ironandsilk

Our first trip to Venice. So many different boats. Are some taxis at the dock better service than others or is it truly a taxi line?
Also we are renting an apartment. Can we call to make an apointment for our return trip to the airport?

ellenem

vaporetto = local waterbus that does not go to airport

Alilaguna = special waterbus between airport and limited number of stops in Venice, costs about €10 each way per person. Stop locations may or may not be convenient for you.

motoscafo = private water taxi that goes wherever you want within reason. Your apartment may have no water access so the taxi would take you as close as possible, which may actually be a vaporetto or Alilagna stop. Costs about €90 between airport and Venice for the entire boat, 4-8 people max.

gondola = tourist boat ride within Venice

Water taxi prices and services are set by a license. Yes, you can reserve ahead.

nytraveler

You need to get a very detailed street/canal map of Venice showing the exact location of your apartment and the nearest vaporetto stop as well as the closest dock. That will help you make a decision - since you probably don't wan to walk many blocks and over bridges dragging your luggage behind you.

caroline_edinburgh

To answer your actual questions, in case you already knew all the rest. Yes, the watertaxi dock operates like a normal taxi queue - you take the next boat to arrive unless you have pre-booked one. (There are separate docks for the watertaxis and Alilaguna boats respectively.)) And yes, you can pre-book a water taxi for your journey either way.

Waste of money IMO when the Alilaguna costs €12pp. The other responders are right, though, in that you should get a detailed map to work out where your apartment is in relation to the nearest dock / Alilaguna stop / vaporetto stop or even the land bus terminus.

RufusTFirefly

Not a waste of money IMHO, if you can afford it. It's a fun ride zipping across the lagoon, like a bonus in addition to getting transportation that will get you as close as possible to your destination--if you can afford it.

ira

Hi Ir,

A water taxi is about 80E for the boat, not per person.

Weekender

The water taxi is far from a waste of money. Zipping across the lagoon in your speedboat and pulling up to the private dock at the hotel is a fantastic experience.

Jed

If you are 4 people, or can share with others to make it up to 8, it makes the taxi the way to go. We paid 90 € a few years ago.

Just looking now, I found this site:

http://www.venice-rentals.com/venice...-services.html

"Up to four persons: €160 each way"

I was shocked. So be careful when you reserve.

Also, it would be to your advantage to have some idea how the vaporetto works, before you get there.

http://www.venice-rentals.com/info/routes.html

kappa1

"Official" rate of water taxi seems to be actually €90 (or €95) Venice Marco Polo Airport to Venice. Last May when I was there, I saw an infomation window by the dock that had a big sign with that amount. I think you can go there ordering your boat. I don't remember if it was 90 or 95. I understand one normal sized water taxi can take up to 6 persons. Just like a land taxi, the more the passengers are, the less you pay per person. If you are close to 6, if you have lots of leggag, etc, all the more reasons to consider taking it. I have been to Venice always alone or with one other person and my luggage was always carry-on size, so never taken one yet.

hmmm

A water taxi is a great way to move from airport to hotel (and vice versa) in Venice. As some others mentioned, if you have lots of luggage or your accommodations are away from an alilaguna stop the convenience is priceless--and expensive. Don't underestimate the inconvenience of moving luggage over canal bridges. The water taxis are especially fun in the dim light.

Enjoy your trip.

RufusTFirefly

Wow, Jed. I know that some hotels will charge a "convenience fee" to set up your watertaxi for you, but that is highway robbery! You don't need to pay anything extra--get your watertaxi right at the airport. Make your return trip reservation after you arrive in Venice.