The Public Gondola Service
Traghetto
A traghetto (which means "ferry" in Italian) is a large gondola used to cross Canal Grande at designated points.
The crossing is a quick, no-frills experience that costs just €2 for tourists - making it the cheapest gondola ride available.
Venetians traditionally stand during the crossing, making it a fun way to test your balance - but if you prefer, there are seats along the sides of the vessel.
Popular traghetto crossings
Back when Rialto Bridge was the only way across the Canal Grande, there were dozens of these gondola ferry routes. Today, only a few remain and these 4 routes are perhaps the most reliable:
San Tomà - Sant'Angelo
Located halfway between Rialto Bridge and Accademia Bridge, this is a popular route for crossing between Dorsoduro and San Marco.
Santa Sofia - Rialto Market
This is ideal if you want to avoid the chaos at Rialto Bridge and simply need a quick crossing from Ca' d'Oro to Rialto Market.
Giglio - San Gregorio
A quick crossing from San Marco to the eastern tip of Dorsoduro, near the iconic Santa Maria della Salute.
Dogana - Vallaresso
Because it's located at the mouth of the Canal Grande, this is the longest traghetto crossing, connecting Punta della Dogana to a dock 2mins away from Piazza San Marco.
Spotting a traghetto crossing
The small wooden piers along Canal Grande where the large gondolas dock are marked with a distinctive green banner, and nearby buildings have signs reading "Traghetto" to guide you there.
Schedule
Traghetto service hours shouldn't be taken too literally, as they're not always strictly followed.
Boats typically shuttle back and forth with only a few minutes' wait, from 8-9 a.m. until around 6-7 p.m. There are occasional breaks, especially around lunchtime.
More info on Città di Venezia website
Things to consider
- Payment is only accepted in cash, preferably in coins.
- You cannot board with a wheelchair, stroller, or heavy luggage.
- They might not leave right away, especially if there aren't many people waiting, so be prepared for a few minutes' wait.
Alternatives
If you're prioritizing practicality over the experience when you need to cross Canal Grande, consider taking the #1 water bus. It zigzags along Canal Grande, crossing from one bank to the other between most stops.
This is especially convenient if you already plan to get a transportation pass.