01
What is a traghetto?
Venice has only four pedestrian bridges across the Grand Canal. A traghetto da parada fills some of the gaps by shuttling passengers between two facing banks in a larger gondola rowed by two gondoliers.
The purpose is simple: cross the canal. There is no sightseeing route, commentary, reserved seat or 30-minute journey. Board, follow the gondoliers’ instructions and step off on the opposite bank.
02
Where to find a €2 traghetto
Five crossings are active:
| Crossing | Usual service hours |
|---|---|
| Dogana | 9:00 am–6:00 pm |
| Santa Maria del Giglio | 9:00 am–6:00 pm |
| San Tomà | 8:30 am–7:00 pm Monday–Friday; 9:00 am–6:30 pm weekends and holidays |
| Carbon | 9:00 am–12:00 pm Monday–Friday; closed weekends and holidays |
| Santa Sofia | 8:30 am–7:00 pm Monday–Friday; 9:00 am–6:00 pm weekends and holidays |
San Samuele and San Marcuola are closed. Short-notice closures are possible, so treat the sign and activity at the landing as the final check on the day.
03
How much does the crossing cost?
The visitor fare is €2 per person for one crossing. Residents and IMOB card holders pay a reduced fare.
Carry a small amount of cash and be ready to pay as you board. The fare buys one crossing only; it does not include a canal tour, reserved departure or commentary.
04
How to use the traghetto
- Go to one of the active landing points.
- Check that the crossing is operating before joining the queue.
- Have the fare ready.
- Board only when directed.
- Let the gondoliers decide where you sit or stand so the boat stays balanced.
- Step off on the opposite side of the Grand Canal.
Large bags, mobility needs and young children can make boarding harder. If anyone in the group needs assistance, assess the landing before committing to the crossing.
05
Traghetto or sightseeing gondola?
| Choose a traghetto when… | Choose a gondola ride when… |
|---|---|
| You only need to cross the Grand Canal | You want time on the canals |
| The €2 fare matters most | You want a sightseeing route |
| You are comfortable with a brief public crossing | You want shared or private ride choices |
| You do not need commentary or a reserved time | You want a timed ticket, commentary or other inclusions |
The promoted Grand Canal gondola experience costs €37 per person and spends approximately 30 minutes on the water. It is not a traghetto.
Helpful answers
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but it operates as public transport across the Grand Canal rather than as a sightseeing ride.
Use an active crossing at Dogana, Santa Maria del Giglio, San Tomà, Carbon or Santa Sofia.
It only crosses from one bank of the Grand Canal to the other. It is a brief crossing, not a timed sightseeing tour.
No reserved ticket is needed. Go to the landing during its service hours and join the queue if it is operating.
No. It is a public crossing shared with other passengers.
No. It is a separate 30-minute sightseeing experience priced at €37 per person.
Only if your goal is to try the boat briefly and cross the canal. Choose a gondola ride when you want a route through the waterways and time to see Venice from the water.
Plan your gondola ride
Choose the experience you actually want
Use the traghetto for a quick crossing. Choose a gondola ride when the journey itself is the reason you are boarding.
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