Is There Uber in Venice? How to Navigate the City

Venice is a unique and enchanting city that attracts millions of visitors every year. But in a city surrounded by waterways, just how are you going to get around?

Is there Uber in Venice? And if not, what are your options for navigating the city? Heck, are there even taxis in Venice?

Let’s dive right in and explore the different options for navigating the streets and waterways of Venice!

Is Uber There Uber in Venice?

No. There is no Uber in Venice. There is Uber in Italy, but Venice is unique in that there are no roads or cars at all!

Are There Other Ride-sharing Apps in Venice?

As there are no cars or roads in Venice, you won’t be able to find any other ride-sharing apps such as Lyft, Careem, or Didi in Venice either.

So wait… are there even taxis in Venice?

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Taxis in Venice

Yes, but not your typical taxi.

Taxis in Venice are actually water taxis, or “motoscafi” in Italian, given that there are no roads in Venice. Water taxis are the fastest and most comfortable way to travel around Venice, but they are also the most expensive.

A water taxi can carry up to 10 passengers, but a surcharge of €10 will be charged for every person over five. With a water taxi, you should be able to reach your hotel as water taxis can navigate the smaller canals unlike water buses (more on these below).

Are Taxis Cheap?

Taxis are not cheap in Venice, especially water taxis. Water taxis are the most expensive mode of transportation in Venice, and they charge fixed fares based on destination rather than distance traveled.

How Much Do Taxis Cost?

A water taxi ride can cost from €50 to €200, depending on the distance, time of day, luggage, and number of passengers. If you are hailing a water taxi from the Venice airport, expect to pay between €100 – €150 at a minimum. You can also pre-book a water taxi from the Venice airport to avoid standing in the long queue.

Even short distances within the canals of Venice could set up back €50 – €70. There is also a surcharge for nighttime water taxi rides of up to €20 which can make taking a taxi in Venice extremely costly. Some water taxi companies may also add a surcharge of €10 for passengers over five or a surcharge for luggage.

Do Taxis Accept Credit Cards?

Most taxis in Venice do not accept credit cards as a form of payment. You will need to pay in cash using the Euro, the local currency. It is advisable to have enough change in small denominations to avoid any hassle or dispute with the driver. Some taxi drivers might try to overcharge you or claim that they don’t have change, so be prepared to negotiate and insist on paying the correct amount.

How Do I Call a Taxi in Venice?

You can call ahead for a taxi or have your hotel call a taxi for you. The numbers for water taxi companies in Venice are included below.

• tel. +39-041-522-2303
• tel. +39-041-522-8637
• tel. +39-041-522-1265

The best way, however, to hail a water taxi is to head to one of the taxi stands near all of the major tourist attractions. You can find them at the following locations:

• Rialto
• San Marco (St. Mark’s Square)
• Ferrovia (train station)
• Piazzale Roma (parking garages)
• Stazione Marittima (cruise terminal)
• Tronchetto (parking garages)

Are There Taxi Apps in Venice?

The closest thing to Uber in Venice is the Transfers in Venice app. The Transfers in Venice app allows you to schedule private water taxis (standard or luxury) in advance.

You can download the app from Google Play or Apple Store.

Are Taxis Safe?

Water taxis are generally safe in Venice and while accidents are possible, they are not common. Water taxis, however, may not be suitable for travel for the elderly or those with difficulties walking as it is not always easy to get in and out of the water taxi.

How to Avoid Taxi Scams

Taxi scams are common in many cities around the world, and Venice is no exception. Some of the most common taxi scams that you might encounter are:

• The driver takes you somewhere else: The driver might try to take you to a different destination than the one you requested, such as a shop, a hotel, or a restaurant where they get a commission from. They might also take a longer or more expensive route than necessary. To avoid this scam, insist that the driver take you where you want to go, not where they want to take you. Use a map or a GPS app to check the route and the distance. Agree on the fare before you get in as the water taxis in Venice do not use meters.
• The driver has no change: The driver might claim that they don’t have change for your bill and ask you to pay more than the agreed amount. To avoid this scam, always have enough change in small denominations to pay the exact amount. Check the bills carefully before accepting them and report any suspicious ones to the authorities.
• The driver switches the bill: The driver might swap your bill with a smaller one and claim that you gave them the wrong amount. They might also pretend to drop your bill and pick up another one from the floor. To avoid this scam, pay attention when you hand over your bill and make sure that the driver sees it clearly. Ask for a receipt and keep it as proof of payment.

Other Ways to Get Around in Venice

Taxis are not the only way to get around Venice. There are other modes of transportation that you can use depending on your budget, preference, and destination. Some of these are:

• Vaporetto: The vaporetto is a public water bus that runs on various routes across the city and connects all major attractions and islands in Venice, such as St Mark’s Square, Rialto Bridge, Murano Island, Burano Island, and Lido Island. It is the cheapest and most convenient way to travel around Venice by water, but it can also be crowded and slow at times. The vaporetto runs daily from 5 am to midnight (2 am on Fridays and Saturdays) and costs 7 EUR for a single ticket or 20 EUR for a day pass.
• Gondola: The gondola is a traditional Venetian boat that is propelled by a single oarman who stands at the stern of the boat. It is the most romantic and iconic way to experience Venice by water, but it is also the most expensive. A gondola ride can cost from 80 EUR to 150 EUR, depending on the duration, time of day, number of passengers, and route. You can book a gondola ride online or find one at various points along the canals.
• Walking: Walking is another great way to get around Venice and discover its hidden gems and secrets. Venice is a pedestrian-friendly city that has no cars or roads but instead has narrow streets, bridges, squares, and courtyards that invite exploration. Walking is free and healthy, but it can also be tiring and confusing at times navigating the myriad of winding streets in Venice.

Is There Uber Eats in Venice?

No, unfortunately, you will not find Uber Eats in Venice, but there are other food delivery services like Glovo in Venice.

Hopefully, we helped you navigate the transport options in Venice, Italy. If you have a question or comment please leave it below.

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