When your feet hit the ground in Venice...why not let the experience begin with a water taxi ride?…read more There are companies available there to walk up to and get a water taxi (including this one), but please keep in mind this is a very busy tourist destination. Sometimes they may be booked, you may have to wait awhile or take another mode of transportation. On that note, I booked in advance online and I highly recommend doing this. I was given a confirmation number and directions on where to go and what to do when we flew in. The directions were ok, the signs are small and not well marked. But look for items that are marked with a number and eventually you'll find and see the number (#71 - see pics). Please note: it is also to the left after exiting customs. Check in was simple with the confirmation number and the staff was friendly. Since we opted for a shared water taxi we had a short wait on other flights/people to come in. Honestly, it wasn't that long of a wait at all...maybe 15 minutes. The water taxi's only take so many people anyway...like 8-12 (ours was 12). When it was our time to meet our taxi we were gathered and given directions on where to go. This is where it gets confusing, but you have a half dozen other people that were given directions at the same time going with you...so stick together!!! Not to mention one person is given the receipt for all of you to give to the taxi driver (see pic), so you really do need to stick together. It's about a 10 minute walk to meet the water taxi from desk 71 and this is something I/we didn't expect and it felt like we were going through a maze. In hindsight, it wasn't that bad...but it felt confusing at the time. Once you get to the taxi you must wait for your name to be called since they have a drop off system and take care as to how they load your suitcases on the boat/taxi. After you board, your trip could be 30 minutes to an hour depending on which stop you requested to be dropped off. Our taxi driver was ok, not very social, but clearly had his mind on the task at hand and that's understandable. He did help with bags to a certain degree when getting out of the taxi. But remember, you're getting out of a boat so you need to be able to handle your bags since he doesn't really leave the boat. As for the trip: What I found interesting was the stakes/poles in the water as we left the airport to go to the hotel. They have "roads", for the lack of a better term, staked out in the water. It's kind of cool! Other notes: You can get to your hotel via land by train, taxi or bus (the ones with wheels) and then walk. You can also do one of these combo's and then take a water taxi after the land portion...then walk. You will have to walk no matter what...it just is what it is. Instead of a shared water taxi you have the choice of a private water taxi as well. You can also take the water bus. We chose the shared water taxi since it wasn't as expensive as a private taxi and not as crowded as the water bus. Plus, we wanted the experience to begin posthaste! After all, when in Venice...travel like the Venetians! As for that experience...I was bummed that the windows aren't very clean from the salt water, but it's still a pretty neat ride! I would definitely book with them again. [7 pictures posted]

Absolutely shocking and horrible company! The water táxi that I booked, never showed up, and all…read morethe numbers available didn't worked at all, and nearly lost my flight. I want my money back.

The ACTV is Venice's public transportation system. At the airport we were able to purchase our…read morepasses from their machines. We decided to get the daily passes (48€/2 day pass) because we thought we would be using them to travel around a lot. In retrospect this was a mistake and we would have saved money just getting the ticket into town and the ticket to the train station. This was the most I paid for public transportation in any of the European cities for the least amount of time I spent in the city. To add insult to injury, the Vaporetto, or the waterbus, were crowded and at times barely admitted any new passengers on at the stop. At our stop we waited for over an hour to get onto a waterbus. It delayed our plans and set back everything for our time in Venice. On the day we left, we saw some other people who were first in line be denied getting on the boat if they have luggage. The rules are so inconsistent with no rhyme or reason. If you find yourself depending on these vaporetto during your visit, make sure to leave ample time for cushion so you don't get stranded or miss a flight or the train. Honestly you might be better off walking. Because driving is not an option -- there are no cars on the Venice islands.

We purchased a 3 day ticket on the ACTV website. Note that there are 3rd party sellers, so careful…read morewhen buying, because we saw one for 50€ that included taxi and restaurant discounts, that wasn't sold by ACTV. The pass can be used in land and on the island. Once we received the email we walked up to a Kiosk to figure out how to redeem it. The QR code that was included in the email did not work. We had to type in the confirmation code. Once the screen prompted the tickets. We selected and printed them out without issues. If you're on the island there's actual customer service kiosk you could go to and speak to someone. We were able to use the card to take the bus, and Vaporetto. We did not get a chance to use the Lido. Google Maps is super helpful, but I would strongly suggest looking at the screen, and map that is near each pickup location. We boarded one of the buses at 11:30pm, which ended up taking us 2 cities away from Venice, and was one stop away from calling it a night. They don't loop back to where they picked you up. Since the bus did not run again until 4:30am. We had to take an uber black back to Mestre. Expensive lesson learned. When you board a bus, or get ready to enter the vaporetto line. Scan the card without having your finger or hand over it. I made the mistake of doing that a few times and so it took a couple tries before it actually scanned. As for riding on the bus and/or vaporetto. It can get PACKED. Depending on the stop and time. If you're the first on the bus. You'll find a seat, but they have the AC off so it's HOT. Depending on time of the year of course. If you're one of the last to board. Expect to stand and hold on to something. It's definitely a cheaper way to get around, but if you're looking for comfort and space. Book a taxi, or water taxi to get around instead.

We were waiting for the boat Orange line at Guglie to the airport. We came at 16:00 to get the boat…read moreat 16:14. The boat came full and only 4 passengers were admitted. The crew said to wait for the next boat for 15 min. The next boat came in half an hour and again admitted only 5 passengers, the rest of us left waiting and we're going to be late for the plane. It's a terrible service, no one informed that the boat can be full and the passengers with tickets can be left behind. How can they offer the transport to the airport knowing that people can miss the plane? Don't use this service!

The staff are unfriendly. To make it even worse, the company just sells tickets regardless of their…read morelimited capacity. Many people left behind despite having tickets and unfortunately most of them will lose their flights. Don't recommend at all.

UAL operations at Venice, Italy to Washington Dulles needs some help. 1, Two UAL flights departing…read moreout of adjoining gates at close to same time with not enough seating for even 1 gate. 2. Not enough sound system volume/PA volume to communicate to all passengers on both flights with instructions. 3. The two gates transmitting at same time so neither could hear instructions.

Flight to Venice fron Newark was great. The service and amenities in the first class cabin were…read moreexcellent. We all enjoyed our meal and drink options and the lie flat beds were comfortable.

I can't say the water bus is always a comfortable way to get around but it's your best option. It's…read moreapart of the Venice experience. We didn't buy a pass our first visit but vowed when we came back we would. the ticket people were very helpful .. when asking which water bus you need to get to various locations. We wanted to go way out to colorful Burano and Murano for glass. The boats come to their stop .. rather roughly ... sorta just hit the deck most of the time so everyone goes flying about. They dont alway check for your ticket but if they come by and your caught riding without a ticket .. theres a huge penalty

You want to get to and fro from the airport??…read more You got two choices: Public water taxes and Private ones. The public ones take for ever and you deal with the masses. I like the private taxis...yes they are pricey at 160 Euros...but if you get a few people together the price is somewhat more palatable.

I have always had a good experience at Venices airport…read more Always a good business lounge .....Tip: get into the Marco Polo lounge! Allow extra time for the busy craziness....just saying

We arrived via water taxi boat from Venice. Small airport but we were thankful it was easy to get…read morearound. However, you have to wait to get airline information (to check bags) and gate info. The airlines share bag checking stations. We ended shopping (more) and stopped for a snack. Once our gate opened it was easy to settle in. We found the service helpful and welcoming.

We booked the Cicchetti of Venice Tour and it was one of the highlights of our trip to Europe! Out…read moreof all the organized tours we took on our trip, this is the only one that 100% delivered what it promised (and then some)! Our guide, Cecilia, was phenomenal! It was like we had an old friend showing us her hometown. It was great to have Cecilia with us because she took us walking along the back streets of Venice where we stopped in and sampled food and wine in several local bars. These were places we would never have found on our own. We didn't have to worry about anything, Cecilia got us a table and handled all of the ordering. We never had to pay another cent out of pocket for any food, wine or transport, making this tour an exceptional value. We sampled many different local wines and lots of cicchetti (vegetables, cheese, meat, fish and more). All were delicious and exciting and the entire tour was a very intimate, educational experience. We even got to try our hand at crossing a canal in a local traghetto (though I wasn't brave enough to stand up during the crossing). We had 5 other couples on our tour and it was wonderful to get to mingle and explore a foreign city with other excited foodies. If you love food and like to experience and learn about different cultures, book this tour; you will not be disappointed! I cannot recommend it highly enough!

We did a good and wine tour with Eisa (Elizabetta) last night and it was amazing…read more A true wealth of knowledge and extremely helpful. This is a must do on your first night, she gives you tips and tricks for navigating. The city and avoiding the true tourist traps (of which there are many). Urban Adventures prides themselves on responsible tourism supporting the local shops and restaurants. She even showed us a local spot that we could get 1.5 liters of amazing wine for only 3.50 Euros. Literally cheaper than water that you can pay up to 4 Euros for at most places. We are now trying to book similar tours on other legs of our stop, great way to get a feel for the really local culture!

This is a public transit train system connecting Piazzale Roma and the Cruise Port. You can arrive…read moreto Piazzale Roma via taxi (water or road), bus or car. If you arrive by car there is paid parking available. Depending on where you stay in Venice, the walk to Piazzale Roma can be very easy as well. Why use it? Because it cuts your walk to the cruise port in half once you arrival at Piazzale Roma. Of course, this really only benefits you if you are staying in the Centro Storico di Venezia (central historic) area. That may not seem like much, but when you are dragging luggage it helps! The ride takes about 3-5 minutes and cost €1.50 per person. The cost to get to the port via taxi is expensive and the bus is timely, not to mention awkward depending on the size of your bag(s). All this train really does is get you across the bridge and tracks, but doesn't get you as close as you would think to the cruise ships. No matter how you choose to get to the cruise port of entry point...all modes of transportation end up in approximately the same place. With that said...I need to inform you that once you arrive at the port, depending on where your terminal is, you may still have close to a mile walk to get to your ship. It is what it is! It's the same in reverse! If you arrive via cruise ship you'll need to walk to the People Mover station. Depending on where your terminal is...it could be close to a mile walk. Then it will take you to Piazzale Roma. From there you can walk to your hotel, grab a water or regular taxi (depending on where you are staying and which side), or the public water bus. The train station is a short walk from Piazzale Roma as well. Please note: there are people to hire to help you with your luggage if needed at the Cruise Terminal(s), the main port entry point and at Piazzale Roma. You can buy tickets at a kiosk or ticket booth located outside the People Mover station. Please keep in mind that depending on the time of year, there may be a line and can be timely. If you wish to buy your tickets in advance for a peace of mind, have it "done" or whatever, then I suggest going to http://actv.avmspa.it/en/content/people-mover-0 and buying it/them online. Or you can go to http://www.veneziaunica.it/ if you plan to purchase other modes of transportation for your stay along with tours if you wish...gotta love one stop shopping! You will get a code and you can exchange that code for a ticket at any designated kiosk ACTV station...it's really easy.

Going to the cruise port (or going back from there into town) this is a convenient and cheap way to…read moreget there. Especially if you arrive from the train station, it's a good option. If you are in good health then you can easily walk the distance from the Train Station to this People Mover station. It's about a 10min walk. Lots of "helpers" will offer you to transport your luggage from the train station to the people mover station. If you are still strong, then there's no need to do that...and the prices are hefty. It's useful for elderly or diabled people though. The only obstacle in the way is the Ponte della Costituzione. You gotta climb those stairs with your luggage. The People Mover itself is easy, get your ticket at the machine for 1.50 Euros and wait for the next train. They arrive within a few minutes. It's a short ride. Once you exit it depends where your ships docks. It still can be quite a distance to walk from here. But beats (price-wise) most other options.