We plan to do the "Rolling Venice" combo for our son and the regular 3-day passes for us. We will probably also add one-way transfer to the airport. Is there any advantage to buying in advance vs. just getting them when we arrive?
Also - how hard is it to manage a large suitcase on the vaporetto? ( we arrive in Venice by train and leave by plane)
Thanks!
How large is large, and does it roll?
There is a boarding ramp you use to board the vaporetto so no issue there if it rolls ( apart from the general crowding) but the crew member supervising the boarding may direct you to place you bag in a certain spot. And he may charge you extra.
Do you know how many bridges there are between your vaporetto stop and your hotel? Those are the real issue with luggage.
We will only have to cross 2 bridges.
I always just get mine when I arrive.
How large is large? You have to cope with shallow steps coming out of the train station down to the vaporetto station. The vaporetto operators are used to the suitcase burdened - follow their directions about where to stand or sit. The stops are relatively brief and can be busy so you need to be prepared to embark/disembark quickly.
Suitcase does have wheels - it’s larger than a rolling carry on but not massive.
No point buying in advance, as you have to exchange the emailed voucher for proper tickets anyway, and there is no cost saving.
Your suitcase will be fine. People move all sorts of things by vaporetto, I helped a friend move an Ikea Billy bookcase from P. Roma to San Stai by vap.
There is a ramp from the train station platforms to street level, to the right as you exit the station. As far as large luggage, you may have to leave it in the center of the boat against the wall. Take back packs off and carry so you don't knock someone off the boat when you turn to take a selfie :-)
My husband and I didn’t feel the need to use the vaporetto so often, we walked throughout. We only used it when we arrived to get us to our hotel and when we went to Murano and Burano that’s when we purchased a pass to last till the next day to get back to the train station. There are several options, I also suggest that you wait. As far as luggage I’m glad that we only had our carry on. Enjoy!
There is a small gap between the boat and the dock that you need to be aware of when stepping on and off, and when carrying or pulling luggage. The dock is floating as well as the boat so there is sometimes a bit of movement in the gap. Just be alert. The centre of the boat next to the wheelhouse is where most luggage goes.
