Venice's historic centre is car-free: 118 small islands linked by more than 400 footbridges. Besides walking, there are three kinds of boats to know:
- Vaporetto (water bus): the main public transport. ACTV has stops almost everywhere, around the city and out to the islands. Alilaguna mainly runs between Marco Polo Airport and the centre, plus a few city lines. Buy the right ticket for the company and route; check schedules on Google Maps.
- Traghetto: looks like a gondola but only ferries people across the Grand Canal at a few fixed points, marked by signs. Very cheap, and quicker than walking round to a bridge.
- Water taxi: a small private boat, booked ahead or negotiated on the spot. Very expensive; best kept for trips with luggage, such as airport to hotel.
Tips
- If you'll ride the vaporetto a lot, an ACTV pass (1, 2, 3 or 7 days) is usually better value than single tickets.
- Pack light: dragging a suitcase over hundreds of stepped bridges is hard work.