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Venice's primary public transport is the ACTV vaporetto (water bus) network. Dogs are permitted on vaporetti: small dogs in a carrier travel free; larger dogs must wear a muzzle, be on-leash, and purchase a dog ticket (full adult fare). Dogs are not permitted on the gondolas as a rule. Water taxis accept dogs at the driver's discretion. The vaporetto is the essential mode of transport for reaching the Lido, Murano, Burano, and other islands.
| Mode | Policy | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Vaporetto (ACTV water bus) | Small dogs in carrier: free. Large dogs: muzzle + leash required + full adult fare ticket. One dog per passenger. Dogs must not occupy seats. Source: actv.it | 💡 Buy vaporetto tickets at ACTV ticket booths or the Venezia Unica app. Dog tickets are the same price as an adult single ticket. |
| Water Taxi (Motoscafo) | Dogs accepted at driver's discretion. Most water taxi drivers accept well-behaved dogs. No official surcharge. Prices are fixed by the municipality — agree before boarding. | 💡 Water taxis are expensive (€60–100+ for short rides) but door-to-door. Useful for airport transfers with a large dog. |
| Intercity Train (from Venezia Santa Lucia) | Same Trenitalia rules. Small dogs in carrier: free. Large dogs: not permitted on Frecciarossa; permitted on regional trains with half-price ticket + muzzle + leash. | 💡 Venice Santa Lucia station is at the edge of the main island. Cross the Ponte della Libertà by train to reach the mainland (Mestre, Padua, etc.). |
ACTV vaporetto: actv.it — Venice water bus routes, timetables, tickets, and pet rules. Venezia Unica app: buy vaporetto tickets and city passes. Trenitalia: trenitalia.com — intercity and regional trains from Venezia Santa Lucia.
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