For the most part, transportation within Venice consists of a sturdy pair of rubber-soled shoes or Birkenstocks. Distances are short, although they'll often seem much longer since you're bound to get lost whenever you venture off the well-marked central pedestrian routes.

Still, there are times when you'll want to take to the water, so here's how to cruise the canali without bruising your pocketbook:

Waterbus

Vaporetto platforms The public boats called vaporetti and motoscafi run almost constantly during the day and evening, and you'll seldom have to wait more than a few minutes for one to come along. (See our Venice Vaporetto Water Buses article for an introduction to the city's aquatic transit system.)

The water bus that you're likely to use most often is the No. 1, the local that stops 13 times between the Piazzale Roma and the Piazza San Marco. (For details on boat routes, see our easy-to-print vaporetto routes article and the ACTV Web site.)

The standard waterbus fare is a painfully steep €6,50. However, if you plan on traveling extensively by public transportation, you can save money with 12- to 72-hour "tourist travel card" from ACTV, the Venice transit authority. See our Venice Vaporetto and Bus Fares page for more information. (A more expensive option, the tourist office's Venice Connected pass, is worth considering if you need its extra features and can figure out the byzantine pricing scheme.)

There's also an iMob or Cartavenezia card for residents, students, and visitors who are planning to stay a while. This card offers big discounts on public-transportation fares, and it can be a good value if you're staying in Venice for several weeks or longer and expect to use public transportation frequently, or if you plan to return to Venice soon.

Tip: Smaller boat stops may not have ticket booths. In such cases, board the vaporetto and ask the conductor for a ticket (biglietto) immediately. The alternative--keeping your mouth shut and hoping you aren't noticed--could result in a hefty fine and public humiliation.

Water taxi

The sleek, wood-trimmed water taxis of Venice are priced for the limousine crowd, with extra fees 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 of Venice are beautiful but expensive. Gondoliers often demand more money for less than the officially allotted time, so read our Gondolas article before you're taken for a ride.

Traghetto

With only a handful of bridges crossing the Grand Canal's four-kilometer length, Venetians rely on gondola ferries called traghetti at seven points between the railroad station and the Santa Maria della Salute church. Follow the yellow gondola signs down to the water, where you'll pay only a small fee to reach the other side. See our Traghetto article for more information.

For more detailed information on reaching and getting around the the historic center and the Venetian Lagoon, see Arriving in Venice and our Local Transportation - Quick Index.

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Hotel tip: Location can be important when choosing a hotel in Venice or on the mainland. Before booking, read our No. 1 Warning and Venice Hotel Recommendations by Area.

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