7-Day Pass: Venice ACTV Water Bus Tickets

Explore all of Venice at your leisure with this ticket. Access all ACTV water buses to get to your destination, board multiple times, and avoid exorbitant transportation costs. Opt for a day pass or passes for 2, 3, and 7 days.

Take the waterborne version of a regular taxi in a private water taxi carrier, commonly used in Venice. Water taxis are an expedient way to navigate the waterways and canals and are perfect if you require transfers from the Venice airport to your hotel and back.

Recommended experiences

Marco Polo Airport to/from Venice Private WaterTaxi Transfers

Tired and jet-lagged? Choose from our best water taxis for transfers to and from the airport. Transfer from Marco Polo airport to 12 convenient stops from which you can access your hotel. Likewise, use these tickets to travel from your hotel to the airport if you need to catch a flight. If your hotel happens to be on the banks of the Grand Canal, expect a doorstep drop-off!

Which Venice Water Bus Tickets Should You Go For

If you are on a budget

If you are on a lean budget, choose either a 1 /2-way ACTV water bus pass or Day and multi day ACTV water bus pass. Both tickets are reasonably priced, will get you where you want to go, and provide you with a most enjoyable experience.

If you are staying for a longer duration or are looking to explore more of Venice

Venice water buses are not only affordable, they are practically the most efficient way to travel to Venice. Opt for day and multi day passes to use the ACTV water bus facilities for longer durations.

If you are looking for airport transfers

Look no further, and opt for our best airport water taxi tickets for transfers from Marco Polo airport in Venice to convenient floating stations from where you can access your hotel.

Venice Water Bus Tickets Discounts & Offers

Free Entry

Children up to the age of 6 can travel for free in an ACTV water bus.

Plan Your Visit for a Venice Water Bus

Opening Hours

Getting there

Guidelines & Facilities

What are Venice water bus operational timings/hours?
ACTV water bus services are operational from 4:30 AM to 12:30 midnight. However, this will depend on the selected route and line the Venice water bus is operating in.

How long is a Venice water bus ticket valid?
After boarding a Vaporetto, a 1/2 day ACTV water bus ticket is valid for 75 minutes from the time of validation. Similarly, the validity period for day and multi day ACTV water bus tickets begins after their validation.

What is the Venice water bus timetable?
ACTV water buses operate at different timings depending on the route and line taken. Check out more information on this official Venice Vaporetto schedule.

Where is the boarding point for Venice water buses?
The ACTV water buses or Venice Vaporetto can be accessed from any of the floating stations or bus stops located at various points within the city. Head to a particular station depending on your chosen destination and route to board the corresponding Vaporetto.

How do I get to a Venice water bus?
Venice has more than 120 floating stations (jetties) scattered throughout the city. Water buses or Vaporetti can be accessed from here. For private water taxis, pickups and drop-offs are from the airport and designated jetties which can be found in your tickets. For details regarding various routes and water bus stops consult these official ACTV maps.

How long does it take to get from Venice to Burano?
It will take you approximately 45 minutes to get to the island of Burano from Venice. Take line 12 or 14 to reach your destination. Refer to the ferry schedule to Burano here for line 12, and here for line 14.

Are Venice water buses wheelchair accessible?
Yes, most Vaporettos are fitted with boarding bridges that allow easy wheelchair passage. However, this might not be the case for older models. Take precautions, as Vaporettos can become very crowded.

Is storage facility available on a Venice water bus?
Yes, you can bring luggage on board an ACTV water bus. Keep in mind that there is a limit of three pieces of luggage, with each piece measuring not more than 150cm of length + width + height.

Is photography permitted in a Venice water bus?
Yes, photography is permitted on a Vaporetto. In fact, the Venice water bus is commonly used by many tourists as an affordable means of sightseeing.

Are outside food and drinks permitted inside a Venice water bus?
Outside food is permitted on water buses. However, please ensure that what you bring is a snack or easily managed foods like sandwiches, etc. that do not create a mess or bother fellow passengers.

Are return transfers included in my Venice water bus or Venice water taxi tickets?
Transfers from the airport to convenient locations near hotels and vice versa are included in airport water taxi tickets. In the case of the 1/2-way ACTV water bus ticket, return from the point of origin is only available for the 2-way pass.

What to See on a Venice water bus?

The Venice vaporetto doubles up as a great way to see the city’s most important attractions situated on the banks of the Grand Canal and other inland waterways. You can also choose to visit nearby island towns located around Venice.

Visit Murano

Seasoned travelers to Venice usually manage to fit in a trip to the beautiful islands of Murano, an archipelago in and of itself, linked by bridges. Catch a Vaporetto to this famous cluster of islands and visit its fascinating glass factories and shops as well as its quaint cafes.

Visit Burano

About 9 km from the floating city, you will find the fisherman’s island of Burano. Take a Vaporetto here to stroll through its brightly painted houses and quiet walkways, a breath of fresh air from the crowds of Venice. Try the island’s famous seafood and view the impeccable lacework of its senior residents.

Grand Canal

The Grand Canal is a large canal that cuts through the watery city right down the middle. A lot of sightseeing can be done sailing along this canal. On the canal, view 13th and 18th-century buildings that line its banks including many palatial structures like the Palazzi Barbaro and Ca' Rezzonico

Rialto Bridge

Along the Grand Canal, you will get a chance to pass under the splendidly designed Rialto Bridge, a stone masterpiece that connects the San Marco and San Polo districts. Witness its audacious architecture that has become an icon of Venetian design.

Santa Maria della Salute

Located on the mouth of the Grand Canal, you will see a beautiful 17th-century baroque Catholic church. Admire its monarchial dome and decked-out front entrance while dedicating some time to viewing its stunning facade featuring sculptures of the apostles.

Top Things to See and Do in Venice

The city of Venice is a household name in the world of tourism with plenty of attractions to see. Do not miss these major attractions and try to visit all of them via Venice water buses! Here are the top things to do in Venice:

Doge Palace

The Doge palace is a Venetian icon situated on the banks of the lagoon. A melding of various cultures and eras is apparent in this structure with its Gothic, Byzantine, and Renaissance styles creating a quintessentially Venetian character. Dating back to the 10th and 11th centuries, the Doge palace was once a fortress and then a prison. To this day it preserves its imposing countenance. Visit this icon with Doge Palace tickets.

Peggy Guggenheim Museum

Situated on the banks of the Grand Canal you will find an avant-garde museum founded by the illustrious art collector Peggy Guggenheim. It is a popular museum frequented by art lovers for its collection of modernist, futurist, abstract, and surreal works of art. Visit this museum with Peggy Guggenheim Museum tickets.

Venice Gondola rides

When in Venice, right? A quintessential and unforgettable experience in Venice, a Gondola ride is a must when visiting the city. Sail the Grand Canal and view legendary structures like the Doge Palace and the Rialto Bridge. Get guided tours, romantic dinners, and live music when you book Venice Gondola rides with us.

Saint Mark's Basilica

Located in St. Mark's square, this stupendously built church stands as the crowning jewel of Venice. This basilica is dedicated to the patron saint of the city - St. Mark and holds the relics of the evangelist as well. View this marvelous structure and note its Byzantine, Romanesque, and Islamic influences with St. Mark's Basilica Venice tickets.

Murano Burano and Torcello Island tour

Visit these 3 stunning Islands located within the Venetian lagoon by speed boat. Catch the iconic glass factories of Murano in action as they spin liquid glass into ethereal artifacts. Stroll the brightly painted neighborhoods of Murano, and the historical buildings of Torcello with a Murano, Burano & Torcello islands tour.

Venice Water Bus Tickets & Tour FAQs

Are Venice Water Bus tickets available online now?

Yes, Venice water bus tickets can be purchased online. Browse through our collection of Venice water bus tickets to select the ticket that is appropriate for your transport purposes In Venice.

What are the different types of Venice water bus tickets?

The various types of Venice water bus tickets include 1/2-Way ACTV Water Bus Tickets, which allow you to Travel back and forth from a place of origin to your destination, the Day and Multi Day ACTV Water Bus Tickets that allow you to use water buses throughout the day or for multiple days, and Airport water taxi tickets that provide transfers from the airport to convenient spots around the city.

Is skip-the-line entry included in my Venice water bus tickets?

No, skip-the-line entry is not included in your Venice water bus tickets. Online tickets, however, will allow you to avoid the hassle of purchasing tickets at ACTV offices and the queues at the ticket vending machines.

Are return transfers included in Venice water bus and Venice water taxi tickets?

Transfers from the airport to convenient locations near hotels and vice versa are included in airport water taxis. For an ACTV 1/2-way pass, return to the point of origin is only available for the 2-way pass.

Are guided Venice water bus tours available?

No, guided tours are currently not available on Vaporetti or Venice water buses.

What are Venice water bus hours timings?

ACTV water buses are operational between 4:30 AM and 12:30 midnight. Schedules will vary depending on the water bus and route concerned.

How do I get to the Venice water bus?

Over 120 water bus stations or jetties are stationed across the city of Venice. Depending on your route, use the concerned floating bus stations to board your ACTV water bus. For the airport water taxi, you can either board at Marco Polo airport or at designated stops.

Are Venice water buses wheelchair accessible?

Yes ACTV water buses are wheelchair accessible. Most water buses are fitted with convenient boarding bridges that facilitate wheelchair boarding. However, be mindful of the gap between the water bus and the jetty platform.