We will be in Venice from July 18, Monday afternoon until Friday morning, July 22. We are little confused about the vaporetto passes. Based on the 5 days we will be there, can any of you recommend the kind of pass we should purchase, based on the fact that we will probably be using the vaporetto and our own feet to get around? Should we even forego any pass and pay as we go? Thanks. Helene

I would suggest a three day pass at first to see how much you use the system. After that you could pay by the day or purchase another pass, depending on how your previous pass paid off.

Others might have a better alternative, however, since we only bought a one hour pass twice when we were there for four days. We simply found ourselves walking everywhere.

If you are going to use the vaporetto more than once during the day (or evening), by all means get a 24 hour pass and DON'T pay as you go. When we were there last summer, 1 ride is 5 euro and a 24 hr pass was 10.50. It costs more if you're taking luggage on the vaporetto, but if you have the 24 hr. pass, the luggage rides "free"! And it really is 24 hours from the time you get the ticket.

The passes are for 24 hours (10.50 euros) or 72 hours (22 euros). They are valid from the time when they are stamped, not for a calendar day. Thus, if you arrive on Monday afternoon and buy a 24-hour pass, it will be valid till Tuesday afternoon. Your visit will be covered by one 24-hour pass and one 72-hour pass. The passes cover journeys to the lido, Murano, Burano, Torcello, Chioggia, etc, as well as journeys in the old city.

I would highly recommend that you buy the pass. Not only is the vaporetto convenient but it us a great wat to sit back, relax and enjoy the view of the grand canal when your feet are tired. We always get a pass as soon as we arrive in Venice and have never regretted it. It is nice to know that you can just hop on the vaporetto whenever you please and not keep counting the euro's that it will cost each time. I also think a nighttime ride down the grand canal on a vaporetto is very romantic and costs a lot less than a gondola. Enjoy your trip as I know beautiful Venice will capture your heart. Take Care Jackie