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| Venice
Getting Around |
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Public
Transport
For a real sense of the city, a stroll through the tiny side streets,
over the hump-backed bridges and into pocket-sized piazzas is a
must for visitors to Venice. But if time is of the essence, visitors
should consider using the extensive network of water buses called
vaporetti and operated by Azienda
Consorziale Transporti Venezia – ACTV (telephone number:
(041) 528 7886).
Tickets cost €5 for trips that include the Grand Canal
and €3.50 for those that do not. There is also a 24-hour pass
which is available for €10.50 and a good value three-day ticket
priced at €22, both passes allow the holder to travel on the
Grand Canal. Tickets and passes are available for
purchase at most landing stations and selected newsagents and should
be punched in the machine before boarding. Failure to provide a
valid ticket when requested results in a €30 fine, plus the
full value of the ticket. Tickets are also valid for ACTV road buses,
which operate to Piazzale Roma from Mestre and the airport. ACTV
operate a 24-hour service but not on all routes.
Traghetti
(public ferries) are traditionally used by locals to cross the Grand
Canal. There are only three bridges with another currently
planned, but sadly they are an increasingly rare breed. A poor relation
to the gondola, these wooden dinghies nonetheless
conjure up some of the romance of old the -fashioned Venice. A swift
plunge of the oars and the journey is complete but at €0.40
per trip, it is worth it for the chance to see Venice just as Marco
Polo might have done.
For visitors who cannot afford the expense or do not want to succumb
to the cliché of taking a tourist gondola ride, a traghetti
is a better option, although standing is de rigeur and the ride
an unsteady one, not to be attempted after one too many Bellinis.
The traghetti are run by the gondoliers co-operative
in conjunction with the city council and there are no set routes
or times of operation.
Taxis
Water taxis have to offer the most expensive taxi service in Europe
and there is a minimum set charge of around €15, and the trip
will only be a maximum of seven minutes.
A brief trip along the Grand Canal will cost in
the region of €70-80 and on top of this there are surcharges
for extra passengers, (over the standard four), luggage and travelling
by night.
Water Taxis (telephone number: (041) 541 5084) can be ordered by
telephone but will have a minimum of €5 on the clock when they
arrive. Co-operative San Marco (teephone number: (041) 523 5775)
also operates a water taxi service. Stands are located at the station,
Piazzale Roma, Rialto, San Marco and the Lido.
Official water taxis have a black registration number on a yellow
background. Visitors are advised to stay away from illegal operators
who charge what they want.
Taxis of the four-wheeled variety operate between Piazzale Roma
and the mainland only. Since hailing a taxi can prove difficult,
visitors find it easier to call for a pickup from a reputable company,
such as Radio Taxi (telephone number: (041) 523
7774), which charges from €10 for short trips. Visitors should
beware of unlicensed taxis without the usual sign or meter.
Tipping is expected for both land and water taxis, with approximately
10 per cent the accepted norm.
Gondolas
The Venetian equivalent of the limousine is the gondola. For the
ultimate travelling experience, there is nothing like gliding under
the Bridge of Sighs, leaning back in plush red
velvet seats and listening to the gentle slap of water against the
crumbling palazzi walls.
First mentioned in the city’s annals in 1094, there are now
just 400 of these sleek, flat-bottomed vessels negotiating the Venetian
waters. The traditional cabins that once shielded lascivious English
lords and their courtesans from prying eyes were done away with
ages ago. The gondoliers of today must rely on fine weather and
long summer days for their business, which may account for the very
high cost of the ride. For visitors who balk at paying €62
for 50 minutes (more after 2000 hrs), the cost can be kept down
by doubling up with other sightseers. Gondolas can carry up to six
people and fees for additional services, such as musical accompaniment,
costing an extra €100-130 and should be negotiated before setting
off on the trip.
Gondolas depart from St Mark’s Square, the Rialto,
Piazzale Roma and the railway station.
Fares are set by a central body called The
Ente Gondola (telephone number: (041) 528 5075; fax number:
(041) 521 1534; e-mail: gondola@gondolavenezia.it
) and any complaints should be directed there. Bargaining down the
price by 10-15 per cent is possible, particularly in shoulder seasons,
although this should never be attempted when there is a group of
gondoliers gathered together, as this is deemed insulting.
Driving in the City
No cars are allowed in Venice at all. Even the emergency services
operate by boat.
Car Hire
Cars are not allowed in Venice, although for forays into the surrounding
countryside, cars can be hired at the airport or in Piazzale Roma.
Major providers include:
Avis
(telephone number: (041) 541 5030)
Hertz
(telephone number: (041) 541 6075)
Europcar
(telephone number: (041) 541 5654).
All have offices at Piazzale Roma and the airport. Rates are approximately
€80 per day. Drivers must be 23 years or over
(depending on the company policy) and carry an EU licence
or full International Driving Permit. Basic insurance is
usually included, although drivers are recommended to purchase excess
insurance to avoid any excess charges in case of an accident.
Bicycle Hire
No bicycles or scooters are allowed in Venice at all. |
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