Transportation in Venice

Venice's transport is water-first: vaporetti (public water-buses) are the metro here, running the length of the Grand Canal and out to the lagoon islands. They're cheap, accept the same ACTV travel cards sold at every landing stage, and run late enough for dinner on Giudecca. Traghetto gondola ferries offer a bargain crossing of the Grand Canal foramente, stand up like locals, pay a fraction of a private gondola ride. On land, you walk; the city is car-free and most journeys between districts are under 20 minutes on foot. First-timers should buy a 24-, 48- or 72-hour ACTV pass at the airport or any Hellovenezia kiosk, skip single tickets, which add up fast. The pass covers all vaporetti and the People Mover tram to Piazzale Roma from the mainland car park. Ignore hawkers selling "skip-the-line" water-taxi vouchers. The only licensed boats depart from the official ranks. If you're staying near San Marco, the Alilaguna airport boat is direct and costs markedly less than a private water taxi. But allow an hour for the full loop. From Marco Polo Airport, the Alilaguna Orange or Blue lines drop you at major stops like Rialto or San Marco, buy the ticket online or at the desk by baggage claim to dodge the queue. A private water taxi is a splurge but drops you at your hotel's canal door in 30 minutes. Agree the pier before boarding, as some canals are too shallow at low tide.