Getting around Venice

Public transport

The best way to get around Venice is on foot and by vaporetto (water bus), operated by Azienda del Consorzio Trasporti Veneziano (tel: +39 041 2424; actv.avmspa.it/it). Vaporetto services are frequent and run 24 hours a day, with stops dotted across the city. Four bridges cross the Grand Canal but visitors can cross by traghetto (public gondola). Journeys are cheap and short.

Taxis

For direct service to a specific destination, the only option is to take an expensive water taxi. If travelling with a group of friends who can share the cost, a water taxi is fast and comfortable way to get to your destination. Water taxis run by the Consorzio Motoscafi Venezia (tel: +39 041 240 6711; www.motoscafivenezia.it) can be ordered in advance. Taxi points are available at main locations including the Piazzale Roma, Rialto, San Marco and the Lido.

Driving

No cars are allowed in the centre of Venice. Drivers can get as close as Piazzale Roma, where there are a number of parking options and vaporetti stops.

Car hire

Car hire is available at the Piazzale Roma, but you can only use cars to drive out of Venice or on Lido island. The minimum age for hiring a car is 23 years old and drivers must carry and EU licence or International Driving Permit.

Recommended car hire companies include Avis (tel:+39 041 523 7377; www.avis.com/en/locations/it/venice), Hertz (tel: +39 041 528 4091; www.hertz.com/p/car-rental/italy/venice) and Europcar (tel: +39 041 523 8616; www.europcar.com/location/italy/venezia-ve)

Bicycle hire

No bicycles or scooters are allowed in Venice but renting bicycles on the Lido is possible.

Lido on Bike (tel: +39 041 526 8019; www.lidoonbike.it), open March to September, is by the main vaporetto station at Gran Viale Santa Maria Elisabetta 21. Open year-round on the same street is Gardin Anna Valli (tel: +39 041 276 0005).