A slow and enchanting journey between water and sky
For a truly scenic and peaceful way to reach Venice, choose to travel by boat. Departing from Chioggia, you’ll enjoy a panoramic route across the calm waters of the Venetian lagoon. Along the way, you can stop at Pellestrina, a charming and tranquil island often called “the island that doesn’t exist,” but very much real.
Foto di Bishesh Shrestha su Unsplash
Boat travel options from Chioggia to Venice
- ACTV Vaporetto: Public ferry service with stops at Chioggia, Pellestrina, Lido, and Venice—perfect for convenient and regular connections.
- Raffaello Navigazione: Offers guided tours, private boat trips, and daily excursions to explore the lagoon in depth.
During your trip, you’ll see:
- Lagoon islets and natural wetlands
- Traditional fishermen’s huts (casoni)
- The iconic Venice skyline approaching on the horizon
Why choose to travel through the Venetian lagoon?
Avoid city traffic and parking difficulties
Enjoy authentic, off-the-beaten-path views
Experience the magic of arriving in Venice by water, as was done in centuries past
How to get from Chioggia to Venice via the lagoon
Take ACTV Line 11, a waterbus and public transport service
This public transport service connects Chioggia to Venice, crossing the lagoon for an authentic and scenic journey. This integrated service combines waterbuses, buses, and ferry boats, offering an affordable way to visit Venice from Chioggia’s city centre.
The journey begins at Piazzetta Vigo in Chioggia. Take the vaporetto to Pellestrina and then board a bus that crosses the island. You will also use a ferry to reach the Lido di Venezia (stop: Lido S. Maria Elisabetta). The total journey time is approximately 70 minutes. From here, you can reach the historic centre of Venice in 15–20 minutes using vaporetto lines 5.1, 5.2, 6 or 14.
ACTV 2025–2026 tickets and fares:
Tickets can be purchased online via the ACTV website, from ticket machines, via the AVM Venezia Official app, or from authorised retailers. You must validate your ticket before departure. Children up to the age of 6 travel for free.
Timetables for Line 11 vary seasonally, so please check the official ACTV website for up-to-date departure times before travelling.
Raffaello Navigazione: motorboat excursions from Sottomarina
For a more comfortable and straightforward experience, Raffaello Navigazione organises daily motorboat trips from Sottomarina to Venice and the lagoon islands. Boarding takes place at Ponte Isola dell’Unione, about a 15-minute walk (or 5-minute drive) from the Duomo Boutique Hotel, with parking available for €6 per day.
Sottomarina – Venice excursion (return trip):
The motorboat departs at 09:30 and sails through the lagoon, skirting the shores of Pellestrina, San Pietro in Volta, Alberoni, Malamocco and the famous Lido di Venezia. It arrives in Venice at 11:00 am at Riva degli Schiavoni, just 250 metres from St Mark’s Square, with an exciting entry into St Mark’s Basin. You have free time until 17:00, before returning to Sottomarina at 18:30.
Venice return fares:
- Adults: €24.00
- Children aged 4–12: €16.00
Island tour: Murano, Burano and Torcello
For those wishing to discover the lagoon islands, Raffaello Navigazione offers a day trip departing at 09:30 and returning at 18:30.
The itinerary includes:
- Murano: a visit to a glassworks to discover the ancient art of glassmaking
- Burano: the island of multicoloured houses and famous lace
- Torcello: the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, home to a magnificent Last Judgement mosaic and the ‘Throne of Attila’
Island tour prices:
- Adults: €32.00
- Children aged 4–12: €22.00
Practical information: Raffaello Navigazione
Tickets are available online at venicewaterlink.com, directly at the boarding point or from the Venice Water Link office at Via Roma 1432.
Car parks: Ponte Isola dell’Unione (€6 per day), Centro Astoria and Campo Cannoni (€5–7 per day).
On-board facilities: The motorboats are equipped with a bar, toilets, and a panoramic terrace.
Pets are allowed on board.
Season: Excursions mainly operate from April to September. Check the Raffaello Navigazione website for the calendar and availability.
Please note that the City of Venice requires occasional visitors to pay the Access Fee on certain specific days in 2026.
Check your visit date at cda.veneziaunica.it or at the Venice Water Link ticket office.