Are you planning your Venice itinerary but still unsure where or how to buy a vaporetto ticket? Choose an ACTV unlimited pass, which lets you travel freely by boat across the entire Venetian Lagoon, moving independently on Venice water buses and public ferries, while skipping ticket office lines. The ticket is also valid for travel to the islands.
Taking the vaporetto in Venice is not only cost-effective, but also the best way to explore the city. You can plan your itinerary around vaporetto stops, optimize your travel time, and easily reach iconic destinations such as the famous Murano, Burano, and Torcello islands, as well as Punta Sabbioni, or simply enjoy a scenic ride along the Giudecca Canal.
Vaporetto tickets in Venice – what’s included in the pass
The vaporetto pass is a travel ticket that allows you to board all public water buses in Venice, including Lines 1 and 2, which are the most scenic and recommended routes for visiting the Grand Canal and major landmarks such as St. Mark’s Square and the Doge’s Palace.
This is a no-limits public transport pass, valid on all ACTV water buses and land buses within Venice. It also includes routes connecting the historic center with the islands of the Venetian Lagoon.
Children aged 0 to 6 travel for free and do not need to purchase a vaporetto ticket.
Where to buy vaporetto tickets in Venice?
You can buy boat tickets once you arrive in Venice at official ACTV ticket offices, Venezia Unica agencies, or at self-service ticket machines. However, for a faster and stress-free experience, we strongly recommend purchasing your vaporetto ticket online in advance. Buying online allows you to avoid long and exhausting lines at ticket counters — on busy days, waiting times can easily exceed 45 minutes.
When you book online, you receive a digital ticket with a PNR code directly by email. Before boarding, you must validate the ticket by entering the PNR code at the yellow ticket machines located at vaporetto stops. Once validated, your ride is ready to go.
Single vaporetto ticket in Venice
If you only need to travel once, you can choose a single vaporetto ticket. This ticket is valid for 75 minutes and allows you to make one single journey, meaning you can board the vaporetto once within the validity period.
This option is ideal if you only need a short transfer or are not planning to use public transportation multiple times during your stay.
Daily vaporetto pass – 24-hour ticket
The daily vaporetto pass is by far the most convenient option. This is a time-based ticket valid for 24 hours, allowing you to board the vaporetto as many times as you want and reach all destinations across Venice and the lagoon.
It’s the perfect choice if you plan to visit Venice in one day and want the freedom of unlimited rides. If you expect to take at least three vaporetto rides in a single day, the 24-hour pass is more cost-effective than buying individual tickets.
Multi-day vaporetto tickets
Alternatively, you can choose a 2-day, 3-day, or 7-day vaporetto pass. This option is ideal if you are staying longer and need to move frequently along the Grand Canal, under the famous Rialto Bridge, or across Venice’s smaller canals during a multi-day vacation.
If you love food and wine, you can also look into Venezia da Esplorare’s guide to the
Venice traghetto: how to use your ticket online
Right after completing your purchase, getting your tickets is extremely easy. You will receive an email with your PNR code linked to your booking. Before boarding, simply go to the vaporetto or ferry stop you want to use. There you’ll find a yellow ticket machine where you can enter your PNR code and print your paper ticket in just a few seconds.
You can find the full list of vaporetto stops—with ticket machines located nearby—on the official ACTV map.
Why book your ticket online?
The city of Venice welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors every day, and long lines at ticket offices are very common. For this reason, we strongly recommend booking your vaporetto ticket online in advance. Whether you’re at Piazzale Roma or any other ticket office in the city, queues can be long and unpredictable.
By purchasing online, you can save between 15 and 60 minutes of waiting time that would otherwise be spent standing in line just to buy tickets.
ACTV vaporetto schedules (day and night)
The ACTV water transport service operates throughout the entire day. Daytime routes start early in the morning and continue until late evening, with schedules varying depending on the line and the day. We always recommend checking the official “Routes and schedules” tables for the most up-to-date information.
During the night, the Line N is active, connecting the historic center via the Grand Canal and Giudecca. In the northern lagoon, dedicated night services operate (Night Northern Lagoon / Night Murano) serving Murano, Burano, and nearby islands.
For vehicles, the ferry-boat Line 17 Tronchetto–Lido also runs at night, although with reduced frequency. Before traveling, always check the latest schedules and seasonal changes on the official ACTV website.
Vaporetto ticket prices in Venice
- Single ticket: €9.00 – 1 ride, valid for 75 minutes
- Daily pass: €25 – valid for 24 hours*
- 2-day pass: €35 – valid for 48 hours*
- 7-day pass: €65 – valid for 1 week*
* The vaporetto ticket in Venice is valid from the moment of first validation.
You can find the complete and updated list of fares on the official public transport operator’s website at this link.
Using a pass allows you to simplify your travel and move freely with a single ticket, regardless of the route or the type of public transport used.
What’s the difference between a Vaporetto and a Traghetto?
The traghetto, on the other hand, is a completely different service. It is used only to cross the Grand Canal at specific points. Passengers board on foot, the ride lasts just a few minutes, and tickets cost only a few euros. It is a practical solution when you need to cross the canal quickly without walking to the nearest bridge.
The vaporetto is Venice’s standard ACTV public water bus, operating on regular and fixed routes, much like a city bus — but on water. It is the main and most common way to get around Venice, connecting the historic center with the islands of Venice. The term traghetto can also refer to the ferry line that transports cars and motorcycles. Pedestrians board like on a regular vaporetto, while vehicles pay a dedicated fare.
Finally, Venice is also served by Alilaguna, a private company that connects Marco Polo Airport with the historic center and the islands using its own routes. Alilaguna is not part of ACTV, so tickets purchased for ACTV services are not valid on Alilaguna boats.
FAQ – cose da sapere e domande più frequenti
When can I use my ticket?
You can use your ticket on <strong>any date</strong>, not necessarily on the day you selected during booking. Regardless of the chosen date, the ticket becomes valid <strong>from the moment it is first validated</strong>.
Can I reach Marco Polo Airport with this ticket?
No. All transfers to and from <strong>Venice Marco Polo Airport are subject to a separate fare</strong> and are not included in standard ACTV vaporetto tickets.
Can I use Alilaguna boats with this ticket?
No. This ticket is valid only for ACTV public transportation. It cannot be used on services operated by other companies, including Alilaguna.
Can I take any vaporetto line with an online ticket
Yes. You are free to use your ticket as often as you like and on any ACTV vaporetto line. Only a few special routes are excluded, such as Line 16, which runs directly to the Venice Casino. The key requirement is that the service is operated by <strong>ACTV</strong>.
Using the vaporetto for wheelchair users
You can travel throughout the Venice Lagoon and use public transportation thanks to the accessibility policies implemented by the local transport authority.
You can call the toll-free number 800 845 065 at least 20 minutes before departure to request boarding assistance and reserve your embarkation.
Onboard staff will be available to ensure a safe and comfortable service.
Where can I find dates and tickets?
After completing your purchase, you will receive your <strong>PNR code by email</strong>.
At the vaporetto stop, simply enter the PNR code at the ticket validation machine to validate your ride and board.
There is no need to collect a paper ticket
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