I am heading to Venice in a few weeks and want to book a private water taxi to get us to our hotel. I know this is a more expensive way to get there, but the best choice in our situation. I'd appreciate your comments on whether I can wait till I get there to hire a taxi or am better off booking in advance. If someone has a suggestion on a company to book with, could you please pass along this info. Thank you for your help.
Posted by
Carbondale, IL, USA
1201 posts
You can do either. Booking in advance onlune gives you the possibility ofa 15-20 euro discount. I have no personal experience, but have seen reports on the web that have boat operators wanting some extra cash if your flight happens to arrive late end they wait for you. which makes sense, since time to then is money in lost fares. www.venicelink.com you can also just go to the kiosk in the airport and arrange the service when you arrive. Some things to remember: the docks at the airport are not directly at the new terminal. They are about a ten minute walk over mostly flat pavement. You can take a luggage cart from the airport if you need it. If your hotel has a dock on a canal that the water taxi can navigate , they will deliver you almost at the door. If the hotel does not, the water taxi will get you to the closest spot they can safely let you off.
Posted by
OP
Toronto, ON, Canada
201 posts
Thanks for the info Ron. I'm a seasoned traveller who wouldn't have problems finding my way with the bus and vaporetto as a cheaper alternative however I'm travelling with an extremely nervous newby traveller who gets very uptight with trying to find his way in new situations and so I'd like to start the trip off as easily as I can. Walking won't be an issue to the docks and my hotel does have an entrance on a canal. I hadn't read anything about the operators trying to get extra cash from late planes so good to know. I'll take a look at the link you provided and try and book in advance.
Posted by
Alachua, FL, USA
238 posts
When I finally got my husband to Venice for the first time (I had been there several times without him), I knew I wanted to take a water taxi and I wanted to take a tour of the entire Grand Canal as well. I used venice link (130 euros) and their service was perfect. Our luggage was lost (Aer LIngus never put it on our flight from JFK) and the lady at the venice link counter in the airport was very friendly and told me to just take care of the claims process before I left. When we were finally ready to go, she handed us a voucher and we walked to the dock (about a five minute walk) and presented our voucher. A very nice boat operator helped us on board and gave us a wonderful tour (30-40 min) through Murano and down the Grand Canal, going slowly so we could take pictures. I realize this is an expensive option, but my husband was absolutely enthralled. In fact, we may do it again when we return next year!