Buying ACTV boat tickets

Where to get (and how to use) single-journey tickets

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ACTV ticket reader

ACTV vaporetto (waterbus) tickets are available at:

  • ACTV/Venezia Unica ticket offices, including the Piazzale Roma (near the taxi stand) and ticket windows at larger ACTV stations.

  • Multilingual self-service ticket machines at many ACTV stations.

  • Many tobacco shops ("Tabac"), newsstands, and souvenir stands.

  • From the conductor on the water bus if you can't buy a ticket before boarding, although this is now discouraged. (If you do try this, approach the conductor immediately after boarding.)

Fares for non-residents are outrageous: €9,50 for a single trip of up to 75 minutes in one direction.

  • ACTV Daily Passes or 2/3/7-Day Tickets are a better deal if you plan to use the boats often.

    These tickets are valid for unlimited travel over a period of one to seven days, depending on price. See our ACTV Travel Passes page for details.

Children's fares:

  • Children below 6 years of age travel free.

  • Children 6 or older pay the full adult fare for single trips. 

Youth and young-adult pass:

  • Young people from ages 14 through 29 can buy the Rolling Venice Card at any ACTV/Venezia Unica ticket desk. This card gives a substantial discount on a 3-day ACTV ticket, with optional travel between Venice Marco Polo Airport and the city center.

Disabled fare:

  • Wheelchair passengers pay only €1,50 for a single-journey ticket that's valid for 75 minutes. (One companion can travel free of charge.)

Luggage:

  • You can transport one item of luggage of up to 150 cm (59 inches) in combined length, width, and height.

    You're also allowed a purse, small carry-on, or small backpack.

    If you exceed the luggage limit, you may be required to pay an extra fare.

Before you board the boat:

  • To avoid a steep fine, validate your ticket at the grey-and-white electronic card reader (photo at top of page).

    Hold the ticket against the reader until you see a green light and hear a beep.
    • If you're at a station with turnstiles, the turnstile will unlock automatically.

  • Note: Some larger stations also have green ticket readers. These are for checking how many fares are left on a ticket or pass, and you can't use them to validate journeys.

In-depth articles at Venice for Visitors: