Venice, the city of canals and gondolas, is known for its unique transport system. Gondolas are a popular mode of transport for tourists, but even a short ride on the Grand Canal can be quite expensive.

For those looking for a cheaper alternative, the Traghetto in Venice offers an authentic and inexpensive way to cross the Grand Canal like a local, as well as a cheap alternative to a gondola ride.

In this article, I explain what a traghetto in Venice is, how it differs from a gondola ride, where to find traghetto stops in Venice, how to use it like a local, and how to experience both a traghetto and a gondola ride when visiting this enchanting Italian city.

The Traghetto in Venice

A traghetto (plural: traghetti) is a type of public gondola ferry that operates in Venice. It is a large flat-bottomed gondola that takes passengers across the Grand Canal at various points where there are no bridges. The word “traghetto” comes from the Italian word “traghettare”, which means “to translate” or “to transport”.

A traghetto, also called a parade gondola, carries up to 15 passengers. The boats do without bow decorations, brocaded chairs and other luxurious fittings. They are rowed by two oarsmen: One stands behind the passengers like a traditional gondolier, the other closer to the bow.

Unlike a traditional gondola ride, where a gondolier takes you on a leisurely tour of the canals, a traghetto ride is a quick and easy way to cross the Grand Canal.

Most traghetti have been run by the same families for generations. As recently as the 1950s, there were about 30 of these gondola ferries. Today there are only a little over half a dozen official routes, but you’ll be lucky to find more than two, three or four at any given time.

Traghetto ferries are used mainly by locals as a practical means of transport to get from one side of the canal to the other, as there are very few bridges crossing the Grand Canal in some areas of Venice.

After all, until 1854, the Ponte di Rialto was the only bridge over the Grand Canal in Venice. Even today, there are only four bridges over the 3.5 km long canal.

If you need to cross the canal and there is no bridge nearby, you have two options:

• Take vaporetto no. 1, which zigzags from one bank to the other as it follows the Grand Canal
• Go to the nearest traghetto pier and get rowed to the other side

It is important to know that the Traghetto rides are not a guided tour or a romantic gondola experience, but a functional means of crossing the Grand Canal.

Where are the Traghetto stations located in Venice?

Traghetto stations are located at key points where there are no bridges nearby or far apart. This makes them convenient and efficient for locals and tourists who want to cross the Grand Canal quickly without walking to the nearest bridge or taking a longer route. Traghetto stations are often signposted and easy to find, making them a convenient option for anyone wanting to navigate Venice’s waterways.

Venice’s traghetto stations are strategic points along the Grand Canal where travellers can board a traghetto to get from one side to the other.

There are currently seven traghetto stations in Venice at various points along the Grand Canal, including:

• San Samuele,
• Santa Maria del Giglio,
• San Tomà,
• San Sofia,
• Ca’ Rezzonico,
• Santa Maria del Mosto
• San Marcuola.

These Traghetto stations in Venice are easily recognisable by their distinctive black and yellow gondola-like boats, which are used as ferries to transport passengers across the canal.

It is important to note that traghetto stops are not for leisurely sightseeing or sightseeing tours. Traghetti are primarily a practical means of transport for locals going about their daily tasks. For tourists, however, a traghetto ride can be a unique way to get to know the daily life of Venetians and go about their daily activities.

It is also important to know that not all Traghetto stations are open and that it is always best to check for the most up-to-date information before planning a Traghetto ride in Venice.

City map with the registered Traghetto stations in Venice

The most popular Traghetto stops in Venice are Santa Sofia (near the Rialto Bridge), San Tomà, Santa Maria del Giglio and San Samuele. These stops are easy to reach and are located in areas frequented by both locals and tourists. Traghetto trips usually take place during the day and departure times can vary depending on the season and weather conditions. It is therefore advisable to check the timetables at the stations or ask a local for the latest information.

• traghetto San Marcuola (CLOSED)
• traghetto Santa Sofia (daily 9 am – 6 pm)
• traghetto Vin/Carbon (Monday to Friday 9 am – 12 pm )
• traghetto San Tomà (daily 9 am – 6:30 pm)
• traghetto Giglio (CLOSED)
• traghetto Santa Maria del Giglio (daily 9 am – 6 pm)
• traghetto Dogana ((daily 9 am – 6 pm)

Traghetto in Venice on holidays

• Only the connections traghetto Vin/Carbon and traghetto San Tomà are open.
• No traghetto service on January 1, August 15, December 25 and 26.
• On December 24 and 31 the service ends already at 1 pm

For up-to-date information, please visit the Official Website of the Traghetto in Venice:

How much does a Traghetto ride cost in Venice?

The cost of a traghetto ride in Venice is quite low. The standard price for a traghetto ride is currently (March 2023) 2 euros per person for a one-way trip on the Grand Canal. Residents pay even less, at 70 cents per Traghetto ride in Venice.

Please note, however, that prices can vary and it’s always best to check current prices before boarding a traghetto.

There are no tickets for a traghetto ride in Venice: when you board, you pay the traghetto operator the amount in cash, preferably matching. They do not(!) accept credit cards.

For those on a budget or looking for a quick and convenient way to cross the Grand Canal, a traghetto ride in Venice can be a cost-effective option. It is important to remember that prices and information can change over time. Therefore, it’s always best to check for the most up-to-date information before planning a Traghetto ride in Venice.

Practical tips for your Traghetto trip in Venice

Follow the “Traghetto” signs to the nearest dock, a small wooden pier on the edge of the Grand Canal. Usually the boats shuttle back and forth almost continuously, so you shouldn’t have to wait long when the service is running.

When the traghetto arrives on the other side of the canal, get on and find a place to sit or stand. Look aft, because the boat turns as it leaves the dock.

Venetians traditionally stand during the crossing, but feel free to sit on a seat or on the railing, and a rower may gesture for you to sit when the last tourists have plunged into the canal.

Give the rower your fare when you enter or leave the boat. If you don’t have exact change, try to pay with coins instead of bills.

Traghetto in Venice – Accessibility

Don’t try to board a traghetto in a wheelchair, with a stroller, or with heavy luggage. Instead, use vaporetto No. 1, which has a flat deck and is fully accessible.

Traghetto in Venice – Opening hours

Although there are official operating hours, the times the traghetto runs are actually unpredictable. When they are in operation, the boats usually go back and forth across the Grand Canal from early morning until 7 or 8 p.m., and a little later in the summer – sometimes with a lunch break in between.

Traghetto in Venice – Alternatives

If you arrive at a traghetto and there’s no boat in sight, do as the Venetians do and either take the vaporetto or save yourself the money by walking to the next bridge over the Grand Canal.

The vaporetto option makes the most sense if you have a one- to seven-day ACTV Travel Pass, which gives you unlimited use of public water buses during the validity period.

Use the traghetto like a native

A ride on the Traghetto in Venice can be a unique and authentic experience that will immerse you in the local culture. Here are some tips on how to use the Traghetto like a local.

With the Traghetto in Venice, you can not only cross the Grand Canal, but experience Venice like a local. Venice locals use the traghetto as a convenient means of transportation to get from one side of the Grand Canal to the other without having to take a long way across the bridges. To really immerse yourself in Venetian life, here are some tips on how to use the traghetto like a local:

• Follow the local etiquette: When using the Traghetto, it is important to follow the etiquette of the locals. Most locals stand during the crossing and hold onto the center pole. They often prefer not to talk or take photos, as the traghetto is used primarily as a means of transportation rather than a tourist attraction. If you respect the customs of the locals, you can blend in seamlessly and experience the ride like a true Venetian.
• Stand in line: during peak hours, you may find a line forming to board the Traghetto. Locals usually wait patiently in line, and it’s important that you do the same. Avoid jumping to the front of the line. Waiting your turn and respecting the queue is common in Venice and shows consideration for the locals.
• Pay attention to the routes of the Traghetto: The Traghetto has specific routes that cross the Grand Canal at various points. It is important to know the routes and Traghetto stops in advance to make sure you are going in the right direction. Some traghetto stops in Venice are more frequented by tourists, while others are mainly used by locals.
• Have exact change: Traghetto rides are cash-only and the fare is only a few euros, much less than a gondola ride. If you have exact change with you, boarding will be smoother and faster. Also, fares for traghetto rides can vary depending on the time of day, so be sure to check current prices before boarding.
• Enjoy the local perspective: when you ride the traghetto, you’ll have a unique view of Venice from the water. Standing in the middle of the Traghetto, you can watch the hustle and bustle of the Grand Canal: boats passing by, gondolas gliding across the water, and locals going about their daily lives. It’s a glimpse into the authentic Venetian lifestyle that offers a different perspective than what you see from the streets or bridges.

Using the traghetto like a local in Venice is not only a practical way to get around Venice, but also an opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and experience Venice from a unique perspective. By following etiquette, waiting in line, knowing the routes, carrying the right change, and enjoying the local perspective, you can truly enjoy the Venetian way of life and get the most out of your Traghetto ride in Venice.

Experience a traghetto and a gondola ride in Venice

One of the most unique experiences you can have in Venice is to combine a traghetto ride with a traditional gondola ride during your visit. While traghetto rides are functional and efficient and offer a quick and inexpensive way to cross the Grand Canal, a gondola ride offers a more leisurely and romantic experience where you can explore Venice’s picturesque canals in a traditional Venetian gondola.

To make the most of this experience, you can start with a Traghetto ride to cross the Grand Canal and reach the other side of the city. Standing in the middle of the traghetto and holding onto the central pole, you can watch the hustle and bustle of the Grand Canal, with boats passing by and locals going about their daily lives. It’s a unique vantage point that allows you to see Venice from a different perspective while experiencing how the locals use the traghetto as a means of transportation.

Once you reach the other side of the canal, you can leave the Traghetto and explore the neighborhood on foot. You can stroll through the narrow streets, cross the picturesque bridges and soak up the charm of Venice’s streets and squares. As you stroll along the canals, you may even discover a few hidden gems like local stores, cafes, or artisan workshops that you might have otherwise overlooked.

After you’ve explored the area, you can take a traditional gondola ride to experience the romantic side of Venice. Gondolas are the emblem of Venice with their sleek black hulls and curved prows. A gondola ride is a cozy and intimate way to explore Venice’s quieter canals, away from the hustle and bustle of the Grand Canal. You can sit back and relax while your gondolier sails through the narrow canals, serenading you with traditional Venetian songs or telling you interesting stories about the city’s history and culture.

A romantic gondola ride for two

During your gondola ride, you can admire the breathtaking architecture of Venice, including the elegant palaces, historic churches, and picturesque bridges that line the canals. You can also admire the intricate details of the gondolas themselves, from the intricate carvings on the ferro (the iron bow) to the plush upholstery of the seats. It’s a truly magical experience where you can immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Venice and create lasting memories.

The combination of a traghetto and a gondola ride offers a well-rounded Venice experience where you can enjoy both the functional and romantic aspects of this unique city. It’s a chance to see Venice from different perspectives, interact with the locals, and immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of this enchanting city. Whether you choose to take a quick traghetto ride down the Grand Canal or a leisurely gondola ride through the narrow canals, both experiences are sure to be highlights of your visit to Venice. So be sure to include both a traghetto and gondola ride in your itinerary for an unforgettable Venetian adventure.

You can book your private gondola ride in Venice through this link*. Or you have the option to book a shared gondola ride here*.