Don't stand in line....... and other Venice, Italy Transportation Tips

'Mode': TO
Category: Train
Getting TO/AROUND: At peak season, the line for tickets to Venice and elsewhere snakes around the building. The same thing goes when buying tickets from the vending machine. (and often half of them are not in working order).

Suggest instead that you buy your tickets from the attendent at the baggage storage department, located under the portico just outside of the Padova train station. He sells tickets (2nd class only) for anywhere within the Veneto region, but is unable to reserve seats, sleepers etc. You pay approximately the same price as you would at the wicket, but are charged by the distance, not the destination. If in doubt as to the mileage, simply ask the agent. Cash only, no credit cards, passes etc.

You will save yourself at least 20-40 minutes of wait time when it is busy, and during off season, there is often no line up.

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'Mode': AROUND
Category: Ship/Boat
Getting TO/AROUND: If you plan on using public transport....

1. Smoking is not allowed on board or even on the landing stage.

2. At the landing stages, wait in the designated space...not in the painted black and yellow area. Everyone crowds up front so they can grab a 'good' seat, but you interfere with the mooring procedures of the craft, and hinder disembarking passangers.

3. Back packs should be removed and carried in front of you. You could inadvertantly
knock someone overboard as you turn to observe sights on shore. Children are especially prone to mishap.

4. If you want to transport a newly purchased painting, or a large statue stolen from a museum or church, you must first ask the captain if you may board with it.

5. Luggage is to be stowed in the area near the pilotage cabin. Don't block doorways or exits.

6. Tickets are expected to be purchased when traveling by water transport. I have 'never' been asked for one, however, if caught without a ticket, you are fined, and then become a marked man. You are forbidden to board water transport for the remainder of your visit, and the officials are very diligent in tracking those 'marked' tourists. Just a warning to those who spoil it for others...

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'Mode': AROUND
Category: Ship/Boat
Getting TO/AROUND: Traffic jams, steadily becoming a major problem in Venice. With tourism on the rise in Venice, the local waterways are becoming jammed. Seriously ask your gondolier of choice to avoid the more heavily travelled parts, unless getting held up in traffic is your thing.

At one time you could take a leisurely trip down the back alleys with your loved one, and never encounter a soul. Today, the rules have changed.

Take a gander at the photos.

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'Mode': AROUND
Category: Ship/Boat
Getting TO/AROUND: Even though Ma Kettle and I have been wandering the neighbourhoods of Venice for three years, we still find it odd to see cruisers attending to medical matters. I'm sure no one knows these 'alleys' as well as these guys.

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