This may be a stupid question - but here goes. <BR> <BR>I want to be sure I have all my terminology correct before I hit Venice. <BR> <BR>Vaparetto - basically water buses that run on a set schedule from stop to stop. You can buy a multi day pass for them. <BR> <BR>Aliagunna - ?? <BR> <BR>Water Taxis - What are they called in Venice?? <BR> <BR>Thanks. <BR> <BR>Donna

Donna <BR> <BR>Vaporetti - correct - yes they have a 24 hr/ 3day or 7 day pass. <BR> <BR>Aliaguanna?? - it's a boat that goes from the airport to San Marco and Zattere without stopping anywhere else. Price - I don't know <BR> <BR>

water taxis are called "taxis"--the "water" bit goes without saying. <BR>Authorized taxis have a black registration number on a yellow background. <BR> <BR>Alilaguna: I believe this info is still current: <BR>Alilaguna's boat leaves from a pier just outside the arrivals terminal and cruises through the lagoon to the Museo stop on Murano island, then continues to the Lido before finishing its run at San Marco, near St. Mark's Square. Taxis are faster (and significantly more expensive) but if you have the time and the weather is fair, I think this longer ride is a thrilling introduction to Venice. When you emerge from baggage claim and customs at Marco Polo Airport, you'll see a "Water bus" ticket booth in the outer lobby. Roll your luggage cart through the doors at the corner of the lounge and head for the large yellow waterbus at the dock next to the terminal. The Cooperativa runs its Alilaguna motorlaunch service hourly between 4.45am and five minutes past midnight from the airport to San Marco and vice versa. Tickets can be purchased in the arrival hall or on board. Allow 60-70 minutes from or to San Marco. <BR> <BR>www.elmoro.com <BR>www.actv.it <BR>www.timeout.com/venice <BR>www.goeurope.about.com <BR>

<BR>There's also the other kind of public transportation boat that look like a large gondolla & just goes back-and-forth across the main canal in certain places. I can't remember what it's called but I think it starts with a T.

I'm pretty sure the little "express" gondola is called traghetto - lots of fun and inexpensive.

<BR>That's it -- thanks

Donna - If you buy the Eyewitness Guide to the Italy, you'll see photographs at the back of these different vessels. It will help you recognize them when the time comes. Plus, it's a great guide book.