Cheat the System: Take the Traghetto
Want the gondola experience without the €90 price tag? Here’s the insider trick: take the Traghetto.
These traditional gondola ferries are used by locals to cross the Grand Canal quickly – a typical journey takes less than five minutes – and cost just €2 for tourists and 70 cents for locals (correct as of 2025).
They’re rowed by two gondoliers and can carry up to 12 people, making it a fun and budget-friendly way to see Venice from the water.
Where to Catch a Traghetto
There are several crossing points along the Grand Canal. In these blog post photos, you can see me crossing from San Marco (Giardini Reali) to Dogana da Mar – this route offers beautiful basilica views!
Some other traghetto routes include:
- San Tomà ↔ Santo Stefano
- Ferrovia ↔ S. Simeone
- Riva del Carbón ↔ Riva del Vin
- Santa Maria del Giglio ↔ Salute
- San Sofia ↔ Pescheria
Traghetto Operating Hours
In terms of operating hours, each crossing point varies, so I’d recommend doing a little prior research ahead of your visit. Most routes operate seasonally (running later between April and October) and are closed on Sundays and major public holidays.
Tips to make the most of your ride
- If you’re at the front of the queue, you can sit at the very front of the gondola, making it feel like a private ride – great for photos! Just be prepared for a bit of wobble as passengers board and disembark.
- Be sure to bring correct change, as this service operates on a cash-only system and change is not always readily available.
Respect the Locals
The Traghetto is primarily a public transport service. It allows locals a quick, efficient, and affordable way to navigate the city on their way to work and to go about their daily lives without having to contend with the impact of tourism. It’s becoming popular among tourists for its affordability and unique experience, but please be mindful of local commuters who rely on it daily.
I hope this helps you in your future Venice travels, particularly if you are on a budget or backpacking but still want to experience some of what makes Venice so iconic, such as a gondola ride! Let me know in the comments if you end up riding a traghetto yourself!
Until next time,
Lica xoxo
