What better way to get around Venice than on a bus? Traghetto.
This is a very common means of transport, used by tourists and locals alike.
Today, I'm going to tell you all about Traghetto.
Traghetto: article summary
What is a Traghetto?
Traghetto, in Italian, means ferry. And that's exactly what they're designed to do. These means of transport take passengers from one side of the Grand Canal to the other. Traghetti is the plural of Traghetto, as is Vaporetti for Vaporetto.
While traditional gondolas are designed for tourists who take private romantic strolls through Venice's maze of canals and appreciate the architecture of the buildings and bridges, Traghetti are used only to cross the Grand Canal in both directions. There are the Traghettti quays on both sides of the Grand Canal.
While a traditional gondola can carry up to 5 people, these boats can carry up to 12 people.
A simpler look
The Traghetti resemble large gondolas. Although both are painted black, unlike traditional gondolas, they are not adorned with brass trim, brocade chairs, lacquered bodies or glossy finishes. This craft has a simple, yet sturdy look, and instead of chairs, there's a flat space on which to stand and generally two strips of wood for balance.
Two rowers are needed to steer the boat, one behind the passengers and the other in front near the bow. Finally, the Traghetti are operated by the same families through the generations.
Why use a Traghetto?
There are just 4 bridges along the entire length of the Grand Canal, which stretches for 3.5 km. If you happen to be at a point on the banks of the Grand Canal where there is no no footbridge nearbyso what are your options?
You'll have to walk down to the nearest bridge (which can be a long way off), then cross the Grand Canal.
Alternatively, get off at the nearest Vaporetti platform and wait for line 1, which zigzags along the Grand Canal, joining several platforms on both sides as it goes. However, this is not an economical option if you only want to cross the channel once.
Traghetti are very useful for easily crossing the Grand Canal in a few minutes where there are no bridges nearby. In fact, most Traghetto docks are created in places where there is no other easy way to cross the Grand Canal, filling the gap for locals and tourists alike.
Traghetto: a simple, economical way to get around
Traghetti can also serve another great purpose for tourists on a budget. If you don't want to shell out 80 euros for a 30-minute ride in a traditional gondola, then you've come to the right place. a traghetto will do just fine. It is, after all, a large gondola and you can enjoy Venice from the water and take great photos crossing the Grand Canal from one side to the other.
How much does it cost to use the Traghetto?
Unlike the traditional gondola ride, where you have to pay for the whole boat, the Traghetto ride operates on a per-person fare. As with most public transport in Venice, there is a differential fare on Traghetto trips for tourists and residents.
- Tourist fare for a one-way traghetto ticket is 2 euros.
- Resident fare for a single Traghetto trip is 0.7 euro.
I'd advise you to top up when borrowing a Traghetto. Indeed, it is likely the driver doesn't give you change.
What are the most popular Traghetto itineraries?
There used to be some thirty traghetti routes across the Grand Canal. However, most of these are now closed, only a handful of routes are now operational, and some of these are quite irregular.
Traghetti were originally designed for Venetian workers, so some of them don't operate at weekends.
There are currently 7 itineraries (or pairs of traghetto platforms) along the Grand Canal between the station of Santa Lucia and the basin of Saint-Marc.
What are the opening hours?
You can use Traghetti:
- Weekdays 7.30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Weekend 8.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m.
Please note that Traghetti does not operate on December 25 and 26, January 1 and August 15. December 24th and 31st, traghetto service stops at 1 p.m.
How do I find a Traghetto dock?
In neighborhoods near the Grand Canal, look for the signs that are usually marked on the front facades of buildings. However, in many cases, the board may have been torn or discolored over time.
There may also be a small sign in front of the buildings displaying the name of the quay and direction. Follow the signs and walk along the quay, you'll come to a wooden jetty.
You'll also see itineraries clearly marked on most of Venice's street maps, which you can obtain from any tourist information center.
A ride on a Traghetto is one of the best ways to pass the Grand Canal without breaking the bank. During your visit, I'm sure you'll have the opportunity to to see these boats sailing on the water.
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