Whether you’re traversing the city of Venice or embracing a romantic kind of date night, a gondola ride is the perfect solution to both. In today’s post, we’ll be inspecting the crucial elements in hiring a gondola: what a gondola and gondolier are, where to pick one up, pricing, whether you should tip, and so on. After a read of this post, we can guarantee that you’ll be somewhat of an expert on gondolas and the Venetian canals!
So. What’s a Gondola?
A gondola is a flat-bottomed boat that’s used to travel the canals in Venice. On average, they’re 11 meters long, and are hand-crafted in workshops called squeri, which still exist in low numbers to this day. At either end, the gondola features a high point, and is controlled with a single oar at the stern. It is propelled and steered by a gondolier, the “driver” if you will of the gondola.
Gondolas are used as the main form of transport is Venice, as the roadways consist of deep pools of water. Back in the day, they were more common amongst the upper classes, but nowadays they’re used as an everyday form of transport. They once existed in their thousands, but as of recently there are only around 500 gondolas in Venice.
When/Where to Start a Gondola Ride
Whatever route that you take, be aware that the gondola ride will take you back to your initial starting point once over. You have two main options when it comes to taking a gondola ride, the Grand Canal route or the quiet back canals. Most recommend taking the latter route, as the Grand Canal is forever crowded. The back canals will make for a nice alternative, as there will be less traffic, and you’ll get to see a different view of Venice than the norm.
If you’d like to take the back canal route, walk away from San Marco and the main street. For the Grand Canal route, there’s an established gondola stop that will be hard to miss. It’s good to note that the gondolas aren’t designed to journey to the major landmarks in Venice. You’ll see plenty of sights, but there’s no guarantee that the famous ones will be included in your gondola ride.
Pricing
As they’re a novelty form of transport on a global scale, Gondola rides tend to be quite expensive. Around 40 minutes will cost you about €80, but this is up for negotiation with your gondolier. You can also add time onto your gondola ride in blocks of 20 minutes for an additional fee. Extra services such as singing and guided tours are an enjoyable aspect, but also add additional cost to your gondola ride. It’s also good to note that traveling on a gondola after 7PM is more expensive than during the day.
If spending indulgently isn’t exactly your style, you can opt for a traghetto ride. Costing just a few euros, you’ll glide through the canals for shorter distances in a smaller, gondola-style ferry. In relation to tipping your gondolier, if the service is good, a tip is obviously appreciated. Also, if you’re taking a gondola ride in a group of more than four, a tip is usually expected. Think of it like a service charge in a restaurant. And just for reference, around the 10% mark is the norm.
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FAQs
Gondolas are part of the history and tradition in Venice. Most people find gondolas worth it because it's something different to do and it's an iconic way to explore Venice.
Should you tip gondola drivers in Venice? ›
(While not required or even expected, if your gondolier does the full 35 minutes and entertains you en route, a 5–10 percent tip is appreciated; if he's surly or rushes through the trip, skip it.)
Are gondolas in Venice cash only? ›
However, if you're buying a ticket on the spot, you will have to pay in euros. Gondoliers do not take any other form of payment except cash.
How to negotiate a gondola ride in Venice? ›
What you can negotiate is the duration of your gondola ride. If you'd like a lengthier trip, just ask your gondolier if they would be willing to take you around the canals a bit longer. The price, in that case, is still regulated: a 45-minute ride costs €120 and an hour-long gondola ride runs €160.
How much is a 30 minute gondola ride in Venice? ›
Gondola Rates Daily Schedule:
From 9:00 to 19:00: €90 for 30 minutes + €40 extra for each additional 20 minutes. If you want to book in advance, the price is €130 for 30 minutes.
Where's the best place to get a gondola in Venice? ›
Marks Square. A popular boarding point, this is where you can board your gondola rides from. It is right next to the iconic Piazza San Marco and Doge's Palace, offering immediate access to a gondola ride after sightseeing. Look for the distinctive red poles marking official gondola stations.
Is it better to ride a gondola in morning or evening in Venice? ›
Venice gondola rides are best enjoyed in the early morning or late afternoon of a weekday, specially during the lean season (from October to April). This ensures lesser crowds at the boarding points and a more relaxed ride experience.
Do gondolas in Venice take credit cards? ›
- Please bring cash on the day to cover the gondola ride, as they do not take credit cards. - Alternatively, during busy times (afternoons and weekends) , you may purchase tickets in advance from the official agency websites to avoid needing to wait for an available Gondola , which is included in your shoot time.
What is the best time of day to ride the gondola? ›
Best Time of the Day- Visit the Gulmarg Gondola early in the morning between 8am to 9am During this time, you will experience less rush and you can avoid long waiting lines as well.
How many people fit in a gondola? ›
How many people can fit in a gondola? The gondola can carry a maximum of 5 people, including children.
No, you don't have to book a gondola ride in Venice in advance. While there are tours available (and can be recommended if you are in a hurry and want to be sure you have the time and the place you want), you can usually easily get a gondola without any advance booking.
How many days before a gondola ride can be booked? ›
Ticket bookings open at 5pm every evening and tourists can book tickets up to two days prior to their visit, according to the official release by the corporation.
How much is a gondola ride for 2 people? ›
This is usually the first question we are asked because the rumors about gondola tours say that a lot of people can't afford it. Let's reveal how much a gondola ride costs for real. The price for a gondola tour is 80 euros if you book it before sunset or 100 euro if you want it after and during sunset.
Why is gondola ride so expensive? ›
The reason why gondola rides cost 80 euros for a private tour of 25-30 minutes is probably a simple matter of demand and offer. Venice is a city unlike any other in the world, visited by millions of people every year, a significant number of which desire to go on a gondola tour.
What is the alternative to the gondola ride in Venice? ›
The vaporetto is Venice's public water bus system. It's a network of boats that function as the primary mode of public transportation throughout the city's canals and lagoon. It offers a reliable and affordable way to travel between different points in Venice, including major landmarks, islands, and residential areas.
What is the cheapest way to go on a gondola ride in Venice Italy? ›
For the ultimate budget ride, consider taking a traghetto, which is a public gondola ferry in Venice or the vaporetto, the public water bus.
How much should I pay for a gondola? ›
The price for a gondola tour is 80 euros if you book it before sunset or 100 euro if you want it after and during sunset. The price isn't per person but per gondola, which means that if you're in Venice with your family, it won't be 80 or 100 euros per person but for the entire family.
How long does it take to ride the gondola in Venice? ›
The gondola rides are generally 30 minutes long, although during traffic conditions the ride duration can come down by few minutes. If you'd like to extend your ride, you can request the gondolier, although an extension isn't guaranteed (especially during peak season).
