A Guide to the Venice Water Taxis
Venice is unlike any other city in the world. Known for its famous canals and waterways, it offers something that no other location can. It has a gorgeous Italian charm, complete with stunning scenery, gorgeous restaurants and a unique buzz that I'm yet to feel anywhere else on the planet.
However, what makes it a stand-out gem in the heart of Europe can make it difficult to get around as a tourist. Having been to Venice for a few days last year, I wanted to help out my follow tourists with a short guide to their water taxi system. So, let's get into it.
What is a water taxi?
As the name would suggest, a Venice water taxi is a private motorboat that's designed to whizz people around the city and through their many canals, waterways and lagoons. Unless the public water bus (otherwise known as the Vaporetto), the water taxi is an exclusive experience.
Therefore, you won't have to worry about sharing your ride with other tourists and strangers. It offers something that the gondolas don't, giving you a different experience of the Venetian water.
You'll be able to tell a private water taxi from a public one. The private water taxis are sleek and wooden. They have comfortable seating and they often come with covered cabins to protect you from splashes.
Why choose a water taxi over other forms of transport?
You might be wondering what the point of a private water taxi is when you can get on a public water bus for a lot less. While I don't think it's cost-effective to get a water taxi every time you want to get from A-to-B, it's definitely an experience worth having, especially if you're wanting to make the most of your time there. So, why should you choose a water taxi over a different form of water transport?
It's quick & convenient
A water taxi is quick and convenient, hence the price tag. It can take you from one place to another without having to wait for other people to get on. You won't be sitting for what feels like age in a gusty dock before setting off.
It also won't make multiple stops along the way. It will take you directly from one place to another, on your say so. This is especially useful if you're running late, are carrying luggage or need to get to the airport in quick time.
It also helps if you have a dinner reservation somewhere that you cannot be late for. It also completes the night, especially if it's a special occasion or a romantic night away without the children. Either way, it take the stress out of navigating your holiday.
Service is door-to-door
Many hotels and restaurants along the waterways have a private water taxi entrance. This means that you can go from your hotel right to the door of a restaurant. You won't have to get off with all of the other tourists and walk through the many winding streets to get to your destination/ A water taxi will either drop you off right outside, or as close as possible to your destination.
It's comfortable & private
A water taxi has an enclosed area on the boat itself, meaning that you can sit back and relax, enjoying some private time with friends or partners. It also protects you from water splashes. Complete with a comfortable seating area, both inside and out, it's never been more plus to cross the waterways in Venice than in a private water taxi.
It's a scenic experience
Water taxis are often open at the top, unlike the public water buses that are enclosed. This means that you'll be able to see everything when sat in a water taxi as opposed to sitting at the back of a crowded public water bus.
When do I recommend using a private water taxi in Venice?
As I've said before, I don't recommend getting a water taxi around Venice for every single excursion. However, I do believe that they should be used to your advantage, if you're going to do it at all. Some of the reasons why I would (and have) used a water taxi are...
- Transfer to and from the airport - a direct ride either to or from Venice Marco polo Airport screams convenience, especially when you have luggage and a tight deadline to meet flight times. It saves time, hassle and stress in this case
- Special occasions - from romantic trips to anniversaries, big birthdays and even proposals, a private Venice water taxi is a great way of marking the event to make it all the more memorable. It's privacy and comfort also makes the experience more intimate
- Group travel - if there are a few of few, then it helps to increase convenience and reduce the cost, as it can be split between you all. The price of a water taxi in Venice will vary, so check before you get onboard. Normally, a water taxi can take a maximum of 8-10 people
- Late-night travel - when public water buses are rammed, or have stopped running, then a water taxi is the best way to go to beat the crowds
How much do Venice water taxis cost?
I've previously mentioned, the price of a private water taxi in Venice can vary. It can change depending on the season, the time of day, the distance and the number of passengers. However, there are some benchmark prices to use as a guideline to make sure that you're not being ripped off. Some typical prices are below, but again, these can change and are correct at the time of writing:
- Airport transfers - 100-150 Euros per boat
- Short trips within Venice - 60-90 Euros
- Hourly private hire - 120 Euros per hour
How do I book a water taxi?
There are loads of different ways to book a water taxi in Venice. However, I would suggest booking ahead to ensure availability and avoid long wait times during busy periods. This is especially useful if you're going in peak tourist season. But back to the question of how to book a water taxi in Venice. Here are your options:
- Book online - this can be done in advance, which is something you should do if you're visiting during peak tourist season
- Use the airport desk - when you arrive at the airport, go to the airport desk and ask them to arrange a water taxi for you
- Ask your hotel - many hotels have the capability of arranging a water taxi for you, so ask them if you're in doubt
- Wait at the taxi stand - you can find these near major points, like train stations and squares. However, to avoid being scammed, it's always best to pre-arrange your taxi or ask your hotel to book one for you
How does the water taxi compare to the Vaporetto?
Choose the water taxi if you want comfort, speed and convenience. It's also ideal for celebrating special occasions and for making the trip memorable. However, the public water buses, AKA the Vaporetto, is perfect if you're on a budget and don't mind the crowds, multiple stops, or long waits in the dock.
Tips for using the water taxi in Venice
There are a few things that you should be mindful of when using the water taxis in Venice that I haven't touched on yet. So, here are a few additional tips that you should be aware of before choosing to travel by private water taxi in Venice...
- Confirm the price beforehand to avoid surprises
- Check the luggage limits, especially if you're travelling with large suitcases or as a group
- Ask about night surcharges as the cost of a water taxi can increase depending on the time of day or night
- Share the ride with friends or family if you've gone on holiday as a group as it helps to keep the cost down, but you still get the private Venice water taxi experience
- Have cash ready to make payment, or check that they're able to take card, which many do these days
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