We'll be arriving to Venice Santa Lucia train station on June 13 and need to get over to the Maritima station to meet our cruise ship. This doesn't seem to be a route covered by water taxis. It's not that far but too far to walk with baggage. My travel agent has offered a private transfer for almost $400 (!) for this short distance. Does anyone know if there are regular motor taxis available at the train station? Thanks a lot.
Posted by
Portland, OR, USA
805 posts
Get off at Mestre (all trains stop at Mestre first) and you'll definitely be able to get a normal taxi.
Posted by
richmond
77 posts
It is my understanding that during cruise season there is a free shuttle bus from Pizzela Roma to the main gate of the cruise port; you may want to check this out.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
We were advised by our cruise ship company to get off at Mestre and take a taxi. It is a short ride and relatively inexpensive. Worked well for us.
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
Your travel agent should be fired as he/she doesn't know much about Venice unless the term "water taxi" is being mis-used. Water taxis cost a minimum 100Euro ($155) to ride and they have no routes - they are taxis. Besides, there's only about 1/2 mile of water between the train station and the Piazzale Roma, the main bus/taxi and vaporetto stop for the cruise ships.
What you may be referring to are the vaporettos (water buses). The cruise docks are adjacent to the Piazzale Roma which is ONE STOP away from the main train station (called Ferrovia). You walk out to the Grand Canal from the train station and jump on any vaporetto that is coming from your left and going to your right. The #1 and #2 vaporettos are the most frequent. It may cost 6.50Euro for this short ride but it's much less than $400. Once at the P.Roma, you can walk to the cruise ships (10-15 min) or there is a #6 bus that will take you to the terminal entrance.
They are currently constructing a new footbridge across the Grand Canal that will connect the train station and the Piazzale Roma but it won't be finished until the end of the year. That's how close it is.
Posted by
OP
Piedmont, CA, US
18 posts
Thank you very much to all who responded so quickly. I think we have a plan now.
Patti