Hello seems a very direct and faster route taking a bus from vce to piazzale roma then walk to hotel.. says about half mile, just carry on luggage each. Anyone do this? should we try this or just take vaporetto to san toma?
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
32746 posts
I've walked several times between P Roma and various places on both sides of the Grand Canal, but always when unencumbered by any sort of luggage.
Yes, if you know where you are going and keep to a straight-ish path (there are no straight paths in Venice for any distance) and do well with the steps on the bridges which you will come across every few yards, and can manage with very few street signs except "Per Ferrovia", "Per Ple Roma", "Per S Marco", and "Per Rialto" - which means being pretty good with the spatial representations on a good map, it certainly can be faster than riding the vaporetto. The Grand Canal winds back and forth in a great S shape, and vaporetti stop often. When they stop it is more elaborate than a bus because they are a boat and have to dock using ropes.
Me? When arriving (yet again next month - yay!) I always take the vaporetto to the closest or most convenient vaporetto stop and usually can then get to my carefully chosen lodgings without crossing a bridge.
If all you have is a backpack maybe give it a go. If you are wheeling those carry-ons be advised that virtually none of the bridges have ramps.
Posted by
Vignola, MO, IT
655 posts
We (family of 4) walked with our suitcases from train station and just followed all the signs. It was a bit more than 1/2 mile. Very crowded since it was July.
Posted by
Wilmington, DE, USA
1046 posts
If you are going to be in Venice for a few days, may I suggest buying a vaporetto pass and then use it immediately to get to San Toma. You'll be doing plenty of walking once you get settled in! That initial experience of riding the vaporetto can really help you to adjust to the magic of Venice. From the Piazzael Roma, the dock is to your left (it's the beginning of the run so you'll be able to get a great viewing spot!). It's amazing how handy the pass can be too. A late night romantic ride; suddenly being aware of how tired your feet are; and, of course, just checking out the sites. I use the pass far more than I ever thought I would.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
Robert said it very well. Since you should be getting a vaporetto pass anyway, use it to get to your hotel. Then, unencumbered by luggage, you can walk as much as you like, and get on a vaporetto whenever you are tired.
Posted by
OP
smiththown
68 posts
thank you. is it better to take the bus then the vaporetto or the vapretto straight from the airport.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
There is no vaporetto straight from Marco Polo into Venice. There's Alilaguna which is private and would be an additional charge, I think around 20 euros a person. The best way is the bus to P. Roma then a vaporetto closer to your destination. Buy the vap ticket with the one way bus ticket at the same time at the airport when you arrive.