Night Vaporetto Services
When the sun sets over the Grand Canal and the reflections of St. Mark's Basilica shimmer across the lagoon, Venice becomes a city of quiet waterways and soft-lit bridges. But even as the day visitors retreat, the city never really sleeps.
For its residents, late arrivals, and night wanderers, the night vaporetto services-especially Line N-offer necessary transportation between the districts, islands, and attractions when the regular routes shut down.
This public water-bus network is managed by ACTV. It connects the lagoon always, with stops such as the Piazzale Roma, Zattere, and Lido S.M.E. The N Line is the night-time lifeline of Venice, enabling travelers to reach their hotels, catch early departures, or simply take in St. Mark's Square and The Venetian Lagoon under the light of the moon.
This is an information guide to the Line N night vaporetto, including its route, timetable, tickets, and some practical tips which will enable tourists to get around Venice confidently at night.
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What the Night Vaporetto Lines are and How They Work
The vaporetto is the backbone of public transport in Venice, serving areas like San Marco, Dorsoduro, Cannaregio, and Castello. In the daytime, regular lines run frequently, such as Line 1 and Line 2, along the Grand Canal. After midnight, most of them reduce or stop, replaced by the night routes marked with an "N".
The night-line N links San Marco/San Zaccaria with Lido S.M.E. via Giudecca and the Grand Canal, calling respectively at Zattere, Palanca, Tronchetto, and Piazzale Roma, guaranteeing easy access between the historic center of the city and the major transportation junctions.
Night routes run less frequently compared to the day ones: every 20-30 minutes during the early night and hourly after 01:30 a.m. In this way, visitors returning from evening events, such as concerts in the La Fenice Theatre, or even night walks around the Rialto Bridge, are able to get back home safely and at an affordable price.
These services are essential for tourists arriving late at night into Santa Lucia Station, those who participate in festivals such as the Venice Carnival or Festa del Redentore, and also those staying on distant islands like Giudecca and Lido.
Routes, Key Stops, and Timetable for Line N
Line N, the Night Vaporetto, provides one of the most scenic trips in the lagoon. It departs from San Marco/San Zaccaria, near the Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs, then passes by Basilica di Santa Maria Della Salute and Zattere in Dorsoduro, looping toward Piazzale Roma before finally reaching Lido S.M.E.
Key Stops Along the Route
San Marco / San Zaccaria: Near St Mark's Square, the Campanile of St Mark, Marciana National Library. Perfect for those staying in San Marco Venice.
Zattere: A quiet waterfront promenade with views of Giudecca and Redentore Church.
Palanca: Convenient for hotels and restaurants in Giudecca.
Tronchetto: Close to car parks and connections for travellers heading towards Venice Mestre or to the mainland.
Piazzale Roma: Main terminal for buses and taxis, connections for Venice Mestre FS, and Marco Polo Airport.
Lido S.M.E: This is the entrance to the Venetian Lido, where beaches and the Venice International Film Festival are located.
Operating Hours: Approx. 23:30 to 05:00, depending on the season and night; extra runs in high season or for events such as the Regata Storica or Vogalonga.
It is recommended that travellers check the most recent ACTV timetable for current travel times, which may differ due to summer and winter schedules.
When and Why to Use the Night Service
The night vaporetto option is very suitable for many situations, such as
Late Arrivals or Departures: Travelers coming late at night to Venice Santa Lucia Station or Marco Polo Airport can connect onto Line N for the hotels in San Marco, Dorsoduro, or Lido.
Nightlife and dining: The service provides safe travel after enjoying cocktails at Harry’s Bar Venice, music at Caffè Florian Venice, or late dinners at Osteria alle Testiere or Impronta.
Events: Visitors attending events such as Festa della Salute, Festa delle Marie, or the Venice Biennale will be using the line to go back home.
Early Morning Transfers: One can take early ferries or trains to board the first N Line boats well before dawn to go to Piazzale Roma and Santa Lucia Station.
Island Access: This route allows guests staying on either Giudecca or Lido to be continuously connected without the need for expensive water taxis.
The Night Vaporetto strikes the perfect balance between practicality and charm: an ideal way to experience Venice, truly genuine and without the daytime crowds.
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Ticketing and validation for Night Lines
The system of night vaporetto ticketing is the same as for the daytime routes: travellers use either ordinary ACTV tickets or Venezia Unica Passes, which are valid for both day and night.
Single Ticket: it's valid for 75 minutes and costs about €9.50.
Time-Based Passes: 24-, 48-, or 72-hour passes give you unlimited travel across the ACTV network, including night services and routes to Murano, Burano, and Torcello.
Any traveller, even when it's nighttime, has to validate, prior to boarding, by tapping the ticket against the electronic validator situated at the pier. Failing to validate has fines, as there are inspections even on late routes.
Tickets are provided from the machines at main stops, such as Piazzale Roma, Rialto, and Lido S.M.E., or can be purchased in advance with the AVM Venezia Official App. Those who arrive late should buy in advance because the kiosks often close at midnight.
The Venezia Unica City Pass offers the best value for visitors who will be taking in many of the attractions over several days and wanting to see sights such as the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Correr Museum, or Ca' d'Oro.
Practical Considerations and Tips
Check Timetables: The N Line runs on a seasonal schedule. Always check the last departure, especially when traveling after midnight or in winter.
Plan Events in Advance: During events like Festa del Redentore, Festa di San Marco, or Venice Carnival, stops near St Mark's Square and Zattere are much more crowded than usual.
Accessibility: Most vaporetto boats, such as Linea N, are accessible to people with reduced mobility; however, assistance is only available at specific stops.
Safety and Etiquette: While Venice counts as one of Europe’s safest cities, night-time travellers should be aware and stick to well-lit piers, having tickets ready for inspection.
Luggage Handling: For those with heavy baggage, such as visitors transferring from Marco Polo Airport or Venice cruise ship port, the N Line allows easy transfer to Piazzale Roma and subsequently land transport.
Combine with Day Passes: Those planning sightseeing routes through the Grand Canal, Murano Glass Museum, or Basilica di Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari by day will find night travel already included in Venezia Unica Card or multi-day ACTV passes, making them much more economical options.
Night Scene: A night cruise on the Grand Canal presents a magical vision of such sights as Santa Maria della Salute, Ca' Rezzonico, and Ponte di Rialto, all beautifully enlightened against the dark water.
Sample Itinerary Using Line N
A visitor staying at a hotel near Santa Maria del Rosario Church in Dorsoduro might have dinner at Ristorante Da Ivo and then take in an evening concert offered at Chiesa di San Vidal, from whence one could take the N Line from Zattere back to San Marco/San Zaccaria.
Another guest staying at the Venetian Lido during the Venice International Film Festival would be able to catch the last boat past midnight from San Marco to Lido S.M.E. without having to use a water taxi.
The N Line also allows passengers to travel to or from Venice Mestre, with an easy transfer at Piazzale Roma, offering late-night connectivity from island to mainland.
Summary Table – Night Vaporetto Line N
Feature | Details |
Service Hours | Approx. 23:30 – 05:00 |
Frequency | Every 20–30 mins (early night), hourly after 01:30 |
Route | San Marco/San Zaccaria → Giudecca Canal → Grand Canal → Piazzale Roma → Lido S.M.E |
Ideal For | Late arrivals, nightlife, early departures, island stays |
Ticket Validity | Same as day passes and single tickets |
Key Stops | St Mark’s Square, Zattere, Piazzale Roma, Lido S.M.E |
Accessibility | Wheelchair access at main stops |
Safety Tip | Validate tickets before boarding |
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Conclusion
Night Vaporetto Line N provides a close connection in transportation within the city that lets locals and tourists travel through Venice at night effectively and safely. Whether after a concert in Teatro Goldoni, an exhibition in Palazzo Grassi, or after a romantic evening on St Mark's Square, this service will let one easily travel across the Venetian Lagoon any time.
Opting for the N Line is not only the best solution but also a peaceful experience: soft sailing across famous landmarks like Santa Maria della Salute, Zattere, and Giudecca, while the lights dance upon the water.
From Piazzale Roma to Lido S.M.E., the Night Vaporetto turns late-night transfers into memorable Venetian moments. For traveling around, what is needed is the right ticket, knowledge of the timetable, and an adventurous spirit so that travelers can keep moving around Venice long after the last echo of footsteps fades away from the bridges in St. Mark's Square.