I think I saw this discussed somewhere, but can't find it. I have been to Venice many times and have used all modes of transportation, but have never arrived by train. My sister and I will be arriving on the overnight train from Paris and will be staying at Tiepolo.

Since this will be her very first and probably last trip to Venice, I want to make everything is very special for her. Since Tiepolo has a water door, I'm thinking the best way to arrive, might be by water taxi....BUT, for some reason, I think someone mentioned the price from the train station being around €50.

I've always felt the most impressive way to enter Venice, especially for first timers is by water taxi. Can anyone give me an idea of what the price might be?

Sharon J

Sharon, I've never taken one from the train station. From the airport, much farther out, we paid Euro 90 a couple of years ago.

Here's a web site for one of the companies, you can get an e-mail proposal from them to see what they would charge you: http://www.motoscafivenezia.it/trans-en.html

Here's a second one, although I don't see an english language option on the page: http://www.veneziataxi.it/

I know that a water taxi from the Europa Regina hotel near San Marco to the train station has been 60 euros for a few years now. It might be less when picking up the taxi at the station. I would check with the hotel, I'm sure they would know.

quote:

It might be less when picking up the taxi at the station. I would check with the hotel, I'm sure they would know.

We are staying in an apartment, but I'm figuring €50 and it won't be as far as the Regina Europa. Tiepolo is right on the Grand Canal.

Ellen, thanks for the links, I will check the out.

Sharon J

Sharon,
Have you looked into Slowtrav's own info on water taxi?
Here is the link.
I remember about 4 years ago the fare from airport to Zattere was 100 euro.

2 weeks ago we were quoted 60 euros from our apartment next to Ca'Rezzonnico to the station. (we took a vaporetto!)

I absolutely agree about it being the most spectacular way to arrive, and we always recommend it for 1st timers, particularly if you're staying somewhere where you can get right to the door. The bus from the airport, vaporetto etc is fine and works well - but nothing compares to sweeping down the Grand Canal in your own taxi!

Personally I find the impressive part of arriving in Venice is Venice. A row boat,walking,bicycle any way is good!

We take a taxi for early flights only. I love the vaporetto, it makes me feel part of the scene rather than aloof in my own boat.
RR

quote:

Personally I find the impressive part of arriving in Venice is Venice. A row boat,walking,bicycle any way is good!

We take a taxi for early flights only. I love the vaporetto, it makes me feel part of the scene rather than aloof in my own boat

Since we always take the Vaporetto now, I can't quite agree. When we have luggage upon arrival, we find being stuck in the middle of the boat packed together like sardines, not quite a romantic way to enter the city, especially for a first timer. For those of us who have had the privilage to visit many times, I agree, that we don't care how we get to our destination now, it's simply the thrill of being there again.

I want to make sure my sisters first view is complete and awe inspiring. Upon leaving, we will drag our suitcases to Pizzale Roma to catch the land bus back to the airport. Just can't beat the price.

Sharon J

I was a first time visitor to Venice in October 2009 and I took a water taxi from the airport to Piazza San Marco and it was wonderful. We were staying at the Hotel Concordia. We were charged 100EUR for 3 of us. We knew the price before going and were willing to pay because we had to do it once. It was a wonderful feeling. I agree that this is a must for first time visitors.

We took the bus back to the airport and I have to say it was the best option. What a bargain and quick too! We stayed at the Carlton on the back end of our trip so it was a quick walk to Piazzale Roma for the bus.

Last year we took the water taxi from Dorsoduro to the airport and I think it was slightly over 100.00 eur; a few years ago we took one from the Europe Regina and I think it was 60 eur or so. I'm usually fine with the vaporetto but agree that a water taxi, if you don't mind the expense, is a great way to see Venice.

One quick question on the water taxi. Is it customary and/or expected to tip the "driver"? If so, how much on, say, a 100 euro trip from the airport to Venice?

There has been some discussion regarding this subject and most agree, that you don't need to tip. At times, my husband rounded up, but doesn't do that anymore. I guess if you had several people with lots of luggage, a tip would be more appropriate, but not necessary.

Sharon J

I don't tip the water taxi driver.

quote:

Originally posted by maryk:
I don't tip the water taxi driver.

We have not taken a water taxi for everal years ever since hte now restored dock at Palazzo Tiepoletto fell into the canal, bt when we did we tipped according to the service we received. The driver who stood with folded arms at 6:00 AM on an icy January morning and watched my husband struggle to lift our luggage frm hte taxi to the airport dock and then made no move to help when my feet were slipping on the ice as I tried to get out received no tip. The driver who sat with us for haf an hour and refused to leave just in case the very late realtor's agent never showed up to open the water door because then we'd be stranded recieved a hug tip - almost double the fare. Other times we tipped depending on the service and the ride. Ruth

Hi Sharon
On our way out of Venezia (we parked at the train station at Mestre) we ran into a couple AT the Santa Lucia station on the island who did not know there was any other way to get there (I don't know why they didn't notice or react to the vaporetto stop right in front of the station. Anyway, they said the water taxi had cost them $90, which is pretty much in line with the 50 Euro cost you had heard.

€60 is the "standard" price from Piazzale Roma or the Ferrovia to anywhere in the city center. Prices increase to Lido, Giudecca, and elsewhere. You might be able to wrangle €50 if you're lucky, but in high season it can be difficult.

VeniceWelcome.com, for example, will book a center-bound taxi for you for for €65, to the aiport for €98.

Thanks tessmar and venexiananan. I just didn't want any unpleasant surprises.

Sharon J

I am adding this to this thread-
Last time I was in Venice there was a problem at Tessera. Taxi credit card machine did not work.
Every tourist who didn't had cash had trouble and the taxi people had only one sentence "go to the cash dispenser".

Good point. I would not expect to be able to use a credit card for a taxi. There are machines inside the airport; stock up before you head out (you'll need it for other stuff anyway).

There is a very comprehensive article on how to get from VCE to Venice, and the prices, in the Why Go Italy newsletter I received today. I think the website is www.italylogue.com

Idiota!! Here's the link. http://by108w.bay108.mail.live...t.aspx?wa=wsignin1.0