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| City Guide - Venice - Getting Around | ||
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Getting Around Public transport For a real sense of the city, a wander through the tiny side streets, over hump-backed bridges and into pocket-sized piazzas is a must. But if time is of the essence, it is worth using the extensive network of waterbuses (vaporetti). Tickets cost L6000 per journey, but the three-day ticket is better value at L35,000, or better still L60,000 for a week. A carnet of ten tickets can be purchased for L50,000. Tickets can be purchased at most landing stations and selected newsagents, and should be punched in the machine prior to boarding. Tickets can also be used on ACTV buses (tel: (041) 528 7886; web site: www.actv.it), which are road buses operating to Piazzale Roma from Mestre and the airport. Traghetti are traditionally used by locals to cross the Grand Canal (there are only three bridges), but sadly are an increasingly rare breed. A poor relation to the gondola, these wooden dinghies nonetheless conjure up some of the romance of Venice of yesteryear. A swift plunge of the oars and the journey is complete, but at around L1000 per trip, it is worth it for the chance to see Venice just as Marco Polo might have done. Driving in the City: No cars are allowed in Venice at all. Even the emergency services operate by boat. Taxis: Water taxis are unbelievably expensive; there is a set charge of around L30,000, and the trip will only be a maximum of seven minutes. There are surcharges for luggage, extra passengers over the standard four and travelling by night. Water taxis can be ordered by phone, but will have a minimum of L8000 on the clock when they arrive (tel: (041) 541 5084). Stands can be found at the station, Piazzale Roma, Rialto, San Marco and the Lido. Gondolas: The Venetian equivalent of a limousine is the gondola. For the ultimate travelling experience, there is nothing like gliding under the Bridge of Sighs, leaning back in plush red velvet seats and listening to the gentle slap of water against the crumbling palazzi walls. First mentioned in the city's annals in 1094, there are now just 400 of these sleek, flat-bottomed vessels negotiating the Venetian waters. The traditional cabins that once shielded lascivious English lords and their courtesans from prying eyes were done away with long ago. Today's gondoliers must rely on fine weather and long summer days for their business, which may account for the high cost of the ride. For visitors who balk at paying L120,000 for 50 minutes (more after 8pm), the cost can be kept down by doubling up with other sightseers. All gondolas can carry up to six people and fees for additional services, such as a singer can - and should - be negotiated prior to setting off. Gondolas depart from St Mark's Square, the Rialto, Piazzale Roma and the railway station. Car/Bicycle Hire: No cars or bicycles are allowed in Venice, although for forays into the surrounding countryside, cars can be hired at the airport or in Piazzale Roma where Avis (tel: (041) 522 5825) and Eurodollar (tel: (041) 523 8616) both have offices. |
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