One of the most common questions tourists ask when visiting Venice is, Where can we buy tickets for the waterbus? Since the vaporetto is such an essential part of getting around the city, it’s important to know how to get a ticket quickly and easily.Let’s take a closer look at how things work in Venice.
Buying a Waterbus Pass in Venice
When tourists arrive in Venice, the first step is to ensure they have the right tickets to get around the city.There are three common ways to buy a waterbus pass in Venice.
At Vaporetto Stations (Ticket Booths and Machines): One of the easiest and most straightforward places to buy a waterbus pass is right at the vaporetto stations. Major stops like Piazzale Roma (the main bus station) or Ferrovia (the train station) have clear signage leading you to the ticket booths and machines. After arriving in Venice, it’s common to find these at all major landing points for the vaporetto. Most machines are user-friendly, with options in different languages, making it simple for tourists to select and buy their tickets.
The machines typically accept both cash and cards, which is convenient for travelers who may not have enough local currency on hand. In just a few steps, you can purchase a single journey ticket or opt for a day pass, which allows unlimited travel within a specific time frame. These passes are a great value if you plan on using the waterbus multiple times during your stay.
Ticket Offices and Information Kiosks: In addition to machines, many vaporetto stations have staffed ticket offices where you can purchase your waterbus pass directly from a person. This is helpful for those who may be unsure about which ticket to buy or have specific questions about the best pass for their itinerary. These ticket offices are commonly found in busier areas like San Marco Square, Rialto, and other tourist hotspots.
Information kiosks are also scattered around the city. These kiosks not only sell tickets but also offer guidance and maps for tourists. They are often manned by staff who can speak English and other languages, making it easier for international travelers to get the right information.
Tabacchi Shops (Tobacconists): If you are wandering through Venice and suddenly realize you need a waterbus ticket, look out for the small local shops called tabacchi. These are scattered throughout the city and easy to recognize by the large white “T” on a blue background. While these shops primarily sell cigarettes, lottery tickets, and other small items, many of them also offer vaporetto passes for sale.
Tabacchi shops are a convenient option if you’re far from a main vaporetto stop or want to avoid the potential crowds at the stations. You’ll often find them in quiet streets and smaller squares, making it a quick and easy stop.
Can You Buy a Waterbus Pass Online?
The good news for those who prefer planning ahead is that you can indeed purchase a waterbus pass online before even arriving in Venice. This is ideal for tourists who want to avoid waiting in lines at ticket machines or kiosks. There are a few different ways to get your ticket online:
Venice Connected Website: The Venice Connected website, which is part of the city’s official transportation system, allows tourists to buy their vaporetto passes online. The process is simple. You can choose between various types of passes depending on how long you plan to stay in Venice. Options typically include passes for 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, or even a weekly pass.
Once you purchase the pass online, you will receive an email confirmation with a QR code. This QR code serves as your digital ticket. When you arrive at a vaporetto station, all you need to do is scan the code at one of the machines to activate your pass. This option not only saves time but also ensures you are ready to explore Venice right from the moment you arrive.
AVM Venezia App: For travelers who prefer using their smartphones, downloading the AVM Venezia app is another excellent way to buy vaporetto passes. The app allows you to purchase tickets directly on your phone, meaning you can skip any queues at the stations. Once the ticket is bought, all you need to do is show the digital pass on your phone when boarding the vaporetto.
The app is user-friendly and offers various pass options, just like the Venice Connected website. It also allows for easy management of your travel tickets. If you are tech-savvy and prefer having everything in one place on your phone, this app is a great tool for making your Venice trip hassle-free.
What Types of Passes Are Available?
Venice offers a range of waterbus passes, so tourists can choose the best option based on their plans. Here’s a quick breakdown of the most common passes:
Single Journey Ticket: This is perfect if you’re planning to take just one trip on the vaporetto. The ticket is valid for 75 minutes from the time of validation.
24-Hour Pass: This pass gives you unlimited travel on the vaporetto for 24 hours. It’s a great option if you want to explore different parts of Venice in a day.
48-Hour and 72-Hour Passes: Ideal for longer stays, these passes allow unlimited travel for two or three days. If you plan to visit the islands of Murano, Burano, or Torcello, these passes are highly recommended.
7-Day Pass: For tourists spending a full week in Venice, this pass provides unlimited travel for seven days, offering the best value if you’ll be moving around a lot.
What many tourists don’t realize is that the same waterbus ticket can also be used for Venice’s regular buses, making it even more convenient for travelers to navigate both land and water.
Why Buy a Pass?
While some tourists might consider buying individual tickets for each journey, having a pass offers more freedom and flexibility. Venice is full of surprises, and you might find yourself wanting to hop on and off the vaporetto several times in a day—whether to visit an island, take a scenic ride along the Grand Canal, or simply move from one neighborhood to another.
Having a pass means you can travel as much as you like without worrying about buying tickets for each trip. It also saves you money in the long run if you plan on using the waterbus multiple times during your stay.
A Hidden Tip
There’s a little-known detail about Venice’s vaporetto system that most tourists only find out once they’re already at the station. At major stops like Piazzale Roma, Rialto, or San Marco, you’ll often notice there are two entrances to board the waterbus. One of these entrances is reserved for local residents of Venice, while the other is for tourists. This is Venice’s way of helping locals get around faster since they rely on the vaporetto for their daily commutes.
The tricky part for tourists is that both entrances look very similar, and there’s often no clear sign that tells you which line is meant for residents and which one is for tourists. It can be confusing if you don’t know about this beforehand. Unfortunately, even if you have a valid ticket, you can’t simply choose either line—you must enter through the correct one. Many tourists end up standing in the wrong queue, only to be told to move to the other line once they get close to the boat.Yes, typically, at major vaporetto stops in Venice, the right-side entrance is designated for tourists.
However, it’s essential to keep in mind that this can vary by location, and there may not always be clear signage indicating which entrance to use. It’s always a good idea to look for other travelers or ask a staff member if you’re unsure. This way, you can avoid any confusion and ensure a smoother experience boarding the waterbus.
Which Option is Best?
Ultimately, the best option depends on your travel preferences. If you prefer to have everything organized ahead of time, buying your waterbus pass online is a smart choice. It saves you from having to find a ticket booth or machine when you arrive, letting you enjoy your trip without delay. On the other hand, if you like to be more spontaneous or prefer purchasing things in person, buying a pass at a vaporetto station or tabacchi shop is just as convenient.
