Water Taxis in Venice During Film Festival

What if you just tried for a water taxi upon arrival? If that didn’t work you could take the Alilaguna boat which would still give you the time on the water you desire, even if not the same experience.

Would you really need a driver to meet you at the airport to take you to Piazzale Roma? The bus seems very convenient.

I have taken the alilaguna from the airport and it’s far cheaper than a water taxi, but you may not get much of a view. It depends on which boat you get on, and the type of seating. In May when I was there the alilaguna I ended up on from the airport was the style that had bench style seating around the edge, and everyone put their luggage on the floor in the middle. The windows on this style boat were hard to see out of. Going to the airport it was a boat that was more like bus seats and I could sit right by a window. So, as someone else suggested, check and see if a taxi is available before taking the alilaguna. Or, once you are settled in your hote just buy a day pass on the vaporetto and ride to your heart’s content.

This water taxi service will take your reservation for 8 September, but the price is €288!

https://www.bookwatertaxivenice.com/

The shared taxi will also take your reservation for that day, and at €32 per person, is reasonably priced.

https://www.venicelink.com/en/products/shuttle

You will probably have to wait for other clients who have booked the same taxi. But I would choose this over the Alilaguna, which we found uncomfortable and not at all scenic. I found the link on this page of the Venice for Visitors website, under “boat shuttle”.

https://europeforvisitors.com/venice/articles/water-taxis.htm

We have used the shared water taxis several times after arriving at the airport. The counter is in the main hall after arrival, and I don’t think we’ve waited more than 15 minutes for enough people (I think eight). It’s been seamless for us, and such a nice way to get to your hotel. As you might have read, the shared taxis don’t take you to your “door”, but take you to the closest vaporetto stop. You might check with your hotel for that info. The film festival might have an impact on the shared taxis, though. The first time we visited, we were told that there was no reason to reserve a water taxi…just go down to the docks and one would be easy to secure. Well, it was during the film festival, and all the taxis were reserved. Not only that, but the two recent flights were delayed so there were really unhappy boat captains all in a row! And we never did see Johnny Depp….

Thank you everyone for the suggestions. Very helpful. I'm going to plan on shared water taxi and will try the reservation. Its Venice so it's all good!