***Updated to include bus in title so easier for searchers to find info.
I found references online about contactless payment (aka Tap & Go) using a credit card or smart phone for the vaporettos. It does not mention this in the Rick Steve's book. Is this now available?
Yes, we were in Venice two months ago. Used Apple Pay for the vaporettos. Very simple and efficient.
I assume for a 24 hour pass a paper ticket still better? Did you have any experience with this?
The tap and pay will only charge you the maximum amount for 24 hours, so the 24-hour ticket really isn't necessary. You still need to tap and pay every trip, but it will cap. You will need to tap and pay for each person, so please do that; otherwise, you may be fined if it is checked.
This is great news. Do you have any links to online rules/instructions? I'm perplexed how I missed this and don't understand why I can't find it on the ACTV site.
HH05, did you compare contactless vs 48hr and 7 day passes?
I saw the basic info on the Vaporetto website but it was vague and I wasn’t sure if it is working now.
Thanks all for the update.
I had firsthand experience with it last October while in Venice. That was my experience: I used the tap-and-go, and my card was charged for the 24-hour ticket price at the end of the period of time.
This was briefly discussed on the last MNT with Ben Green, who just returned from Venice and gave his trip report. It's recorded under the MNT videos on this website.
Thanks all for the good info. FYI on the guidebook updates I see there is one now addressing the use of the "Tappy" system. It's a good reminder for me to check those updates every so often.
If you want the 72 hr pass do you still need to buy a paper pass? Thanks
@Teresa, here is the link to the official rules: https://actv.avmspa.it/en/node/8844
@Dan Thank you. I see we can do same with process on bus from airport. This is so much better than paper tickets.
For those that have already used it, is the Tap in and out pretty quick and easy? I've been on buses in the past where it took multiple tries to get it to validate and those vaporettos can get crowded, which won't make it easier. If I'm understanding correctly, as soon as you reach the island you can start using the Tap feature and it will automatically choose the best price for you at the end of the day. That sounds too good to be true. I'll be arriving mid day in December, then I'll be there 3 full days, then leaving the next day so I suppose the 72 hour pass for the 3 full days, but individual tickets for the other days.
I'm really glad you asked this question. I've been so focused on my upcoming trip in a few weeks that I haven't thought much about my December trip, so this is helpful.
I don't know where the current vaporetto tap machines in Venice are, but a couple years ago the machines to tap passes were always on solid land before you entered either the floating dock or the vaporetto itself. So, you might have to do tap quickly as you walk, but it's not on a crowded boat.
@Teresa I agree, it's a modern system that makes things easier for visitors. Some people are still reluctant to use it, saying they don't trust the system to calculate the fare correctly.
@KRS From my experience, I'd say it's pretty simple to use. It's not even a new concept, many cities already have something similar.
@nancys8 The vaporetto validators are always on land. By the way, you don't need to tap out when using the vaporetto.
One corner case with tap&pay - at least to my mind - is what happens if a vaporetto stop doesn't have a validator. I remember with paper tickets, you had to manually write the date and time of boarding on the ticket in such cases.
Thank you for the clarification. I remember the last time I was in Venice I had a paper ticket and had a heck of a time getting it to validate occasionally. I much prefer Tap as long as the system has worked out all the kinks before I give it a try.
I watched the recent MNT with Ben Green & saw the Tap to Pay for the Vaporetto. How does this work if you purchase a 72 hour pass?
@RubyJane it's either or.... use electronic tap always or use the paper pass always. The system calculates best pricing option. You have to use same method of payment consistently.
This June 2026, the system would not accept our iPhone taps, so we ended up tapping with our actual credit card, which worked fine.
