Venice > Local transportation > Waterbus stops > Tickets

If you need a ticket...

ACTV ticket inspector on vaporetto in Venice, Italy.

ABOVE: An ACTV inspector checks a passenger's ticket.

ACTV really wants you to have a ticket that you've swiped against an electronic reader before you board. It's illegal to be on a waterbus platform without a validated ticket, and stations are gradually being upgraded with paddle-style gates to encourage compliance.

Fortunately, there's now an easy way to buy ACTV transit tickets on the spot: Just use your bank card (such as a Visa or MasterCard) as you enter the pontile or vaporetto pier.

When you hold your card against the electronic validator, the system will automatically charge you the appropriate fare. As a bonus, the system will monitor your rides over a period of several days and upgrade you automatically to a tourist pass if that will save you money.

ACTV ticket machines at Venice's Piazzale Roma.

If you're a "cash only" type of person and don't have a bank card, not to worry. At many stations, you can also buy ACTV tickets from ticket counters or ticket machines.

Tobacco shop in Venice, Italy. Not all stations sell tickets, so if necessary, look for a third-party outlet such as a newsstand or one of the city's many tabacchi (tobacco shops), which are identified by blue "T" signs.

Durant Imboden has written about Venice, Italy since 1996. He covered Venice and European travel at About.com for 4-1/2 years before launching Europe for Visitors (including Venice for Visitors) with Cheryl Imboden in 2001.

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