The word “vaporetto” means “steamboat” or “small steamboat.” Today, of course, all the boats are powered by diesel engines. A single boat is called a “vaporetto.” A group of boats is called “vaporetti.” They are part of the public transit system, which is operated by ACTV.
Vaporetto – Vaporetti
Line 1 and Line 2
This type of boat is used on Line 1 or Line 2. It can accommodate approximately 200 passengers, both seated and standing. The front seats are particularly popular because of the good view. Seats for people with disabilities are available. Unfortunately, there is NO restroom. Line 1 runs back and forth from the northern outskirts of the city, the Piazzale Roma to the Lido and back again. During the day, a boat departs every 12 minutes. Line 2 also runs along the Grand Canal, but it stops only at the main stops. It also runs along the wide Giudecca Canal and to the Tronchetto Parking Garage. And sometimes you wish they were all as empty as the one in this picture.
Lines 4.1 and 4.2
These boats are used on Lines 4.1 and 4.2, among others. Lines 4.1 and 4.2 take you to Murano to visit the glassblowers and back again. They also stop at the train station, at the Piazzale Roma and past the harbor where the large cruise ships dock. This type of boat doesn't have a toilet either.
For vacationers from Punta Sabbioni
These boats carry vacationers on the Adriatic who want to travel from Punta Sabbioni to Venice in the summer. They can accommodate 400 passengers. There is a restroom on board. The boat runs every hour on the hour or half-hour from Punta Sabbioni via the Lido to Venice. It stops near St. Mark's Square. Travel time: 35 minutes.
During the season, there is an additional Line 15 that runs in the mornings and afternoons, traveling directly between Punta Sabbioni and San Marco—though it does not stop at the Lido.
Punta Sabbioni - Burano
These boats also carry vacationers from the Adriatic who want to travel from Punta Sabbioni to Venice in the summer. They can accommodate 1,200 passengers across two decks. There is a restroom on board. It departs from Punta Sabbioni on the hour or half-hour via the Lido to Venice. It stops near St. Mark’s Square. Travel time: 35 minutes. Our tip: In the summer, this line also runs from Venice to Burano. The route takes you through the vast, open Venetian lagoon and is a particularly beautiful experience.
Car Ferry
This car ferry transports cars and trucks from the northern outskirts of Venice—the island Tronchetto, nonstop to the Lido and back again. There is a restroom and an air-conditioned lounge. The car ferry is also operated by ACTV.
Overview
Because of their size, all vaporetti only travel along the outskirts of Venice or through the wide Grand Canal. They are too large for all the other small canals that crisscross the city. Only water taxis can fit through those.
Vaporetto – Water Taxi
The vaporetti do NOT fit through narrow, small canals. They are too wide and too long for that. Only the small, maneuverable water taxis can get through there. For your trip, this means you should carefully check the location of your accommodations in advance and choose the stop closest to your hotel.