Venice.. Is Vaporetti pass worth it?

I agree with Tamara. The clincher for us was that we decided to spend a day island-hopping. And, even though we walked a lot while in Venice, we used the vaporetto to get to and from the hotel, and we took Rick's Grand Canal Tour (iPod) one evening. Those, plus a couple of other hops on, and it more than paid for itself.

It depends on if you want to go to visit any islands, in my opinion. I'd get the pass if you are planning to see Murano/Burano/Torchetto. Otherwise, it's totally walkable. A lot of people will agree that that is where the magic of Venice is-- wandering around the streets. It's not much more than an hour from one side to the other, so I think you'll be alright.

The per ride ticket fare is 6.50Euro. 3-4 times on the vaporetto and you've paid for the tourist card. Also, walking from the Piazzale Roma to St. Marks is a bit of a hike. If its raining, it won't be that much fun. I'm betting that you will be on the vaporetto more than you expect at this time. Its really convenient.

while it is part of the Venice experience to get lost in the streets...it is nice sometimes to get to different areas in a direct route!

16€ - 12-HOUR TRAVELCARD
18€ - 24-HOUR TRAVELCARD

you could use the 12 hour card...then spend the 2 euros on some gelato or a glass of wine at a cicchetti bar- your feet will say grazie.

Not to mention that the vaporetti are valuable for crossing the Grand Canal or the lagoon when you want to. Otherwise you have to find one of the three bridges or a traghetto.

Yes, definitely try to find a traghetto for crossing the grand canal. It's a mini gondola ride for Euro .50 from one side to the other...takes about 5 minutes.

Just got back from a 12 day Italy trip and spent 3 days in Venice. We did get the 72 hour vaporetto pass and it was well worth it. Purchased our passes at the TI in the Marco Polo airport. Was also good for the busses from the airport to Piazzale Roma. Then we got on the vaporetto which took us to St. Mark's Square and our hotel. If you have college age travel companions the Rolling Venice pass for 4 euros get them a pass for half off. Again available at the same TI. We walked plenty in Venice but the streets are confusing and if you have a definite destination in mind it's easier to take the vaporeeo to the nearest stop and walk from there. Or if you get lost which you will, you can follow signs to the nearest vaporetto stop and get reoriented! Take it across the lagoon to San Giorgio Maggiore church and go up the bell tower. Wonderful views of St. Mark's Square and all of Venice. Being on the water gives you such a feeling of being in Venice.

I got 12 hr pass and I used it a few times. I went to 3 islands and a few times on the Grand Canal.
I like being on a boat.
Venice is walkable, but it was easier to take pictures of the builings along the Grand Canal.
So the pass is well worth it.

Where do you buy the tourist card outside of the airport? Going in October and this seems like a good value and pleasant way to get around Venice.

Thanks

I think it is worth it. I bought the pass on my last trip and once you have it, you feel no guilt about hopping on a vaporetto anytime that you want to explore a different part of the city.

While you can walk, it is kind of nice to take a ride every so often.

I think the pass is definately worth the price. Besides getting around it's a nice break to jump on and off the vaporetti. We rode it around when we got tired of walking. Plus it will get you to areas in Venice you might not have seen otherwise.

can you not also buy it online in advance and just pick it up at the airport. I heard if you buy in advance on line you get a bit of a discount.