Last edit by: JDiver
● Consorzio Motoscafi - water taxis in Venice area (English) website
● Alilaguna public boat (water bus) (English) website
● Public Transit (bus, vaporetti smaller local boats, etc. - English) website
● Marco Polo VCE Airport directions to docks for Alilaguna and Motoscafi web page
● Marco Polo VCE airport baggage carts (to haul baggage to docks) web page
● Alilaguna public boat (water bus) (English) website
● Public Transit (bus, vaporetti smaller local boats, etc. - English) website
● Marco Polo VCE Airport directions to docks for Alilaguna and Motoscafi web page
● Marco Polo VCE airport baggage carts (to haul baggage to docks) web page
Venice water taxi
#46
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: SJC/VCE
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Posts: 10,161
I'll be in Venice at the end of July for 2 nights (first time in Italy, 2 people). Has anyone taken the helicopter from the airport into Venice? www.heliair.it -- looks like they fly from VCE to Lido & then a water taxi/public transportation into Venice. A bit more pricey than the water taxi but looks like an interesting way to see the city and it is suppose to only take 8 minutes.
#48
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: south of WAS DC
Posts: 10,131
I'll be in Venice at the end of July for 2 nights (first time in Italy, 2 people).
Also, any recommendations about staying at the newly opened Hilton on Giudecca or staying at one of the great hotels closer to St. Mark's? I'm concerned that I won't get the 'true flavor' of Venice staying at the Hilton since the end of each day requires a decent taxi ride across the canal back to the hotel rather than a leisurely stroll.
I appreciate any input as I'm very torn about the hotel decision. There have been a few great reviews on the Hilton forum but mainly about the rooms/hotel rather than getting back & forth to the rest of Venice. Hoping someone here has experience with Venice & suggestions before I book every available room in Venice as I try to make up my mind .
Thanks!
Also, any recommendations about staying at the newly opened Hilton on Giudecca or staying at one of the great hotels closer to St. Mark's? I'm concerned that I won't get the 'true flavor' of Venice staying at the Hilton since the end of each day requires a decent taxi ride across the canal back to the hotel rather than a leisurely stroll.
I appreciate any input as I'm very torn about the hotel decision. There have been a few great reviews on the Hilton forum but mainly about the rooms/hotel rather than getting back & forth to the rest of Venice. Hoping someone here has experience with Venice & suggestions before I book every available room in Venice as I try to make up my mind .
Thanks!
Although Giudecca is far preferable(to me) to Lido, not much goes on in Giudecca. You will be spending a lot of time getting to the tourist center. there are a couple of interesting restaurants(do mori & all'altanella) on Giudecca, but most of the good restaurants are in venice proper. In spite of a lot of bad publicity, I think there are a number of good restaurants in venice. particularly some of the newer ones.
#49
Join Date: May 2001
Location: SFO
Programs: AA Gold, Cattle Class
Posts: 295
Venice: Water Taxi at night?
All,
I have an upcoming trip to Venice and my flight arrives ~9pm. I'm planning to take the watertaxi directly to the hotel (westin europa). My question is, what's the experience riding water taxi at night? Are there anything to see (and enjoy?). Is it safe? How's the night scene in Venice?
thx in advance ^
I have an upcoming trip to Venice and my flight arrives ~9pm. I'm planning to take the watertaxi directly to the hotel (westin europa). My question is, what's the experience riding water taxi at night? Are there anything to see (and enjoy?). Is it safe? How's the night scene in Venice?
thx in advance ^
#50
Moderator: Delta SkyMiles, Luxury Hotels, TravelBuzz! and Italy
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 26,543
All,
I have an upcoming trip to Venice and my flight arrives ~9pm. I'm planning to take the watertaxi directly to the hotel (westin europa). My question is, what's the experience riding water taxi at night? Are there anything to see (and enjoy?). Is it safe? How's the night scene in Venice?
thx in advance ^
I have an upcoming trip to Venice and my flight arrives ~9pm. I'm planning to take the watertaxi directly to the hotel (westin europa). My question is, what's the experience riding water taxi at night? Are there anything to see (and enjoy?). Is it safe? How's the night scene in Venice?
thx in advance ^
#51
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 97
Have done this many times. The watertaxi at night is a glorious experience, expecially on a clear night. The thing "to see and enjoy" is the sight of Venice unfolding before your eyes. It's mystical and magical and unforgettable. It is very safe. Enjoy the ride and your time in VCE.
Totally, an awesome and special way to arrive. Just remember to pack sensibly (bags not too heavy!) and keep a sweater handy as it can get cool even in early summer.
Watch out for the fog, but that won't be a problem this time of year.
#52
Senior Moderator; Moderator, Eco-Conscious Travel, United and Flyertalk Cares
Join Date: Jun 1999
Location: Fulltime travel/mostly Europe
Programs: UA 1.7 MM;; Accor & Marriott Pt; Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 17,831
Fabulous at night ... far better than during the daylight, IMO.
#53
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: south of WAS DC
Posts: 10,131
the trip is quite safe. the lagoon is too shallow for sea monsters.
Venice is not much of a night scene that I have found or can afford. most of the day trippers of course, disapear. no real bar scene, or night clubs or party scenes.
might try the casino, that's were the big euros hang out.
Venice is not much of a night scene that I have found or can afford. most of the day trippers of course, disapear. no real bar scene, or night clubs or party scenes.
might try the casino, that's were the big euros hang out.
#56
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: SJC/VCE
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Posts: 10,161
As for Venice night life - Venice is not a late night city, many restaurants close by about 11 and there are very few all night clubs.
#59
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: UK (currently)
Programs: BA Gold (and many other greater and lesser distinctions)
Posts: 7,208
Arriving VCE next week and want to take a water taxi to the San Clemente Palace.
Is this better booked / not booked in advance and if booked, how best to go about this.
I want to minimise waiting at ticket desks etc on arrival and, if possible, get a service that offers a minibus / car transfer to the dock.
Is the fare fixed y reference to a published tariff that I can ask to see or is it pure haggle ?
Am I making too heavy weather fussing about this and should I go with the flow on arrival ?
Curiously the San Clemente Concierge said they do not arrange taxis in advance.
Is this better booked / not booked in advance and if booked, how best to go about this.
I want to minimise waiting at ticket desks etc on arrival and, if possible, get a service that offers a minibus / car transfer to the dock.
Is the fare fixed y reference to a published tariff that I can ask to see or is it pure haggle ?
Am I making too heavy weather fussing about this and should I go with the flow on arrival ?
Curiously the San Clemente Concierge said they do not arrange taxis in advance.
#60
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: SJC/VCE
Programs: AA PLT (2.9+ MM), HH GLD, Hyatt Diamond, SPG PLT
Posts: 10,161
Water taxis do not accept advance reservations for pick up from the airport b/c of the potential for planes to arrive late. Some hotels - but apparently not the San Clemente Palace - have their own launch which guests can reserve.
When you leave baggage claim look for the porters wearing the blue overcoats. They run the minibus to/from arrivals to the dock. I can't remember the exact price, but it is set, and cost three of us something around 50Eu for baggage assistance.
As for the water taxis, there is no haggling nor is there any sort of meter. It is a set price - the driver will tell you the cost when you board and you pay it. It will be somewhere in the neighborhood of 100 EU - depending on where specifically you are going, how many in your party and the # of bags.
When you leave baggage claim look for the porters wearing the blue overcoats. They run the minibus to/from arrivals to the dock. I can't remember the exact price, but it is set, and cost three of us something around 50Eu for baggage assistance.
As for the water taxis, there is no haggling nor is there any sort of meter. It is a set price - the driver will tell you the cost when you board and you pay it. It will be somewhere in the neighborhood of 100 EU - depending on where specifically you are going, how many in your party and the # of bags.