Blog - Life in Italy

The Vaporetto: In this amazing world wonder city on water, public transportation does not have a stop per say in front of your rental vacation apartment in Venice. From the nearest boat stop, you will almost have a 10 minute walk. Therefore, the best thing to do is to pack lightly. You don't want to struggle and drag heavy bags going up and down small bridges (this is what makes this city special). In order to get to your rental accommodation, you will need to catch what the Venetians call, a "Vaporetto" (It's a boat that is like a bus except it stops at a pier to pick up passengers). A one way ticket costs 6.50 euro each way per person for any line along the Grand Canal, valid for up 60 minutes. Before boarding a "Vaporetto", you must stamp your ticket in a little yellow box, found on both sides of the platform. If you forget to do so, tell the guy that ties the boat to stamp it for you. By doing this, you will avoid a fine of €30 if you get checked by the ticket-person while in the boat. If this happens make sure the ticket-person gives you a receipt for the fine you paid. You do not have to show your ticket on board unless a ticket-person, comes on board and asks you to show it, but make sure it is stamped. If you plan on using the "Vaporetto" often, you might want to consider purchasing a pass which end up saving you money in the end. A 12 hour pass costs 14.00 euro per person - 24 hour pass costs 16.00 euro per person - 36 hour pass costs 21.00 euro per person - 48 hour pass costs 26.00 euro per person and a 72 Hour pass costs 31.00 euro per person. All unlimited trips for the specific time period and can bring you to Murano.

I hope this information will become very helpful to you in making your stay and getting around in Venice a safe, smooth and extremely pleasurable one.

Try one of our many vacation rental apartments in Venice. The key to Italy.com is a specialist english-speaking apartment rental agency based in the center of Rome, and catering to English-speaking tourists from countries all over the world.

The other great location is the countryside of Italy Tuscany and Umbria. If you are interested to also visit there, we offer to you Villas and Castles for rent from our The key to Italy.com site.