Using the Vaporetto in Venice

The easiest thing is to get a pass for the number of hours (48?) you'll be there, and then you can hop on and off at will. Venice is so convoluted that often it is easier to get the vaporetto just to go what would amount to a couple of blocks. Otherwise you have to get out your map and figure out a puzzle of streets and bridges and alleyways. Numbers 1 and 2 are the ones on the Grand Canal. They always seem to be very crowded during the daytime; so Rick's idea of sightseeing is a dream unfilled because you're looking at someone's back. The first two rows of seats inside are reserved for the elderly and handicapped, and qualified Venetians simply gesture unqualified people out of them. But don't forget to wander around on foot!

My advice is use more than just the one and two that are on the grand canal. The first day we just used the one and two and walked. The second day we used some of the others and got to see so much more. Look a the maps posted at the stops.

Do they have room for luggage?

Not sure I understand the question. Spent 4 days in Venice and used a Vaporetto only twice, coming and going from the train station to my apartment on the East end of the island. Otherwise I walked and experienced the beauty of Venice by foot. That's my preference. As far as tips, get a ticket. If you are caught without one, BIG fine. Usually there's a manned ticket booth but if not there are ticket kiosks and if you can't figure out how those work board the boat and purchase a ticket from the attendant. Map boards are at most stops so you can see which ones to use and YES, they have room for luggage. Just roll yours on board.

Yes there is room for luggage. It's how most travelers get to and from their hotels from the airport and train station. It's very easy to walk onto and off of the vaporettos. Also, you will most likely stand during the ride with your luggage in front of you as the center part of the boat has no seats.

I googled the phrase "using the vaporetto in Venice" and one of the first hits was this article by Rick Steves himself: RS on the vaporetti It sounds as if you don't have the RS Italy book yet. I highly recommend it. It more than pays for itself.

Hate to state the obvious, but be sure to validate the pass just before your first trip. If it is not validated you risk a big fine. TC

My tip is: get a 48h-pass. That way, you can combine vaporetti and walking strolls to explore more of the city. The city is bigger than it appears to be, and most people rarely venture out the most trafficked areas.

Ill be in Venice in a couple of weeks and am trying to find a map of the vaporetto system, with stops, etc.... does this exist online? (for planning purposes).

There's an excellent discussion and a link to a vap map here

Eric You can view the official map at http://www.actv.it/pdf/navigazione/Mappa_linee_2nov.pdf

my only suggestion is to find out which vaporetto is the express on the grand canal, I can't remember which one it is. It is great for seeing the grand canal from the water. hop on at one end and try to snag one of the seats in the front.

Line 2 is the "express".

Sherry, you might remember the "express" as the No. 82. The express changed to the No. 2 a couple of years ago. Quite simply, it doesn't stop at every stop.

Only a fraction of the vaporetti have the seats forward of the wheelhouse. Pure chance as to what the next boat will have.

I have a few basic questions about Vaporetto Passes. 1) Once you have purchased them, do they have to be validated too - like a single ticket? 2) Is there a more technical name for a pass or if I get off the train and find a kiosk selling them and ask for a "seven day vaporetto pass" will I be assured of getting the right one and not some with a bunch of extras? 3) Are the kiosks easy to find once you get off the train in Santa Lucia station?

Bob, for your questions: 1) No, and yet again, yes. While you don't "validate" the card, you MUST tap the card against the little clock shaped reader which is at shoulder height and you must be sure you get a green light. You have to do that every single time you get on the vaporetto. The reader is on shore usually right at the beginning of the gangway. 2) That'll do. You can even get it on line for discount if you get it at least a week ahead, and even less if its off season. 3) Can't miss 'em.

Thanks for the clear instructions Nigel ! I never would have known about tapping the card on the clock reader.