About the City - Navigating the City
 
The Grand Canal snakes its way through the heart of Venice, from Piazzale Roma (near Santa Lucia train station) to Piazza San Marco. Only three bridges cross the Grand Canal: Ponte degli Scalzi near Santa Lucia train station, Rialto, and Accademia. If you have the time and energy, walking is the best way to get around Venice. It takes about 30 minutes to walk from the train station to Piazza San Marco. Otherwise you can choose between the other modes of transport: vaporetto, traghetto, gondola and water taxi.

Vaporetto
The most economical means of public transportation are the vaporettos, or public water buses. A number of lines travel different routes at varying speeds, check ACTV website for more details. To take in the grand canal you can choose between the quicker line 82 or the slower line 1, which stops at every stop. Make sure you board the vaporetto going in the right direction! Most stops have two landing stages; if in doubt, ask a crewman - they are usually very helpful.
The vaporettos run every 10-20 minutes; look for the line schedules posted at every stop. Tickets can be bought at most stops and cost €3,50 single/€ 6,00 return. A ticket for travelling along the Grand Canal costs €5,00 and lasts 90 minutes (you may get off the boat as many times as you wish). Punch your ticket in the appropriate machine before you board. Individual tickets may be purchased on board for a slightly higher price. If you are caught without a ticket you may be fined. You can choose to purchase a 1 day (€ 10,50) or 72 hour (€ 22,00) vaporetto pass, which will save you time and money. Tickets can also be purchased in bars and tabacchi (tobacconist's) displaying the ACTV sign.

Traghetto
The traghettos are slightly larger than gondolas and come in very handy for crossing the Grand Canal where bridges are lacking. They also offer a cheaper way to sample the gondola experience. Signs will direct you to the 7 traghetto points located along the Grand Canal. Give € 0,40 directly to the gondoliere when you board - no ticket is needed. Most people stand on the traghettos though sitting is permitted at the back and along the sides of the boat.

Gondola
A gondola should cost € 70,00 for 50 minutes (up to six passengers), with an additional € 35,00 surcharge for every additional 25 minutes. The price goes up to € 80,00 between 8pm and 8am. The tariffs for gondola rides are established by the government, but the gondolieri are notorious for extorting large sums of money from unsuspecting tourists. You are advised to agree on a price before boarding.

Water taxi
Water taxis are extremely expensive, but readily available. You can hail a taxi from the stand in front of the Piazzetta San Marco, or order one by telephone. Use the following numbers: 041.522.2303, 041.522.8538, or 041.522.9750, a journey from the airport to the city and vice-versa may cost up to € 80,00, whilst a trip within the city centre may cost up to € 60,00. Agree on a price before leaving for your destination and note that between 10pm and 7am and on Sundays there is a surcharge of € 5,00. Make sure your taxi is licensed (they should have a black registration number on a yellow background); unauthorised taxis charge more.

Venice Card
Venice doesn't offer any interesting academic or student discounts. The Venice Card is therefore suggested.
There are different solutions of Venice Cards: two colors, each available for 1, 3, or 7 days:
Venice Blu Card
This card offers unlimited transportation on buses and water-buses, including the Alilaguna airport boat. It also provides free use of public toilets; discounts for various attractions, shops, restaurants, and bars; insurance covering medical and legal assistance; and other perks.
Venice Orange Card
The more expensive orange card includes all of the above plus admission to the Doge's Palace and other museums of the Piazza San Marco.
The cards are sold in two versions: Senior (for adults over 30) and Junior (for visitors from 5 through 29).
Prices in 2003 start at €9,00 for a one-day Junior Blu card and €14,00 for a one-day Senior Blu card.
The Venice Card must be reserved at least 48 hours before your arrival in Venice. The easiest way to buy this Card is to order it online. For more information, see the Venice Card WebSite