A friend suggested we get onto the island via the Alilaguna water bus as it goes down the Grand Canal. Our hotel suggests we take the bus to a parking area then walk to hotel. Hotel is near Frari church. We have an 11 year old who loves boats. Thanks!
Posted by
Green Bay
21379 posts
Alilaguna will cost more. 14 euro vs 6 euro on the bus. It is an equally long walk either from the bus stop at Piazzale Roma or the Alilaguna dock at San Stae. The Ca Rezzonico dock will be a little closer but still a ways. To get closest, get a combi ticket of bus and vaporetto for 12 euro. Take the bus to Piazzale Roma, then the No 1 vaporetto to San Toma. This will also take you down the Grand Canal. If you are planning on getting vaporetto passes, you can add the airport bus transfer on to the pass for 4 euro one way, or 8 euro round trip. Don't worry, your 11 year old will be taking lots of boat rides in Venice.
Posted by
Atlanta
1005 posts
IMHO if I were traveling with an 11yo who loves boats, I would spring for the Alliguna boat at the airport. Get off at San Stae and take the vaporetto to San Toma. I think I have bought a vaporetto pass from a machine at the airport. I know I have bought one online and picked it up at the kiosk at the dock outside the rail station.
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
Heck if you have an 11 year old who loves boats and you have enough money for a water taxi then that's THE way to go. Bus to P. Roma drops you in the area that's really crowded with other tourists wandering around not knowing what to do (including me at one point). It's the least pleasant way to start your Venice vacation. Alilaguna is decently priced and a decent ride although it is MUCH slower than a private water taxi, but nicer than bus and vaporetto. It's kind of depressing to be puttering along on the Alilaguna with water taxis zipping past you left and right.
Those vaporettos can be really really crowded so be aware if you're attempting to drag your luggage aboard..
Posted by
Green Bay
21379 posts
I guess taking the Alilaguna to San Stae THEN a vaporetto is a bit of over kill. Now you are spending 20 euro per person (no discounts for kids here). Now taking a water taxi is in play. Boarding the bus is usually not a problem at P. Roma as it empties out there. Getting off? Just say "Permisso" in an audible voice and you'll get off.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
Sam's right, but it's "Permesso" not "Permisso". Might as well learn it correctly. (And here's another vote for the water taxi if you can afford it.)