We are going on a tour which doesn't go to Venice, so we thought we'd start there for a couple of days on our own. The last time I was there was on a tour, so several of us were able to take a gondola for 25 euros each. Now there will be just the two of us. Will we have to pay the price for the entire ride, or will be able to share with others? What might the price be? Also, what's the best way to get from the airport in Venice to our hotel near San Marco? Thanks.
Posted by
Charlotte, NC
28 posts
The prices for gondola rides are fixed....I think its something like $105 for a 40 minute ride during the day, and higher at night. The price is for up to 6 people, so you can share with others, although you'll probably have to organize your own group. I think you can take the train from the airport to San Lucia train station in Venice, then a vaporetto from there to the stop closest to your hotel.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33872 posts
Rick goes into this in quite a lot of detail in the Venice book and the Italy book....
Posted by
Portlandia
3313 posts
Actually, you take the bus from the airport to Piazzale Roma (no train) in Venice and then the vaporetto to San Marco.
Posted by
Singapore
354 posts
I can't tell you anything about gondolas, but there are three ways to get to San Marco from the airport - presumably you're arriving at the main Marco Polo Airport rather than Treviso airport. You could take the blue ATVO bus from Marco Polo Airport to Piazzale Roma which is the terminus for all land traffic, then a vaporetto to San Marco. The No. 1 vaporetto takes the scenic route to San Marco but it's always crowded and kinda slow. Then there's the Alilaguna airport boat, but do note that it runs a few different routes, make sure you get on the right boat for your hotel. The third and most expensive way is to take a water taxi. It's best to ask your hotel for details about how to get there. Rick Steves' book will have more details about transport, and I also used this website to help me figure out Venice transportation when planning my journey last year: http://europeforvisitors.com/venice/articles/arriving_in_venice_by_air.htm