Know Before You Go: Riding a Gondola in Venice

Though gondolas were once the primary mode of transportation around Venice, today, these boats are strictly used for scenic pleasure rides. (The city has motorized “water taxis” to move people from place to place). This means that gondola rides almost always end exactly where they start, so don’t expect to be able to hire a gondola to get from point A to point B.

You can sometimes disembark at a different location than where you boarded, but you only can do this if the spot you want to reach happens to be along the route that particular gondola covers.

Once in the city, you’ll notice that there are gondola stands scattered throughout central Venice. Some (often near heavily trafficked sites like St. Mark’s Square) have dozens of gondolas bobbing in the water together. Others have just one or two quietly waiting at a small stand—sometimes stands are nothing more than a sun umbrella, a chair, and a “Gondola Service” sign sitting on a quiet side canal.

The routes these gondolas take vary and depend both on where your ride begins and on the preference of the gondolier. For many, an ideal ride focuses on picturesque side canals where there is not much boat traffic. But if you dream of gliding down the Grand Canal, be sure to ask the gondolier about their route before committing to a ride.

There are very strict rules around the training and licensing of gondoliers, their uniforms (striped shirt, black pants, and a straw hat—always on board, even if it’s not worn), and the design of the gondolas themselves. Gondoliers, however, are human beings like the rest of us, and some are more welcoming than others.

You should always have a short chat to gauge a gondolier's vibe before choosing to set out. Are they friendly, courteous, and willing to discuss the route in advance? Or, are they terse, impatient, and reluctant to discuss the details of the ride before you board? If it’s the latter, it’s best to politely move on to another gondola stand rather than risk a less-than-stellar experience.

You should spend a few minutes getting to know your prospective gondolier before setting off, but don’t spend that time bargaining on a price. Gondola rates are fixed and are for the use of the gondola with gondolier: They are currently—as of January 2024—€90 for a 30-minute ride during the day and €110 for a 35-minute ride after 7pm. (This price accommodates groups of up to five passengers, so if there are more in your group, the price per person drops dramatically for the 30-minute ride. See how you can reduce this cost below, even if you aren’t traveling with a group of friends or family).

What you can discuss before your trip are extras, like a serenade (not all gondoliers sing, but some may, for an extra tip) and customized routes. Keep in mind that gondoliers are not tour guides, so you won’t get in-depth descriptions and explanations about the sights you pass as part of the standard rate. That said, if you choose your gondolier wisely, you may get some basic information as you ride along.

There’s no getting around it: Gondola rides are pricey, even if you book for just half an hour. There are, however, a few tricks for enjoying Venice by gondola without busting your travel budget. One approach is to opt for a shared ride with other passengers. Since rates are the same for up to five passengers, it makes sense to join up with other travelers to form a small group and share the cost. The easiest way to do this is to book a shared gondola ride online, in advance.

Another option, if you’re up for taking just a short ride, is to do as the Venetians do and ride a traghetto, or gondola ferry, across the Grand Canal—at a cost of only €2. Traghetto transportation services depart from seven points along the Grand Canal and take passengers from one side to the other in just a few minutes.

The most famous of these routes runs from Rialto Fish Market to Cà D'Oro; look for the traghetto sign on the side of the canal, and have your €2 coin ready.

Many travelers dream of taking a gondola through Venice at sunset. While this may be the most romantic time of day for such an excursion, it’s also when rates go up. Additionally, this is when gondoliers are nearing the end of the workday and may be tired and, perhaps, less willing to offer commentary along the way.

Taking a ride at midday also can be a challenge, as the city fills with day trippers and the canals get clogged with “gondola caravans” that move at a snail’s pace. Therefore, the best time of day to take a gondola ride is the morning, when the city’s gondoliers are rested and cheerful, and there is lighter boat traffic.

The design of the Venetian gondola has been honed over the centuries to make them very stable. Once you board and settle onto your cushioned seat, you can expect a smooth ride (though you may be asked to duck occasionally as you pass under low bridges). That said, you should never attempt to stand up or move around the boat—to snap photos, for example—without getting the go-ahead from your gondolier first. And, you should always follow their instructions carefully, especially when getting on and off the boat.

Keep in mind, also, that gondolas are open and exposed to the wind, sun, rain, and the cold. Dress for the weather, and bring a hat and sunblock in the summer. Some gondoliers provide lap blankets in the winter, but not all do, so plan accordingly.

You can hire a gondola on the fly from one of the many stands across the city, or you can book your ride in advance. Just keep in mind that gondolas are subject to the elements, so if Venice is underwater due to acqua alta (high tide), or if the weather is inclement, your ride will need to be rescheduled. There is no way to predict sudden changes in the weather, so you’ll want to build some flexibility into your schedule to deal with any last-minute changes.

• Is it worth taking a gondola ride in Venice? One of the best things to do in Venice is ride a gondola. Experiencing Venice from the water from this traditional Venetian boat is unique and most travelers consider it worth the price of a ride—it will give you a different perspective of this beautiful city.
• Where is the best place to get a gondola ride in Venice? Most people start their journey near the main attractions in the city, like St. Mark's Square and the Rialto Bridge. Another popular embarkation point is Santa Maria del Gigli.
• Do gondolas in Venice ever tip over? No, they do not typically tip over, unless passengers ignore the instructions of the gondolier. Standing up in your gondola, for instance, might lead it to tip over.
• Are gondolas accessible? Unfortunately, gondolas are not easily accessible for those with mobility issues or disabilities due to having to step into the boat from a dock or platform, and their low-sided hulls. Venice has been making improvements; however, and have introduced modified boats with wheelchair ramps. It's best to book these in advance.