Ride on a
Traghetto
Ride on a
Traghetto
The alternative to the gondola
Traghetto Venice
If you’re not quite ready for a gondola ride, you can try a Traghetto for just EUR 2!
These slightly larger gondolas are designed to cross the Grand Canal from one side to the other, especially where there isn’t a bridge nearby.
These Traghettos only take a few minutes to cross to the other side, and you can test your gondola-riding skills for very little money ;).
And of course, We tried it out for you!
There are five Traghetto crossings along the Grand Canal:
S. Sofia – opposite the Rialto Market
This is the one I tested. My hotel was on the Cannaregio side and I wanted to reach the Rialto Market. On the San Polo side, the landing point is right beside the fish market – wonderfully convenient!
Riva del Vin – beneath the Rialto Bridge
Located directly under the Rialto Bridge. Undoubtedly one of the most scenic crossings, offering a magnificent view of the bridge.
S. Tomà
There are no major sights directly beside this traghetto stop. It sits just before the bend of the Grand Canal. After the curve you’ll find Ca’ Rezzonico and Palazzo Grassi, although they’re not particularly close or convenient from this crossing.
Santa Maria del Giglio – between the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and Santa Maria della Salute
A very practical crossing if you wish to travel from San Marco to Dorsoduro. The landing point sits beautifully between the Peggy Guggenheim Collection and Santa Maria della Salute.
Susi tested this one for us and absolutely loved it.
Dogana – between Punta della Dogana and near St Mark’s Square
Close to St Mark’s Square you can board a Traghetto and glide across to Punta della Dogana. Here the Grand Canal is noticeably wider, as it opens out towards the lagoon.
Operating Times
Monday to Saturday: 8.30–19.00 h
Sundays & public holidays: 9.00–19.00 h
Prices
EUR 2 per person, adults and children alike (for non-residents of Venice)
EUR 0.70 for residents
Cash only – ideally exact change.
Capacity
Maximum 12 passengers
(Regular gondolas hold up to 5.)
Waiting Times
Difficult to predict – the gondolas simply shuttle back and forth continuously.
Where Can You Cross
by Traghetto?
Susi’s Crossing
From San Marco to Dorsoduro
Susi hopped on a Traghetto for us to travel from San Marco to Dorsoduro. The stop she used was Santa Maria del Giglio, as both Santa Maria della Salute and the Pinault Collection were on her to-do list. Said and done: she paid her EUR 2 and stepped aboard.
It’s a rather special way to get around. The journey lasts only a few minutes, yet those two to four minutes are filled with tradition, strength, the unmistakable Venetian way of life, and a touch of adventure. So many impressions and emotions crowd in during such a short crossing – it’s something you should try at least once!
For her return trip, Susi boarded another Traghetto from Punta della Dogana and glided back across the canal.
Céline’s Crossing
From Cannaregio to San Polo
From the S. Sofia stop, I crossed over to San Polo. My plan for the final morning before departure was to visit the Rialto Market and Ca’ Pesaro.
On a rather overcast day, I too braved a Traghetto. Together with locals and visitors, I stepped aboard, paid my EUR 2, and off we went on the short crossing!
Boarding and disembarking were a little unsteady, but having taken a “proper” gondola ride the day before, I knew what to expect. This gondola, however, was larger and carried more passengers – and the gondolier had to weave between passing motorboats and let them go ahead. A Traghetto ride is therefore less “romantic”, but far more authentic, if you know what I mean. The gondolier really has to concentrate and master the leverage of his oar. Hats off!
A Traghetto ride is something everyone should try at least once. We loved it, and we have the utmost respect for the gondolieri!
Yours,
Céline
Text and image rights: © Céline Mülich, 2023–2026
