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Are There Cars in Venice?

Question: So, are there cars in Venice?

Answer: There are zero cars in Venice, but the reality of Venice can be shocking at times. It is one thing to hear that there are no cars in Venice and no motorbikes in Venice; however, when you actually see what that means for the first time, it is absolutely overwhelming. Here's why...

You step out of the Venice train station and step into a city, a world, like nowhere else on earth.

Outside is the equivalent of a four-lane highway; traffic rushes by: taxis, buses, private vehicles, and police sirens are heard as the police rush off somewhere. You might well see an ambulance too, or the fire brigade. 

You could be in any big city except...

... this is NOT like any other big city, and this four lane highway is not like any highway in any other city you have ever visited... this highway is made of water!

Each and every vehicle rushing by is a boat of some sort or another, an incredible array of vehicles: elegant gondolas, waterbuses (called vaporetti), stylish taxis of burnished mahogany, and even the boat versions of garbage trucks. 

Here's a video of what the experience is like...

Are there bicycles in Venice?

Well, like cars and motorbikes, bicycles in Venice are only allowed as far as the Piazzale Roma on the edge of the city. There is a short stretch after that, where you are allowed to wheel your bicycle to the station, in order to board a train, but that's it! 

So how does Venice function without cars, trucks etc...

Well, whether it's the delivery of your online order or the deliveries to supermarkets and other stores everything has to go by boat and, incredibly, it all works extremely well. People head to work by public transport (the water boats) or take their own boat into the office.  Need to move house? Well, there's a boat for that. Need to grab a cab to the airport? It's a boat too.

Watch the video at the top of the page to see the reality of Venice, the "miracle" of a city built upon water.

Interesting Facts About Gondolas 

  • There are around 400 gondolas in Venice now  - down from around 10,000 a century ago. 
  • Gondolas take two years to make and are 36 ft long.
  • It takes 280 pieces of wood to make a gondola.
  • All gondolas are made by hand in Venice.
  • The six blades on the gondolas prow represent the six neighborhoods of Venice known as sestieri.
  • Traghetti gondolas, a special type of gondola, serve as ferryboats crossing the Grand Canal at strategic points, providing an essential service for locals and a unique experience for tourists. Each traghetto is rowed by two gondoliers, offering a more informal and affordable way to traverse the canal. Here's all you need to know about enjoying the experience of a traghetto ride.

Fun Fact

Q: Do you know how much Venice Council pays for road maintenance?

A: Zero. There are no roads. They do, maintain the canal walls, bridges and pedestrian walkways though. 

ALL THE TOP-SIGHTS IN ONE TRIP

🚩 Stroll across the Rialto Bridge, take a ride on a traditional gondola along the Grand Canal, see St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace and other magnificent places in just a day!

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More Travel Tips:

  1. Book your tickets to museums and other attractions in advance on Tiqets.com
  2. Book your accommodation. Booking.com and Agoda help you to book accommodation in advance
  3. Book your excursions. Wherever you go, make the most of your time! Excursions with professional guides will help you do this - choose a location and the best option for yourself on Viator or Getyourguide
  4. Book your car. At least a month before is best. Use Discover Car Hire.
  5. Cash Back on Flights: Great deals & money back with WayAway
  6. Get peace of mind when traveling. Get insured with VisitorsCoverage.com

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The Grand Canal in Venice. Venice's main highway.