Venice water taxi - learn all about water taxi service in Venice

What is a Venice water taxi?

Jump in and feel like you are in a James Bond movie

A Venice water taxi is a type of private boat used for transportation on the city's waterways.

They are small, sleek, lacquered wood boats that take 10-12 people maximum. You will recognize official licensed water taxis by a yellow stripe on their side and a registration number.

Just like land taxis, they will take you straight to where you want to go but will charge considerably more for the convenience.

However, if you know this is your once in a lifetime visit to Venice, a water taxi is the best way to create the "wow" effect as you approach Venice.

What is the difference between Venice water taxi and water bus?

• It offers a more personalized and direct mode of travel compared to public water buses (vaporettos) - they can take you straight to your hotel (if it's not on the canal that is too narrow) 
• Water taxis come in various sizes, but they are generally smaller and more streamlined than traditional vaporetto boats. They are designed to accommodate a smaller number of passengers for a more personalized experience.
• Water taxis often offer more luxurious amenities compared to public transportation. They might have plush seating, stylish interiors, and even space for luggage.
• Water taxis are faster than public water buses, allowing passengers to reach their destinations more quickly. They are especially useful for direct routes between specific points.
• Unlike vaporettos, which make multiple stops along a predefined route, water taxis are more flexible and can take passengers directly from one point to another, based on their specific needs and preferences.
• Water taxis can be easily found at various docks throughout the city, especially at major transportation hubs like airports, train stations, and cruise terminals - in other words, they are almost always available
• Water taxis can be hired for private use, which is often popular for special occasions, romantic rides, or group travel. Some people even use water taxis for sightseeing tours tailored to their interests.
• Water taxis are generally more expensive than public transportation options like vaporettos. The cost depends on factors like distance, time of day, and the specific water taxi company.
• Water taxis provide a convenient door-to-door service, picking up and dropping off passengers at specific locations, such as hotels, restaurants, or attractions.
• Water taxi drivers are often knowledgeable about Venice and can provide information and recommendations to passengers.

Is it worth taking a Venice water taxi?

Water taxis offer a more exclusive and personalized way to experience Venice's unique transportation system.

Having a ride in a Venice water taxi is like hiring your own private limo – you can’t get more personalized service than this when it comes to getting around Venice.

They provide a blend of convenience, speed, and comfort, making them a popular choice for travelers who want to enjoy the city's waterways with a touch of luxury.

Also, if you are cruising with a bigger group of friends or family, it is definitely worth considering as it might save you a lot of hassle and a lot of time, especially if you’re determined to see one of the Venice lagoon islands first (Murano and Burano).

Once the cost is split up between 10-12 people, it can be quite reasonable.

If you came to cruise Italy to really enjoy every single moment of it and money’s not in question…well, what can I say, lounging on the leather covered seats at the open back of your water taxi…for a moment you might just believe you’re on your way to the red carpet of the Venice film festival, while being chased by the paparazzi!

However, it's important to weigh the advantages against the cost and your travel priorities. If budget is a concern, public transportation options like vaporettos still provide a unique and enjoyable way to navigate the city's canals.

How to get a Venice water taxi?

Getting a water taxi in Venice is relatively straightforward. Water taxis are available at various docks throughout the city, especially at major transportation hubs such as airports, train stations.

Unfortunately, since cruise lines moved their docks from Stazione Marittima to the industrial area of Marghera, you will not find water taxis in the Stazione cruise terminal anymore. 

When you approach a water taxi dock, you'll typically find a line of water taxis waiting, each operated by different companies. You can simply approach a water taxi and let the driver know your destination. They will quote you a fare based on factors like distance, time of day, and the number of passengers.

However, it is always advised to pre-book your taxi pick-up:

Pre-booking saves you time upon arrival. You won't need to wait in line or go through the process of finding a water taxi operator at the dock. Your reserved taxi will be ready to pick you up at the designated time and at a fixed price - no need to barter and saves you of the feeling you've been ripped off!

Pre-booking generally provides peace of mind, knowing that you have a reliable mode of transportation already arranged, especially if you have tight travel schedules or important appointments.

Private water taxi from the cruise terminal to central Venice and vice versa

Can I catch a water taxi inside the Venice cruise terminal?

Many years ago, when Stazione Marittima was still bustling with life and many cruise ships that used to dock there, it was possible to catch a water taxi inside the cruise terminal.

Since the move of cruise ships either to Marghera industrial area or other port towns in the north of Italy, water taxis are not to be seen anywhere near the cruise terminal.

However, local taxi service providers came up with a combo or water taxi + land taxi transport to get you from the cruise port to your hotel or Piazza San Marco and vice versa: 

Piazzale Roma water taxi to central Venice

As you may know, Piazzale Roma square is where the Grand canal begins and the first point closest to Stazione Marittima cruise terminal where you can take one of the boats to central Venice.

So, if you took a cruise ship shuttle from Marghera port to Stazione Marittima and then People Mover to Piazzale Roma, you may be interested in taking a water taxi into central Venice.

I found this great service for you with a meeting point just a few minutes walk from Piazzale Roma: you cross the Calatrava bridge and you find yourself in front of the Santa Lucia railway station.

This is where you can catch this water taxi service to wherever you want to go in central Venice.

Not many people know about it so you are very likely to be on the water taxi by yourself, so chances are big you will have private service:

Water taxi from Marco Polo airport to your hotel

If you'll be spending a few days in Venice before you board the ship, you can take a water taxi from Venice airport to your hotel.

Official water taxi fares will be around €125 for up to 6 people, and €150 for 7-10 passengers.

Remember that you can also share a water taxi with someone else if they're going in the same direction.

It will take from about half an hour to up to an hour for the Venice water taxi to reach the downtown Venice area.

To find a water taxi at the Venice airport, as you exit from the arrivals terminal, follow the signs for Motoscafo water taxi.

It will take you about 10 minutes to reach the actual dock. You will know you're on the right track as you walk under the covered walkway.

You can wait for your water taxi in line here or...

If you want to make sure there is a water taxi waiting for you to take you to your hotel in Venice, check one of the options below...

Private water taxi from your hotel to Marco Polo airport 

If you disembarked your cruise ship in Venice, stayed a few nights and now you have to catch your flight home, here's the easiest way to get from your hotel to the airport:

Shared water taxi from Marco Polo airport to your hotel and vice versa

Is there a shared water taxi from Venice airport to hotels? Is there a shared water taxi from Venice hotels to the airport? - this is what many travelers would like to know.

The service I found for you has excellent reviews! Their customers say it is much cheaper than a regural private water taxi service and they provide great service. Booking a round trip is possible, too.

Water taxi tour to Murano, Burano and islands of the Lagoon

Visiting the islands of Murano and Burano by water boat in Venice offers a delightful and authentic experience that allows you to explore these unique islands at your own pace while enjoying the beauty of the Venetian lagoon.

On Murano, you can witness the art of glassblowing (and shop for your Murano chandelier or just a piece of jewelry), while on Burano, you can explore the vibrant, colorful houses and the intricate lace-making tradition - both islands offer authentic and memorable experiences, all that away from the crowds you normally see in Venice in high season.

I highly recommend them if you have an overnight in Venice or stay here for a few days before or after your cruise.

Of course, getting there is possible solely by motor boats - for smaller groups it is always in water taxis. What a great way to combine two fantastic experiences at the same time.

Private water taxi tours of the Grand Canal

Santa Lucia railway station is just a few steps from Piazzale Roma - you can't miss it!

Another fantastic way of joining touring Venice, having a Venice water taxi ride and getting from point A to point B is booking a private water taxi tour that starts from the Santa Lucia railway station to Piazza San Marco.

What makes this ride different from the one I mentioned above is that this one lasts an hour and includes commentary of the professional local expert guide: they will explain all the palaces, churches, the Rialto bridge and even the hidden, minor canals.

Click to find out more about this great opportunity:

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