The number 1 vaporetto line is the most popular in Venice.
Venice's ACTV public transport network boasts more than 20 different vaporetto lines.
These operate in the city center and to the islands of the Venetian lagoon.
Of these two dozen routes, the one most likely to be used is the Linea 1 vaporetto.
Let's discover this line together!
Vaporetto line 1: article summary
The vaporetto in a nutshell
While the vaporetto on line 1 zigzags its way down to the Grand Canal and across the St. Mark's Basin to the Lido. It stops at 21 different stations on its 58-minute journey.
With boats running at intervals of around 12 minutes during the day and 20 minutes in the early morning and late evening, Line 1 is popular with residents and visitors alike.
Here are three ways to use vaporetto on line 1:
- For transport to points along the Grand Canal
- To cross the Grand Canal
- Enjoy spectacular views of Venice's most beautiful palaces
Line 1 of the vaporetto for transport
For most visitors, line 1 is an easy way to get to the city. Piazza San Marco and other key sites after arriving in Venice by bus from the airportby cab, train or cruise ship.
You can simply buy an ACTV waterbus ticket or tourist travel card, board a Line 1 boat at Piazzale Roma or at the station and to your destination.
Sounds easy enough, but be warned: line 1 can be crowded with tourists during high season (roughly mid-April to mid-October), vacation periods and busy weekends. Waiting times at busy stations like Piazzale Roma, Ferrovia (the train station), Rialto and San Marco Vallaresso can be long.
For this reason, we advise against using line 1 if you're traveling with luggage, for example, to a hotel.
Take vaporetto line 1 to cross the Grand Canal
Only four bridges cross the Canal Grande, which runs from Piazzale Roma to Piazza San Marco.
A handful of large gondolas called traghetti offer a shuttle service across the canal to other locations, but schedules can be uneven.
Getting on and off vaporetto no. 1 is an easy and free way to cross the canal in many places if you have purchased a tourist travel card and you don't need to buy a one-way ticket.
Taking advantage of this means of transport for tourism
During its hour-long journey along the Grand Canalvaporetto no. 1 passes more than 170 buildings, including palaces in a variety of architectural styles, some dating back to the XIIIᵉ century.
Some of these palaces are now hotels, some are museums and many are still private residences. They are particularly beautiful at night. You can glimpse beamed ceilings, elaborate chandeliers and other interior elements from your floating observation platform.
Where to sit on the vaporetto?
If you're lucky, move quickly to the bow and take a vacant seat. Don't stay in the bow area while the boat is moving, you'll block the pilot's line of sight.
All vaporetti have limited open-air seating at the rear, behind the passenger cabin. These seats offer good views. To reach them, walk through the closed cabin to the rear swing doors.
You can also stand in the boarding area of the waterbus (in front of the passenger cabin, behind the wheelhouse). However, you may find it difficult to enjoy the view. This area tends to be crowded. during high season or at weekends.
Now you know more about Venice's vaporetto line 1. During your visit, you're likely to take this means of transport. It will make you save precious time on your city tour!
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