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Plan your Venice gondola ride | Timings, tips & more
Cruises and Gondola Rides in VenicePlan Your Visit
- Private ride
- Shared ride
- Gondola and gondoliers
- Night ride
- Romantic ride
- Serenade ride
- Canal tours
- Sunset ride
- Budget ride
Contents
We heard you're taking a traditional Venetian gondola ride, and we couldn't be more excited! Are you ready to sail through picturesque canals, witness architectural wonders, and immerse yourself in a romantic ambiance? This article will guide you in planning a picture-perfect ride, ensuring an unforgettable adventure in the City of Water.
Venice gondola ride: The experience at a glance
- What are the Venice gondola ride timings?
9am to 3am, sometimes even up to 8am. - From where can I take Venice Gondola Rides?
The most notable gondola stations are St. Mark's Square and the Rialto Bridge, although you can also board your gondola from stations like the Jewish Ghetto, the Dorsoduro district and more. - How many passengers can a gondola accommodate?
Six passengers, including the gondolier.
What are the Venice gondola ride timings?
General timings: 9am onwards. Until 7pm, fares are standard and fixed i.e. €80. From 7pm to even 3am, prices are €100, with an additional €40 for every extra 20 minutes.
Closures: Since the gondola is one of the main modes of transport in Venice, it functions year-round. Only in the case of extreme weather conditions or a gondolier strike will the service be called off.
Detailed gondola ride timingsFrom where can I take a gondola ride In Venice?
In Venice, you can take a gondola ride from various locations throughout the city. The most popular and common places to find gondola stations are:
- St. Mark's Square: You can find gondola stations along the waterfront near the Doge's Palace.
- Grand Canal: The Grand Canal is the main waterway running through Venice, and you'll find gondola stations scattered along its banks.
- Rialto Bridge: This iconic bridge is a bustling area, and you'll find gondola stations nearby, making the Rialto Bridge a convenient starting point for your ride.
- Santa Maria del Giglio: Located near the church sharing the same name, Santa Maria del Giglio is another popular spot to find gondola stations.
- Campo Santa Maria Formosa: A square located in the Castello district, Campo Santa Maria Formosa is a quieter area to start your gondola ride.
- Santa Sofia: Near the Ca' d'Oro palace, you can find gondola stations at Santa Sofia.
Getting to the gondola stations in Venice
By public transportation
Vaporetto: Take the water bus lines 1 or 5.1 to reach the boarding point of your gondola ride near St. Mark's Square. These lines travel the length of the Grand Canal.
Traghetto: You can travel to any of the 7 stations along the Grand Canal to find the nearest gondola station.
By walk
As a tourist exploring Venice, the best way to reach your gondola ride is by walking. St. Mark's Square lies within the heart of Venice. The walk takes around 10-15 minutes, depending on your route and pace. Embrace the essence of Venice by strolling through the charming streets and bridges to reach your desired gondola departure point.
Know before you go on a Venice gondola ride
Shared vs private rides
Live commentary
Serenade
Accessibility
What should I wear?
Rules
Tips
Where to eat?
Places to stay
- In a shared ride, the seating is usually random and decided by the gondolier. You would have to sit with people you don't know and each gondola will have 5 passengers + the gondolier. The ride also usually begins only once the gondola is full, so you might have to wait the additional few minutes until full capacity is reached.
- In contrast, a private ride ensures the entire gondola is occupied only by your group — whether you are traveling as a couple or family. The ride will begin even if the gondola isn't full to capacity. Costs are naturally higher for this type of ride.
- With a ticket upgrade on a classic gondola ride, you can avail live commentary in English or Italian.
- You can also opt for digital audio commentary in 7 languages: Spanish, German, Russian, Japanese, Chinese, French or Hindi. Note that this feature too is an add-on.
Your gondolier is not expected to sing for you if you book a standard ride. If you are seeking the serenade experience, you must book a separate tour that offers it. Additionally, some gondoliers can take offence if you request them to sing.
Unfortunately, none of these Venice gondola experiences are wheel-chair friendly.
There are no dress restrictions while taking a Venice gondola ride. However, do dress comfortably and consider the weather conditions during your visit. If you are taking a sunset ride or night ride, consider dressing in a formal attire to match the mood and ambiance. It's also advisable to carry a light sweater or jacket if you're taking an evening gondola ride, especially in the cooler months.
- Observe and respect the gondolier's instructions for a safe and enjoyable ride.
- Do not stand or lean excessively on the gondola.
- Avoid littering and maintain cleanliness.
- Refrain from touching the buildings or structures along the canals.
- Photography is encouraged but do be mindful of other passengers' privacy, especially if you're taking a shared ride.
- Negotiate and agree on the price with the gondolier before the ride to avoid any misunderstandings, especially if you're booking on-site.
- Engage with the gondolier and ask questions about Venice's history and culture.
- Consider sharing the gondola with other travelers to split the cost.
- Keep an eye on your belongings during the ride and avoid carrying excessive valuables.
- Embrace the charm and romance of the gondola ride by choosing quieter hours and opting for the smaller canals.
- Osteria da Fiore: Savor seafood dishes with a Michelin-starred experience at Osteria da Fiore.
- La Palanca: Enjoy seaside views and dig into a delectable selection of pastas and tiramisu. Sit out in the open and soak in the sun at La Palanca.
- Al Timon: A local hotspot offering delicious Cicchetti (Venetian tapas) and affordable drinks, Al Timon is the place to go for a sundowner.
- Budget: Anda Venice Hostel, Hotel Delfino
- Mid-range: Hotel Mercurio, Ca' San Polo
- Luxury: Radisson Collection Hotel, JW Marriott Venice Resort and Spa
Frequently asked questions about planning your Venice gondola ride
What factors can help me decide which gondola ride is best for me?
For starters, let's look at costs. Gondola working hours are generally from 9am onwards and can go on up to 3am. Until 7pm, rides are priced at a standard €80. Post 7pm, the ride costs €100, with an extra €40 for every additional 20 minutes. So, whether or not you should take a morning or evening ride depends on your budget and convenience.
Next, consider whether you want a shared or private experience. In a shared experience, while you won't get a say in who your co-passengers will be, you can still enjoy the gondola experience. In a private experience, you can book out the whole gondola for you and your loved ones, albeit at a higher cost.
You can also decide your ride based on whether you want live entertainment or not. If you're seeking a serenade experience, you'll have to book that separately.
Should I take a gondola ride in the morning or evening?
The best time to enjoy gondola ride in Venice is during early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds. Sunset rides are also a popular option, especially among couples.
What is the duration of a Venice gondola ride?
The duration of the gondola ride is typically 30 minutes, give or take a few minutes depending on the chosen route and traffic conditions.
Are gondola rides available in winter?
Yes, gondola rides are available throughout the year. Only in case of extreme weather conditions or a gondolier strike will be they be canceled.
Can I bring food or drinks on the gondola?
Most gondoliers are against bringing food or drinks on the gondola. This is to maintain both cleanliness and respect for the tradition.
Are gondola rides suitable for children?
Yes, gondola rides can be enjoyed by people of all ages, including children. Ensure their safety by following the gondolier's instructions. What's more, children under the age of two years can travel free.
Can I request a specific route for the gondola ride?
Yes, gondoliers can sometimes accommodate specific requests for routes, but it's subject to their availability and convenience.
Do gondoliers sing during the ride?
While it's not a guaranteed part of the ride, some gondoliers may serenade passengers upon request or for special occasions. However, some gondoliers can also take offence at being asked to sing! Hence, it's best to book a dedicated serenade ride if you're seeking this experience.
Are strollers and prams allowed on the gondola?
Unfortunately, the gondola rides are not wheelchair-friendly. Strollers and baby carriers are also not permitted on board due to lack of space.
Are gondola rides wheelchair-friendly?
Gondolas are not typically wheelchair accessible, as they have a narrow, low-slung design that can be difficult to access for those with mobility issues. However, some gondoliers may be able to accommodate certain accessibility needs.
What should I wear for a gondola ride in Venice?
There is no specific dress code for a gondola ride in Venice, but it's recommended to dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather, as well as to wear flat, non-slip shoes.
What if I'm late for my gondola ride?
If you've pre-booked your ride and arrive late for it, unfortunately, you will miss your ride. It's always best to arrive at least 15 minutes in advance of your experience.
Under what circumstances will a gondola ride be canceled?
Gondolas ply year round, and call of their service in only extreme situations like poor weather or a gondoliers' strike. However, if you wish to cancel your ride for whatever reason, do so at least 24 hours in advance to avail a full refund.
I am planning to propose to my partner on our gondola ride. How can I go about this?
Gondola rides are a popular choice for proposals, and we're happy to assist you in your planning. Firstly, it's always best to pre-book a gondola so you can board one at the time of your choosing. Secondly, most couples opt for private rides to enhance the intimacy of the moment. Next, speak to your gondolier in advance so they can be of assistance, like taking a photo of that special moment, or even taking a route that you requested.
I'm traveling with my family (husband and two toddlers). Which ride would be best for me?
Private rides are a great choice for families, especially those with young children. In this type of ride, you can all be seated together in the same boat even if it's not full to capacity. In your case, your private gondola would consist of just you, your family and the gondolier. However, if you're on a budget, you can still take the classic gondola ride with optional group seating. This means that you and your family will be seated together, but the entire gondola won't be earmarked just for you. An additional person is likely to be on board as well.
I've booked a shared ride but the gondola isn't full. Will my ride still take place?
Not to worry, your ride will still happen as planned. While the gondolier may wait a few extra minutes to see if the boat will fill up, the ride will still continue as you have paid for it.
Can I combine my gondola ride with other activities?
Combining your gondola ride with other things to do is a great way to make the most of your Venice trip. You can book a serenade to add an authentic touch to your ride. You can even book combo tours and see Venice in a day by visiting nearby landmarks like the Doge's Palace, touring the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello.
