Crossing the Venice Grand Canal by Gondola is a very interesting experience. Do not miss it Discover the real Venice with one of our photo walk tour . Video by Simone Padovani
The word "traghetto" means "ferry." In Venice, it describes a large gondola rowed by two oarsmen.
Half a dozen traghetto lines cross the Grand Canal, and most of them have been operated by the same families for generations.
How to ride a traghetto:
As you're walking around Venice, look for yellow or white "Traghetto" signs, or find traghetto routes on your map.
Follow the signs down to the water, where you'll find a wooden boat pier.
Board the traghetto and hand €2,-- to an oarsman. (If you don't have exact change, use a small banknote.)
Find a place to sit. (Venetians traditionally stand during the crossing, but sitting is safer if you aren't used to bobbing boats.)
When the boat arrives on the other side of the Grand Canal, exit promptly.
Two of the most reliable are:
Pescaria (Rialto fish market) - Santa Sofia (near Ca' d'Oro):
San Tomà - Sant'Angelo:
Note: Traghetti operate during daylight hours only, often with a break for lunch. There are no official timetables: The boats travel back and forth almost continuously, taking two or three minutes to cross the Grand Canal.