We arrive in Venice mid-day on Thursday this week. The weather forecast calls for 100% chance of thunderstorms with hail and 10-20 mph winds. We were planning to take a water taxi from the airport to our hotel (near St Marks square). Questions - do the water taxis run in this kind of weather? Is it safe? I am aware of the alternative modes of transportation but they will all require some amount of walking. Any suggestions will be most appreciated!
Posted by
Moncton NB
1097 posts
Water taxis are generally not covered. You may find some that are, but I expect they will be very pricey in bad weather.
Alilaguna is more of a water bus than a water taxi, but it will get you close to where you want to go. The seats are covered, as is most of the short walk from the terminal to the pier, but there will be a few uncovered spots.
Taxi to Piazzale Roma will be dryer on the airport end, but then you still face a walk in the rain to the vaporettos at the Venice end.
If it were me, I would take Alilaguna. Just google it for all the information you'll need.
Posted by
Green Bay
20951 posts
Yes, water taxis are covered for passengers. It's the driver who is in open air.
Posted by
Orinda, California, United States
301 posts
Look into the Alilaguna from the airport. BTW, I've been her for a week and it is very hot, humid and slightly crowded.
I find the rechargeable fan the best!
Posted by
Washington State
357 posts
Oh my…your post brought back a memory from May…a shared water taxi from the airport to the San Zaccaria dock. Absolutely pouring, but we were tucked inside and our boat captain was wonderful. I can say, absolutely, that they definitely run in rain!
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33457 posts
I have never seen a Venice water taxi that did not have an enclosed passenger compartment, and an open area - all bases covered.
Posted by
OP
Charlotte, NC
20 posts
Thank you all - this is very helpful. We'll make a decision when we arrive, but we're more comfortable taking the water taxi based on this information. thanks again!
Posted by
505 posts
Plus, isn't the main reason to choose a water taxi a bit of romance?? That'd be spoiled for me if I couldn't be in the open air.
Actually, the bus might be the best idea, given that amount of expected chop.
Posted by
California
207 posts
We arrived in Venice at the train station just as the skies opened up with a major downpour. It was a warm rain. We put on rain jackets and used our umbrellas to get to the water taxi. We were covered but the wind blew rain into our faces. The lighting was good for photos once the rain let up. I loved it.
Posted by
OP
Charlotte, NC
20 posts
Just to close this out, our water taxi from the airport to hotel was wonderful. The weather was overcast, but no rain. We had a wonderful stay in Venice. Took a gondola ride in the evening, then another water taxi back to the train station also uneventful. We train from Venice to Verona had lunch near the arena, then made our way to Sirmione. We are in Lake Garda now. Heading to cinque terre later in the week. Thank you to all who provided comments here, all very helpful.
Posted by
martinez, ca, usa
2380 posts
hey hey Larry
happy your water taxi went wonderful, so worth it. we used it 4 times.
hope you love lake garda, we stayed in bardolino for their annual wine fest in October several years back.
thecrowdedplanet.com/things to do on lake garda
lakegardatravel.net
towns & villages, ferry rides, things to do. enjoy
aloha
Posted by
San Diego, California
5415 posts
Don't forget protection for your suitcase and backpack. I tuck away a few clean trash bags for that purpose. Safe travels
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