Vaporetto Line 2

Venice is a city of waterlogged streets, and the only means of traversing its canals and islands is by boat. Venice's public transport of choice is the Vaporetto, the city's water bus network that connects the city to the city, lagoon, and surrounding islands. Of all of its many lines, Vaporetto Line 2 is one of the busiest and most productive.

Unlike Line 1, which stops at all the stations along the Grand Canal, Line 2 is constructed for speed and efficiency. It skips a few stops to connect major points of interest within a short time, making it an ideal option for locals as well as time-strapped visitors. 

Between Piazzale Roma and San Marco, Giudecca, and San Zaccaria, Line 2 offers quick transportation of Venice's heart, offering a quicker and more efficient ride over this famous terrain.

This is for first-time visitors, cruise ship terminal-bound visitors, and sightseers who like uncrowded, hassle-free sightseeing. It offers step-by-step directions on routes, prime stops, ticketing, and insider tips on how to best utilize Line 2.

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Vaporetto Line 2- Departure Timetable

From S. Zaccaria to Giudecca, Piazzale Roma, and Rialto, service operates daily between 4:55 AM and 5:55 AM, providing early morning connections along this route.

S.Marco S.Zaccaria B	04:55	05:15	05:35	05:55
San Giorgio	04:58	05:18	05:38	05:58
Zitelle B	05:01	05:21	05:41	06:01
Redentore	05:04	05:24	05:44	06:04
Giudecca Palanca B	05:06	05:26	05:46	06:06
Zattere A	05:10	05:30	05:50	06:10
San Basilio	05:13	05:33	05:53	06:13
Sacca Fisola B	05:16	05:36	05:56	06:16
Tronchetto A	05:24	05:44	06:04	06:24
Tronchetto Mercato B	05:26	05:46	06:06	06:26
Piazzale Roma F	05:33	05:53	06:13	06:33
Ferrovia B			06:17	06:37
Rialto D			06:28	06:48

 

From S. Zaccaria to Giudecca, Piazzale Roma, and Rialto, boats operate from 6:13 AM until 8:25 AM, with valid departures recurring each hour. For example, in San Zaccaria, the boats depart at 6:13, 6:25, 6:37, 6:49, 7:01, and so on, following the same pattern every hour until the last departure at 8:25 AM.

S.Marco S.Zaccaria B	1	13	25	37	49
San Giorgio	4	16	28	40	52
Zitelle B	7	19	31	43	55
Redentore	10	22	34	46	58
Giudecca Palanca B	13	25	37	49	1
Zattere A	17	29	41	53	5
San Basilio	21	33	45	57	9
Sacca Fisola B	24	36	48	0	12
Tronchetto A	32	44	56	8	20
Tronchetto Mercato B	34	46	58	10	22
Piazzale Roma F	42	54	6	18	30
Ferrovia B	46	58	10	22	34
Rialto D	58	10	22	34	46

 

In the course of the day (eight-thirty-seven to seven-oh-one), transportation boats are cruising right on time and every hour from San Zaccaria to Giudecca, Piazzale Roma, Rialto, and San Marco. For example, setting out from San Zaccaria at 8:37, 8:49, 9:01, 9:13, 9:25, and so on, on hourly intervals, with the last departure at 7:01 PM.

S.Marco S.Zaccaria B	1	13	25	37	49
San Giorgio	4	16	28	40	52
Zitelle B	7	19	31	43	55
Redentore	10	22	34	46	58
Giudecca Palanca B	13	25	37	49	1
Zattere A	17	29	41	53	5
San Basilio	21	33	45	57	9
Sacca Fisola B	24	36	48	0	12
Tronchetto A	32	44	56	8	20
Tronchetto Mercato B	34	46	58	10	22
Piazzale Roma F	42	54	6	18	30
Ferrovia B	46	58	10	22	34
San Marcuola Casino B	51	3	15	27	39
Rialto D	58	10	22	34	46
San Tomà A	4	16	28	40	52
San Samuele	7	19	31	43	55
Accademia A	10	22	34	46	58
San Marco Giardinetti A	15	27	39	51	3

 

From S. Zaccaria to Giudecca, Piazzale Roma, and Rialto, daily evening service runs between 7:13 PM and 8:01 PM, providing consistent connections along this route during the early nighttime period.

S.Marco S.Zaccaria B	19:13	19:25	19:37	19:49	20:01
San Giorgio	19:16	19:28	19:40	19:52	20:04
Zitelle B	19:19	19:31	19:43	19:55	20:07
Redentore	19:22	19:34	19:46	19:58	20:10
Giudecca Palanca B	19:25	19:37	19:49	20:01	20:13
Zattere A	19:29	19:41	19:53	20:05	20:17
San Basilio	19:33	19:45	19:57	20:09	20:21
Sacca Fisola B	19:36	19:48	20:00	20:12	20:24
Tronchetto A	19:44	19:56	20:08	20:20	20:32
Tronchetto Mercato B	19:46	19:58	20:10	20:22	20:34
Piazzale Roma F	19:54	20:06	20:18	20:30	20:42
Ferrovia B	19:58	20:10	20:22	20:34	20:46
Rialto D	20:10	20:22	20:34	20:46	20:58

 

From S. Zaccaria to Giudecca and Piazzale Roma, boats operate daily between 8:16 PM and 11:16 PM, with schedules repeating consistently each hour. For example, at San Zaccaria, departures occur at 8:16, 8:36, 8:56, 9:16, and continue in this sequence until the final departure at 11:16 PM.

S.Marco S.Zaccaria B	16	36	56
San Giorgio	19	39	59
Zitelle B	22	42	2
Redentore	25	45	5
Giudecca Palanca B	27	47	7
Zattere A	31	51	11
San Basilio	34	54	14
Sacca Fisola B	37	57	17
Tronchetto A	45	5	25
Tronchetto Mercato B	47	7	27
Piazzale Roma F	54	14	34
Ferrovia B	58	18	38
Rialto D	9	29	49

 

From Piazzale Roma to Tronchetto, Giudecca, and S. Zaccaria, boats operate daily between 5:02 AM and 6:42 AM, providing early morning service along this route for commuters and early travelers.

Piazzale Roma G	05:02	05:22	05:42	06:02	06:22	06:42
Tronchetto Mercato A	05:10	05:30	05:50	06:10	06:30	06:50
Tronchetto A	05:12	05:32	05:52	06:12	06:32	06:52
Sacca Fisola A	05:20	05:40	06:00	06:20	06:40	07:00
San Basilio	05:23	05:43	06:03	06:23	06:43	07:03
Zattere B	05:26	05:46	06:06	06:26	06:46	07:06
Giudecca Palanca A	05:29	05:49	06:09	06:29	06:49	07:09
Redentore	05:31	05:51	06:11	06:31	06:51	07:11
Zitelle A	05:34	05:54	06:14	06:34	06:54	07:14
San Giorgio	05:37	05:57	06:17	06:37	06:57	07:17
S.Marco S.Zaccaria B	05:40	06:00	06:20	06:40	07:00	07:20

 

From Rialto to Piazzale Roma, Tronchetto, Giudecca, and S. Zaccaria, and vice versa, boats run daily the hours between 6:37 and 10:01 (valid departure repeating every hour). At Rialto, for example, departing boats leave at 6:37, 6:49, 7:01, 7:13, 7:25, 7:37, and so forth in this sequence until the last time at 10:01.

Rialto C	1	13	25	37	49
Ferrovia A	12	24	36	48	0
Piazzale Roma G	16	28	40	52	4
Tronchetto Mercato A	24	36	48	0	12
Tronchetto A	26	38	50	2	14
Sacca Fisola A	34	46	58	10	22
San Basilio	37	49	1	13	25
Zattere B	40	52	4	16	28
Giudecca Palanca A	44	56	8	20	32
Redentore	47	59	11	23	35
Zitelle A	50	2	14	26	38
San Giorgio	53	5	17	29	41
S.Marco S.Zaccaria B	57	9	21	33	45

 

There are boats on different routes from San Marco to Rialto, Piazzale Roma, Tronchetto, Giudecca, and S. Zaccaria which run continuously from 9:55 in the morning until 5:07 in the evening, with timetables repeating every hour. For instance, at San Marco, boats set off at 9:55, 10:07, 10:19, 10:31, 10:43, 10:55, following this hourly pattern until 5:07 PM with the closing departure.

San Marco Giardinetti A	7	19	31	43	55
Accademia B	12	24	36	48	0
San Samuele	15	27	39	51	3
San Tomà B	18	30	42	54	6
Rialto C	25	37	49	1	13
S.Marcuola Casino A	31	43	55	7	19
Ferrovia A	36	48	0	12	24
Piazzale Roma G	40	52	4	16	28
Tronchetto Mercato A	48	0	12	24	36
Tronchetto A	50	2	14	26	38
Sacca Fisola A	58	10	22	34	46
San Basilio	1	13	25	37	49
Zattere B	4	16	28	40	52
Giudecca Palanca A	8	20	32	44	56
Redentore	11	23	35	47	59
Zitelle A	14	26	38	50	2
San Giorgio	17	29	41	53	5
S.Marco S.Zaccaria B	21	33	45	57	9

 

Between 8:36 PM and 11:36 PM, such boats run every hour between Rialto and Piazzale Roma, Tronchetto, Giudecca, and S. Zaccaria. For instance, from Rialto, expected departures are at 8:36, 8:56, 9:16, 9:36, and so forth, the last of which happens at 11:36 PM.

Rialto C	56	16	36
Ferrovia A	6	26	46
Piazzale Roma G	10	30	50
Tronchetto Mercato A	17	37	57
Tronchetto A	19	39	59
Sacca Fisola A	27	47	7
San Basilio	30	50	10
Zattere B	33	53	13
Giudecca Palanca A	37	57	17
Redentore	40	0	20
Zitelle A	43	3	23
San Giorgio	46	6	26
S.Marco S.Zaccaria B	49	9	29

 

Vaporetto Line 2

From Piazzale Roma to Ferrovia and Rialto, boats operate daily between 7:01 AM and 8:49 AM, with valid departures repeating each hour. For example, at Piazzale Roma, boats depart at 7:01, 7:13, 7:25, 7:37, 7:49, and continue this pattern hourly until the final departure at 8:49 AM.

Piazzale Roma F	01	13	25	37	49
Ferrovia B	05	17	29	41	53
Rialto D	16	28	40	52	04

 

From Piazzale Roma to Ferrovia and Rialto, boats operate daily between 4:16 PM and 5:28 PM, offering late afternoon service along this central route.

Piazzale Roma F	16:16	16:40	17:04	17:28
Ferrovia B	16:20	16:44	17:08	17:32
Rialto D	16:31	16:55	17:19	17:43

 

From Rialto to Ferrovia and Piazzale Roma, boats operate daily between 7:20 AM and 9:08 AM, with valid departures repeating consistently each hour. For example, at Rialto, boats depart at 7:20, 7:32, 7:44, 7:56, 8:08, and continue this pattern until the final departure at 9:08 AM.

Rialto C	08	20	32	44	56
Ferrovia A	18	30	42	54	06
Piazzale Roma G	22	34	46	58	10

 

From Rialto to Ferrovia and Piazzale Roma, boats operate daily between 4:20 PM and 5:56 PM, providing consistent late afternoon service along this central route.

Rialto C	16:20	16:44	17:08	17:32	17:56
Ferrovia A	16:30	16:54	17:18	17:42	18:06
Piazzale Roma G	16:34	16:58	17:22	17:46	18:10

 

What is Vaporetto Line 2

Line 2 Vaporetto is one of Venice's ACTV public transit system's more strategically laid-out lines. Unlike Line 1, which is tourism-oriented with extra stops along the Grand Canal, Line 2 is a fast-transit alternative. Its main purpose is to provide faster trips and direct service between central city sites and transportation centers.

This quick line avoids most of the secondary stops that characterize Line 1, choosing instead a trunk system of main destinations. 

The benefits of Line 2 are in its speed; it reduces the amount of travel time without reducing the availability of cultural and logistical venues across Venice. 

The route extends from Piazzale Roma and Ferrovia (Santa Lucia Station) to Rialto, San Marco Vallaresso, and along Giudecca Canal to Zattere, San Basilio, Giudecca Palanca, and San Giorgio Maggiore.

What makes Line 2 so lively is its flexible route design. It runs in a loose circle, with adjustments in direction that are geared to daily traffic patterns as well as schedule optimization. This kind of flexibility means locals traveling to work and tourists traveling between main sights can use it as an efficiency feature.

For time-pressed visitors, Line 2 of the Vaporetto is a convenient solution to view more in a shorter time. Along with such top sights as St Mark's Square, the Rialto Bridge, and Giudecca Island, it is a line which has to be included for visitors wishing to fit into their itinerary comfort, efficiency, and a bird's-eye view of Venice's most crowded panoramas.

Route and Key Stops

Line 2 is an hour-by-hour system-demand reversible line. It links the broad reaches of both the Grand Canal and the Giudecca Canal, allowing passengers to easily loop the city in a short amount of time. The line carries high-ridership and culturally important stops without assuming the traffic of slower, more tourist-based lines.

Primary Terminals and Key Stops:

Piazzale Roma – Venice's main bus, tram, and car terminal. It is the main point of arrival for travelers coming by land and the terminal for most Vaporetto journeys.

Ferrovia (Santa Lucia Station) – The city center train station and a major point of arrival for national and international tourists.

Rialto – Located alongside the ancient Rialto Bridge, the station provides direct access to Venice's bustling markets and centuries-old commercial district.

San Marco Vallaresso – Within walking distance of St Mark's Square, the station offers ideal access to the Basilica di San Marco, Campanile, and Doge's Palace.

San Zaccaria – Convenient for tourists heading to the Venetian Arsenal or seeking less crowded routes to Castello district attractions.

Zattere – On the southern edge of Dorsoduro, this stop is renowned for proximity to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, other museums, and a quaint promenade.

Giudecca Palanca – The stop for a visit to Giudecca Island, its serene strolls, workshops of local artisans, and residential atmosphere.

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Redentore – Named after the Redentore Church, an archetypal Venetian icon church by Palladio, this stop is especially noteworthy during the annual Festa del Redentore.

San Basilio – The nearest stop to the cruise terminal, attended by commuters taking or leaving the large cruise ships anchored in Venice.

San Giorgio Maggiore – This stop attends the island of that name and provides access to the famous San Giorgio Maggiore Church, famous for its concordant facade, tranquil cloisters, and bird's-eye view of St Mark's Square from the campanile.

Each stop is more than a mere transportation point—it is a portal to Venice's tangled history and architectural richness. 

From the expansive view from San Giorgio Maggiore, the congested water front at Zattere, to the ecclesiastical supremacy of the Redentore Church, Vaporetto Line 2 interweaves Venice's cultural tapestry into functional harmony.

Exploring Vaporetto Line 2

Visitor Information

Who Should Take Vaporetto Line 2

Time-Savvy Travelers: Ideal for tourists who want to explore the best attractions such as St Mark's Square, Rialto Bridge, and San Giorgio Maggiore in a time-saving, speedy way.

Cruise Ship Passengers: Since it is close to San Basilio, Line 2 is ideal on embarkation or disembarkation days.

Island Explorers: Line 2 offers excellent access to Giudecca Island and Zattere, more relaxed areas that are favorites among seasoned travelers.   

Commuters: Venetians use Line 2 daily for work and academic transport between the northern and southern ends of the city.

Travel Etiquette and Guidelines

Allow disembarking passengers to exit before boarding.

Keep backpacks and luggage close to avoid obstructing aisles.

Offer priority space to elderly passengers, families with children, or wheelchair users.

Drinking or eating is not recommended onboard to maintain things clean.

Accessibility: Most Vaporetto Line 2 boats are wheelchair accessible, although ramps on certain jetties do require help.

Mobility passengers are recommended to take real-time details via AVM Venezia app or ACTV helpline to maintain accessibility at wished-for stops during service.

Best Times to Travel: Morning Hours (Before 9:00 AM): Offer peaceful rides with fewer passengers and beautiful morning light for photography.

Late Afternoon (After 4:30 PM): Ideal for watching the sunset from the water and laid-back ambiance.

Do your best to steer clear of peak hours between 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM when there is peak tourist rush.

Ticket Information

Types of Available Tickets: Visitors who intend to ride Vaporetto Line 2 have a number of ticket options depending on how long they will be there and how much transit they require:

Single Ride Ticket: Valid for 75 minutes from the point it is stamped and allows for multiple transfers during this period. Ideal for a one-way, short trip.

Time-Based Travel Tickets: 24-hour, 48-hour, 72-hour, and 7-day tickets, with unlimited travel on all ACTV waterborne and land services for the chosen time.

24-Hour Ticket: €25.00

48-Hour Ticket: €35.00

72-Hour Ticket: €45.00

7-Day Ticket: €65.00

Tourist City Pass (Venezia Unica): Offers bundled prices for transport and entry to museums or attractions, suitable for culture-oriented tourists.

Where to Buy Tickets

Ticket Machines: Found at ACTV piers Piazzale Roma, Ferrovia, and San Zaccaria.

Authorised Sellers: News-stands, tobacconists (tabacchi), and ACTV ticket points.

Online: At the official Venezia Unica website or partner travel websites, with mobile QR codes or print-at-home tickets.

Ticket Validation Process: As one board, the ticket has to be validated on the yellow electronic machines at every dock. Just place the ticket close to the sensor until the machine flashes and beeps green. Not validating a valid ticket is subject to a fine.

Concessions and Free Travel: Children aged six years and below ride for free if they are traveling with an adult who pays for a ticket.

Senior Discounts: Various concessions are offered to EU seniors with special resident passes.

Residents and Recurrent Users: Get eligible for extra discounts with Venezia Unica City Pass, which also retails rechargeable transport cards.

Visitors with disabilities: ACTV reduced fare and sometimes free admission depending on category and supporting credentials.

Best Value Tip: For those who will be taking the Vaporetto three or more times within a day, the purchase of 24-hour or longer-duration pass will be more cost-effective than individual ticket purchases.

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Schedule and Frequency

Line 2 of the Vaporetto operates every day, with an efficiently organized schedule for both residents and tourists. It begins early, at 6:00 AM, and operates up to about 11:00 PM, offering near-full-day services for traveling around Venice or for sightseeing.

Between 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM, Line 2 runs high-frequency service with 10- to 12-minute frequencies. These are high-season sightseeing and overall commuting hours, so it is the best time for consistent boat frequencies.

Off-Peak and Night Hours

After 7:00 PM, the interval decreases, with departures every 20 or 30 minutes based on aggregate demand and season. Even evening and nighttime service is frequent enough to support dinner dates, pleasure cruises at sunset, or late evening back from cultural events.

Direction of Route: Line 2 is not strictly operating a counterclockwise or clockwise loop. Its stop coverage also differs during the time of day and in line configurations. Riders are urged to refer to the valid websites, and AVM Venezia mobile apps or signs displayed at boarding docks to confirm the direction of the boat and destinations on board prior to boarding. 

These provide up-to-date information and never take the wrong turns, especially in the vicinity around Giudecca and San Marco, where lines often loop in counterintuitive patterns. 

Line 2 vs Line 1: The Key Differences

Speed: Line 2 is significantly faster than Line 1 as it has express-type operation. It avoids most of the smaller stops on Line 1 and targets the major terminals and cultural districts.

Stops: While Line 1 is en route to extensive coverage of the Grand Canal, with a stop at almost every pier, Line 2 is more selective. It is destined for major transfer stations such as San Giorgio Maggiore, San Basilio, and Giudecca, bypassing smaller or less congested stops in order to save time.

Use Cases: Line 1 is ideal for tourists who prefer to look at Venice in slow panoramic vision—it is ideally suited to touristic excursions. Line 2, on the other hand, is meant for rapid transfers and tactical mobility, especially for those who lack sufficient time or have extremely inflexible timetables.

Line 2 is the sole line specifically to cater to the destinations not directly served by Line 1, i.e., Giudecca Island, Cruise Terminal across from San Basilio, and San Giorgio Maggiore, and is thus handy in accessing lesser frequented but very rewarding spots.

Crowd Levels: Although both lines may be busy, especially in peak travel times, Line 2 is less so because of its shorter travel times and more logical usage. It is thus a favorite with regular commuters and experienced tourists.

Vaporetto Line 2 Tips

Board Early: In the high season, try boarding Line 2 boats prior to 9:00 AM to avoid the crowds and be able to sit in your preferred spots.

Sit at the Back Deck: The rear of the boat will usually have outside seating and open views, and is therefore excellent for photography or simply looking out over the city. It is especially recommended for photographing landmarks in the vicinity of St Mark's Square or along Giudecca Canal.

Use a Pass: For visitors with over one ride a day, a 24H, 48H, or 72H Vaporetto pass is less expensive than individual tickets. These passes allow for free travel throughout the duration of the pass.

Validate Always: Even mobile and digital tickets need to be activated before use. Paper tickets need to be validated by passing through the yellow ACTV validating machines to avoid paying fines.

Mind the Direction: Direction of Line 2 can vary according to the schedule, particularly in the route between Zattere, San Basilio, and San Marco. Note the direction indicator on the screen of the platform or on board.

Accessibility: Line 2 boats are usually wheelchair-accessible with ramps and space for mobility-impaired individuals. Accessibility in certain docks is irregular, however, so advance planning or inquiry at ACTV is recommended.

Attractions Easily Reached with Line 2

St Mark's Square: Venice's most famous public square, which is bordered by St Mark's Basilica, the Campanile, and the Doge's Palace. Line 2 stops at San Marco Vallaresso and San Zaccaria, leaving visitors on the doorstep.

San Giorgio Maggiore: A peaceful island sanctuary with breathtaking views across to the Basilica di San Marco. Its Palladio-designed church has a visitable bell tower through lift.

Giudecca Island: Well-known for its residential nature and panoramic views of Venice's best, Giudecca is covered by several Line 2 stops including Palanca and Redentore.

Peggy Guggenheim Collection: Located near Zattere, this museum houses one of Italy's best collections of 20th-century art, with several works by Picasso, Pollock, and Dalí.

Rialto Bridge: A brief walk from the Rialto stop, this old bridge is one of Venice's landmarks and one of the city's commercial areas with market stalls and shopping.

Dorsoduro Art District: Zattere and Accademia stop service the district where art schools, galleries, and academies like Gallerie dell'Accademia are based.

Cruise Terminal: San Basilio stop directly services Venice's cruise terminal, and Line 2 becomes an incredibly convenient option for arriving or departing travelers.

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Conclusion

For travelers seeking convenience and ease of proximity to most of Venice's key sites, Vaporetto Line 2 offers an ideal balance. From Piazzale Roma to the cultural center of St Mark's Square, or a detour along Giudecca to sample the isolation of Redentore Church, this line balances convenience with experience.

Having the ability to read the schedule, check the tickets, and board for purpose will maximize each guest's experience. 

And lastly, Line 2 isn't just a route for transport—it's an unbroken thread through Venice's living flesh. Speedy, scenic, and sensibly mapped, it combines the city's form and purpose in one continuous flow.