Venice gondola ride timings | When to take a gondola tour

Venice gondola rides typically begin after 9am and can go on well into the wee hours of the morning, sometimes even 3am.

Yes, Venice gondolas ply every day except in situations of extreme weather or if the gondoliers go on strike, although the latter is not a common occurrence.

Most gondoliers stop their service by midnight, although some can wind up by 9 PM too. If you are seeking a late-night gondola ride, you will have to find a gondolier who's willing to ferry you at the time of your liking. Note that this will cost more, possibly upwards of €100.

The gondola rides are generally 30 minutes long, although during traffic conditions the ride duration can come down by few minutes. If you'd like to extend your ride, you can request the gondolier, although an extension isn't guaranteed (especially during peak season).

Venice gondola rides are best enjoyed in the early morning or late afternoon of a weekday, specially during the lean season (from October to April). This ensures lesser crowds at the boarding points and a more relaxed ride experience.

While taking a gondola ride on a public holiday is a popular choice for locals and tourists alike, be prepared for longer wait times and denser queues at the boarding points. The canals are also likely to see more traffic on these days.

Yes, if you book online, you can choose your ride slot. Most gondola stations operate on a first-come, first-served basis while booking on-site. This means that wait times can be longer if you book on-spot.

Waiting times can vary significantly depending on the time of day, day of the week, season and gondola station. During peak hours, especially at busy gondola stations like St. Marks Square waiting times can range from 30 minutes to an hour or even longer.