venice vaporetto travel

Vaporetto is like a city bus for Venice. We came to Santa Lucia Station as most tourists do and right in front of the station is vaporetto stop. It was night and the view was like a fairy tale. We went toward Rialto Bridge and then it goes to San Marco. I would suggest this direction. I think it's the most beautiful. If the other question means what would be the best time of day to take it, I think it's after dark. There are also fewer people on it at night. But still quite many.

From RS Italy 2006 (check out an updated version from your library to confirm boat #s and also to get his detailed descriptions of the canal highlights):

From the Tronchetto (parking lot) or Ferrovia (Santa Lucia train station) take the #1 (slow boat, preferred) or #82 (fast boat, may be too fast to soak it in). RS says to confirm you're on a "San Marco via Rialto" boat and not one that is heading for Piazzale Roma (the latter doesn't go down the Grand Canal). Last stop is San Marco. Rick suggests getting a front seat if you can. Early or late in the day is best for fewer crowds and the best light, and he says "twilight is magic" (I agree, doesn't matter if you're on a vaporetto or not!)

Twilight is always beautiful, but after sunset is also. I remember looking through the windows of the palaces along the grand canal and seeing chandeliers lit up.

Coming out of Venezia Santa Lucia train station is magical. The Grand Canal is 150 feet in front of you and everything is in motion - people, boats the whole thing. You understand nothing but it's everything you expected to see. It's really something.

The Ferrovia stop (train station) is one of the largest and busiest vaporetto stops. Numerous vaporetto lines stop there. First, get a single-day or multiple-day pass of some type at the ticket booth just off to your slight right.

Next, you want the #1 vaporetto that's coming from your right and going to your left. It should say Lido on it. This vaporetto stops at every stop and is the local. Of course, you may have to get to your hotel first to drop off your luggage.

It doesn't really matter what time of day. If you're there for 2-3 days, you'll be on it day and night.

When you arrive at Santa Lucia make sure you are going to San Marco.

You should do both directions sometime during your trip so you can see both sides of the canal without running back and forth! And check out different times during the day, too.

I also recommend walking if you can. There are signs on the buildings about 15 ft up with arrows showing the direction to San Marco and Sa. Lucia. Walking gives another perspective and a chance to see the little side streets and canals. Don't try to pull your wheely luggage on the walk. There are a million bridges.

Tom,
... If possible, park your luggage in a locker and WALK as suggested above, but do it hand-in-hand with someone you love. Neither the direction nor the time will make any difference... ciao! P