Do we need an advance reservation to take a taxi? Water taxi preferable? We are staying at the Pensione Guerrato. Do we arrange this with the hotel? If we do not need an advance reservation, where at the airport do we go to arrange the taxi? This is our first trip to Italy. Thanks.
Posted by
California USA
3958 posts
The hotel’s website gives several options for getting from the airport to the Rialto Bridge stop in Venice. From that stop on the Alilaguna boat system at the airport, they give directions to continue walking on your own or take the #1 vaporetto line to Rialto Mercado and then walk.
https://hotelguerrato.com/how-to-arrive/#1474903866756-5bfd595b-4786
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
8398 posts
Posted by
Seattle, WA
16330 posts
I like the advice given in this blog, starting with the expense (over €120 for a private transfer), and then proceeding to step-by-step instructions for hiring a water taxi from the airport to hotel. Then they describe the shared shuttle service, which is reservable and much less expensive, as well as how to contact the Conxorzio Motoscafi, which is the service linked in the above post.
https://europeforvisitors.com/venice/articles/water-taxis.htm
I recommend reading the blog and attached links so you know your range of options.
The Alilaguna, also mentioned above, is the most cost-effective ( along with a bus +vaporetto combination), but takes at least twice as long. And personally I do not care for the vaporetto ride—-the windows are usually salt-encrusted or otherwise dirty enough that one cannot see out. For the cheapest ride we prefer the bus to Piazzale Roma and vaporetto from there; at least you have a chance to stand at the rail and enjoys the scenery as you travel down the Grand Canal.
But if you don’t balk at the price of a private water taxi, that is a wonderful way to arrive in Venice. Did that once, courtesy of a generous family member, and loved it.
But when are you arriving in Venice? One person has reported difficulty with reserving a water taxi in early September due to the Venice Film Festival (31 August to 10 September.)
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15589 posts
I looked at the google map. I don't think that water taxi will get you any closer than the vaporetto, so you might as well save all that money and take the bus and the vaporetto.
Posted by
Atlanta
4859 posts
Taking a water taxi is expensive. About 100-120 Euros. There's a cheaper shared water taxi system, but we haven't used it and can't comment.
The Alilaguna boat takes longer, is not scenic, but is less expensive.
The least expensive is a combination bus and vaporetto (vap.). It takes longer, but will give you a trip on at least part of the Grand Canal and be easy on the budget as well.
Two bus lines serve the airport. One is ATVO and is NOT affiliated with the vap. system. The other is ACTV and IS affiliated with the vap. system. At the airport you can get a vap. pass for various periods and can have a one or two way bus fare added to it. A good site maintained by the ACTV system has current prices and such. Don't remember the url so just Google it.
If you take the third option, take the # 5 ACTV bus from the airport to Piazzale Roma. Be sure to validate the vap. pass on the bus. Do not wait until you get on the vap. Also, validate the pass each time you use the vap.
From Piazzale Roma, take the # 1 vaporetto and get off at the Mercato (or Rialto Mercato) stop. It will be on the "right" side of the canal, and is the stop after Ca' d Oro which is on the "left" side of the canal. Do not go all the way to Rialto Bridge -- you will have cross over the bridge and have a much longer walk to the hotel.
When you get off the vaporetto at the Mercato stop, walk straight ahead through an arched doorway. There will be a small plaza to your left and right. Turn right and walk straight. If there are a lot of vendors in the walking area, be sure they are ALL on your right side so you do not miss the next turn. Just before you get to the place where the building juts out in front of you, turn left on a small street named Calle drio la Scimia and look for the your hotel's sign up and on the left.
You may be able to use Google Maps Street View to "walk" the route before you leave home. It takes a bit of practice to make the images show you the way, but it is definitely worth it.
There is a site called veniceforvisitors.com that has a lot of good info. that you might want to check out. Hope this helps.