Curious about the route taken by private water taxi from Venice airport to our hotel near San Marco. All these companies state they take the shortest route but not clear what that is. If I can book a water taxi that travels down the Grand Canal to our hotel (basically the entire length of the canal), then I might justify the cost from a sightseeing perspective. But if the boat just circumvents the island, then not sure it’s worth it. Anyone have experience with this?
Posted by
26 posts
Hello!
We have used the private water taxis multiple times from the airport to Cannaregio where we usually stay in Venice. They have typically gone down some of the smaller side canals before popping out on the Grand Canal to drop us at the closest vaporetto stop. I have heard of others on the forum (and friends) who have requested to go via the Grand Canal. Generally, the captains have obliged, but I would imagine a tip helped.
Regardless, there is something magical about approaching Venice from the water and if you can afford the indulgence, it is well worth it.
Posted by
Green Bay
22687 posts
For the price you are paying, which is still quite a bit, the captain will pick the fastest, most efficient route. If you want to take a specific route, you will need to negotiate the price with the captain before getting on board. Since going the full length of the Grand Canal is a no wake zone, it will add time to the route and the captain will expect to be compensated accordingly.
Posted by
Bendigo, Australia
1354 posts
Chances are that your water taxi will head towards Fondamenta Nova, entering the Rio di Santa Guistina, turn right into the Rio di Sant Giovanni, left into Rio do Lorenzo/Rio dei Greci, and emerge into the bottom of the Grand Canal / Canale di Sant Marco near the San Zach vaporetto stop. Ask the driver instead to go via the Canale de la Misericordia, and you would then go down the Grand Canal under the Rialto bridge.
To make sense of this, a paper map will assist greatly. Buy one at the Tabac at Marco Polo.
Posted by
Bendigo, Australia
1354 posts
We have used the shared water taxi, costs 32 euro per person. Because it is shared, it does not take always the shortest route, so you maybe get to see a bit more as it drops people off.
https://www.venicelink.com/en/products/shuttle finds them.