Boat Transport in Venice
The best way to get around in Venice is to walk or take a boat. Many Venetians have their own boats but the visitors can take taxis and the public boats to move around the canals of Venice and the lagoon. The different types of water transportation means in Venice include waterbuses, water taxi, gondola and traghetto. These boats are used by the Venetians and visitors to reach all the main parts of the city, the main islands of the lagoon (Lido of Venice, Murano, Burano, Torcello, the Giudecca) and the mainland.
Waterbus
One of the peculiarities of Venice is its public transportation. The public boats called vaporetti and motoscafi run almost constantly, and you'll seldom have to wait more than a few minutes for one to come along.
Boats, called Vaporetto, travel up and down the Grand Canal or in a circular line which also goes to the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello.
You need to buy a ticket before getting on board. Tickets can be bought at the boat stop or at any tobacco shop. Though the public boat transport functions on a "trust" basis, there are occasional "checks" by Controllers. If you do not have a ticket you will be required to pay a large fine plus the cost of the ticket. If you notice a lot of people getting on the boats without tickets, they are probably Venetians and have a monthly pass. Guests of the city must buy a ticket for each ride or a round trip ticket. The standard waterbus ticket is rather expensive and if you plan to use the boat more than a few times during your stay--consider buying a pass for unlimited travel during a one-, three-, or seven-day period. Various types of tourist passes (including a 24-hour family pass for three, four, or five people) are available at any boat platform with a ticket office. You can also buy special card (for example, Venice card) to save money. Some of the smaller boat stops may have no ticket booths. In such cases, having boarded the vaporetto you should immediately ask the conductor for a ticket (biglietto).
Water taxi
The sleek, wood-trimmed water taxis of Venice are comfortable but very expensive. They are priced for radio-dispatched service, trips after 10 p.m., and Sunday travel. Warning: aquatic cabs don't have meters, so know what you're paying before the skipper casts off.
Gondola
The gondolas are traditional boat transport in Venice. They are beautiful but expensive. After 8 p.m., the base rate goes up. Special services, such as singing, can boost the price even more.
Gondoliers often demand more money for less time, so it is better to book a gondola excursion through Venice travel agency. You can take the Gondola Serenade tour or excursions through Venice.
Traghetto
Traghetto is a public gondola ferry. It is Venice's cheapest boat transport. Traghetti are similar to privately rented gondolas, but you'll pay only about half a U.S. dollar to cross the Grand Canal at one of the ferry points between the railroad station and the Campo del Traghetto near St. Mark's Square. The ride is short, but the experience is memorable.
Vaporetto
One of the peculiarities of Venice is its public transportation. Boats, called Vaporetto, travel up and down the Grand Canal or in a circular line which also goes to the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello.
You need to buy a ticket before getting on board. Tickets can be bought at the boat stop or at any tobacco shop. If you notice a lot of people getting on the boats without tickets, they are probably Venetians and have a monthly pass. Guests of the city must buy a ticket for each ride or a round trip ticket. Though the public boat transport functions on a "trust" basis, there are occasional " checks" by Controllers. If you do not have a ticket you will be required to pay a large fine plus the cost of the ticket.