Venice · Grand Canal
Grand Canal by vaporetto
The main waterway of Venice, lined with palaces from the station to St Mark's. Line 1 stops at every landing, so one ticket turns public transport into a slow ride past the facades.
- 1 h 30
- Adult ticket: not confirmed
- Booking: not needed
- Grand Canal
Data checked on October 5, 2026
The canal is shaped like a reverse S and is crossed by very few bridges, so for centuries Venetians used boats to get from one side to the other. Merchants built their palaces right on the water, and the facades were made to be seen from a boat. The ride is best at an unhurried pace, when you can compare the Gothic palaces with the later baroque ones. The Rialto Bridge and the Salute basilica show up on the way.
What to look for
- The Gothic facade of the Ca' d'Oro
- The Rialto Bridge from the water
- Palaces along the Dorsoduro bank
- The Salute basilica at the mouth of the canal
Opening hours
Always open.
Line 1 runs along the whole canal and makes every stop on the Grand Canal and in St Mark's Basin. The ride from the station to St Mark's takes well under an hour.
Source: ACTV (AVM Venezia), checked October 5, 2026
Tickets and booking
Adult ticket: not confirmed. A 75 minute ticket costs 9.50 euros and the 24 hour Venezia Daily Pass costs 25 euros. The pass is cheaper from about the third separate ride.
Getting there
Board at Piazzale Roma or Ferrovia for the full length, or at any landing in between, since line 1 stops at all of them.
Tip
Take line 1 rather than a limited stop line, because it calls at every landing, and stand at the front or back of the boat if you can for a clear view.