Water Taxi and other Venice, Italy Transportation Tips

'Mode': TO
Category: Ship/Boat
Getting TO/AROUND: We took my parents to Venice for their first ever visit in Sep 2007, and we wanted them to have a fabulous first impression of this amazing place. We flew in to Marco Polo airport, and decided to splash out and catch a water taxi directly to our hotel. We had always really loved the look of the gorgeous wooden boats they use, but had never caught one before.

Upon arrival, we followed the signs from the airport terminal to the dock - about a 5 minute walk. Here we found the Consorzio Motoscafi Venezia, who run a water taxi service. We spoke to the man who was taking bookings and told him where we wanted to get the taxi to - our B&B was conveniently located close to a tiny canal.

About 10 minutes later, a taxi arrived for us. We passed the luggage down, and then clambered in, and we were away. Mum and I sat on the back seat in the open air, whilst the boys sat inside. We motored across the water, and couldn't see much initially (it was 9pm and dark), but after a little while the lights of Venice appeared and before we knew it we were on the Grand Canal!!

What an experience - we stood up at the back as we cruised down the canal, enjoying every moment of this fabulous 'taxi' ride.

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Website: http://www.motoscafivenezia.it/

'Mode': TO
Category: Bus
Getting TO/AROUND: On my latest trip to Venice I flew into Marco Polo airport, which is located 20 - 30 minutes drive from the centre of Venice.

To get into town, or should I say, onto the island, I caught an ATVO bus - the "blue" bus, which departs from outside the airport.

Buses depart around every 30 - 50 minutes, and the trip took only 20 minutes (as there was no traffic delays). You can buy a ticket from the driver when you board. A one-way trip cost 3 euro when I was there in May 2005.

The bus is non stop from the airport to Piazzale Roma, and from here it is only a few minute walk to the the train station. To return to the airport you can catch the bus from the place you were dropped off to in Piazzale Roma.

The best part of the bus trip is deriving across the long spit out to the island - that's when you have to pinch yourself and try not to smile to much - bella Venezia!!

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Phone: 0421 594 518
Website: http://www.atvo.it/eng/airport.php?ld=orari_vat.ihtm&id=0

'Mode': TO
Category: Train
Getting TO/AROUND: I have now been to Italy several times and each time have travelled around this fabulous country by train.

Once you get the hang of it, train travel in Italy is easy. It is also a great way to see the beautiful countryside on the way to your next destination.

I have travelled a couple of times using a rail pass, but the last couple of visits have just purchased tickets for each individual trip as we went.

That said, we often have purchased tickets a day or two in advance - particularly if the particular train requires a seat reservation, or if it is a busy time of year.

Purchasing a little in advance also means that you don't miss the train you want to catch due to a huuuuuge queue for tickets...

Last trip we used the automatic ticket machines at the stations and found them excellent.

Also, I have travelled both first and second class, and didn't really find much difference - travel second class and you can use the extra money to buy more wine/food etc

Just remember with all tickets that you need to validate them in the small yellow ticket machines before you board your train.

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Website: www.trenitalia.com

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Ship/Boat
Getting TO/AROUND: So, how do you get around in a city with no cars ? By boat of course....or vaporetto to be precise.

A vaporetto is Venice's equivalent of a bus. There are different numbered boats going to different places, some stopping at each stop, others offer a more 'express' option.

You need to buy a ticket before you board the vaporetto. Last time we were there (Oct 2004) it cost 3.50euro each (valid for 90minutes), plus there is usually an extra charge for luggage. If there is no ticket office at your boarding point, make sure you speak to the conductor straight away, else they may think you are trying to travel for free - and they are very strict.

Catching a vaporetto is one of those fabulous things that you have to experience in Venice. Jumping on the No 1 vaporetto gives you a tour of the Grand Canal, and is a great way to get a feel for the city!

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Website: http://europeforvisitors.com/venice/articles/vaporetto_routes.htm

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Ship/Boat
Getting TO/AROUND: The Gondola. This narrow, black boat is one of the icon's of Venice.

People come here dreaming of a romantic sunset ride on a gondola, being serenaded whist sipping champagne and amazing over this wondrous city....that is until they find out how much it is!!

A gondola ride in Venice is unfortunately a luxury that many tourists can't afford. Although there are supposedly "official rates" for hiring a gondola, it is really up to the individual gondolier how much they try to charge you - you will need to negotiate before getting in the boat. Any it costs more for that serenade too.

If it is in your budget, then there are plenty of places to hire one from - just take a wander and you will see the gondoliers waiting near bridges for your custom.

And if you get lucky, perhaps your sweetheart will propose to you in a gondola, at sunset.....

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Website: http://europeforvisitors.com/venice/articles/gallivanting_by_gondola.htm

'Mode': TO
Category: Airplane
Getting TO/AROUND: I have visited Venice several times now, the first few times arriving by train from another Italian city. More recently I have flown direct from London Gatwick to Marco Polo, Venice's main airport. I have travelled with Easyjet, and the flight takes around 2 hours.

Marco Polo is around 20-30 minutes drive from the centre of Venice. There is a shuttle bus that departs from the front of the terminal, or if you prefer to arrive in style, walk down to the dock and catch one of the public ferries, or even better, a water taxi.

Some budget airlines fly into Treviso airport, which is actually located about a 1 hour drive from the centre of Venice. You can catch a shuttle bus from here, which coincides with flight arrivals.

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Website: http://www.veniceairport.it http://www.trevisoairport.it