Accessibility on Venice Vaporetti

Are Venice vaporetti wheelchair accessible?

According to ACTV, passengers with reduced mobility and wheelchair users can generally travel on the public water transport network. Dedicated wheelchair spaces are available on board.

Powered wheelchairs may also be transported provided they are suitable for transport and fit within the designated area on the vessel.

Wheelchair capacity may be limited. If the designated wheelchair space is already occupied, another wheelchair user may not be permitted to board for safety reasons.

Are Vaporetto stops accessible?

The City of Venice states that Vaporetto landing stages are generally accessible to passengers with disabilities.

Actual accessibility can nevertheless depend on local conditions. During exceptionally high water, access ramps can become steeper and boarding may become more difficult.

The height difference between the landing stage and the vessel can also vary with the water level.

Priority boarding

Some stops provide specific boarding facilities for wheelchair users. At suitably equipped stops, passengers can use the designated access point or call button to alert staff that assistance with boarding is required.

Always follow instructions provided by ACTV staff.

Special arrangements at Rialto

Special arrangements apply at Rialto during the evening.

According to current ACTV information, wheelchair users can use the Rialto A or Rialto B landing stages after 20:19 until the end of service. Passengers wishing to board must contact ACTV at least 20 minutes in advance using the free telephone number 800 845065.

Passengers already on board should inform the crew in good time that they require an accessible stop at Rialto.

Discounts and companions

Special fare and travel conditions may apply to wheelchair users and holders of an EU Disability Card.

A companion travelling with a wheelchair user may travel free of charge. For EU Disability Card holders, companion eligibility depends on the conditions indicated on the card.

Fares and conditions may change. Always check the latest ACTV information before travelling.

Accessibility after leaving the Vaporetto

An accessible Vaporetto stop does not necessarily mean that the final destination can be reached without barriers.

Venice’s historic centre contains many bridges with steps. As a result, a destination may be only a few hundred metres from a Vaporetto stop but still be difficult or impossible to reach with a wheelchair.

Accessible journey planning should therefore consider both the water transport connection and the route between the stop and the final destination.

SeaMap24 aims to make this information as transparent as possible within its route planner.

Important notice

Actual accessibility may be affected by water levels, construction work, temporary operational changes, the vessel in service, crowding or other local conditions.

SeaMap24 provides this information as a planning aid. For binding and up-to-date information, always refer to ACTV, AVM Venezia and the City of Venice.

Official sources: ACTV / AVM Venezia and Comune di Venezia.