In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into the highly debated Venice gondola rides price topic. It’s one of the first things people ask about when planning a trip to this famous Italian city. So, if you’re wondering how much gondola rides cost in Venice, then read on.
We’ll outline the different experiences on offer, reveal how to book a tour and show you where to find the best prices. Gondola rides are undoubtedly among the top things to do in Venice, so it’s important to find one that’s right for you.
Don’t feel like reading ahead? Check out our full catalog!
Is it worth going on a gondola ride in Venice?
Taking a gondola ride in Venice is at the top of most bucket lists when it comes to quintessential experiences in this romantic city. There’s nothing quite like gliding down the Grand Canal, seeing the medieval architecture up close and waving to other boat passengers.
Yet the relatively high Venice gondola rides price can put some people off booking a tour. It’s not a cheap undertaking, but those who simply watch from the sidelines often return home feeling that they’ve missed out. Luckily, by searching on sites like TourScanner you’ll be able to hunt out offers to help keep costs down.
Gondola tours allow you to explore the city from a new perspective, and you’ll see many places that are inaccessible by land. Indeed, some of Venice’s best views are from the water. With that in mind, you shouldn’t pass up on the chance to take a gondola ride – it’s something you’ll remember forever.
What are the most popular gondola rides in Venice?
There is a staggering amount of gondola rides to choose from in Venice, so it’s important to read the tour descriptions carefully. Here are the most popular experiences to help you decide which to book:
Shared gondola rides
If the Venice gondola tour price is your main deciding factor when choosing an excursion, then shared rides are best. There are usually up to five seats available in the gondola, so it will still be an intimate experience. You may be on board with guests from other tour groups, but you’ll all enjoy the same great views.
These tours tend to be half-hour jaunts along the Grand Canal, often starting near St. Mark’s Square. This is a cost-effective way of seeing Venice from the water, and you might even make some new friends.
Private gondola experiences
If you prefer a more personal experience, then private gondola trips are the way to go. You’ll have the whole gondola to yourself, and itineraries can sometimes be tailored to your interests. These tours are perfect for couples, families and groups of friends looking to break away from the crowds.
Themed gondola excursions are also available for private bookings. You can enjoy a professional photo shoot or even a marriage vow renewal ceremony right here on the water.
Combination gondola tours
Several tour providers offer a combination experience to help you make the most of your time in the city. Adding a walking excursion to a gondola ride is one of the most popular ways of exploring Venice for first-time visitors.
The gondola trip can be at the start or end of the tour, and usually takes you along the canals of the San Marco district. Meanwhile, the guided walking tour focuses on some of the city’s main landmarks. Common stops include St. Mark’s Square, the Doge’s Palace and the Rialto Bridge.
Grand Canal gondola rides
Most Venice gondola trips take place on or around the Grand Canal. This is the city’s main waterway and is a hive of activity from dawn until dusk.
On these rides, you’ll get to see daily life in Venice, with traders and workers going about their business. This is also where you’ll find many of Venice’s most elegant buildings. Several of them are former palaces, including the grand building that now houses the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.
Other highlights include the Gritti Palace, the Gothic Palazzo Pisani Moretta and the Renaissance Palazzo Grimani di San Luca. You’ll get to see the Rialto Bridge too.
Off-the-beaten-path gondola trips
While the Grand Canal has its appeal, you’ll discover a more authentic side of Venice away from the main channel. These gondola tours take you deep into the city interiors, gliding down hidden waterways in residential areas.
San Marco and San Polo are the most frequently visited districts, as they’re easily accessible from the Grand Canal. If you want to escape the tourist hordes and see a different part of Venice, then you’ll love these peaceful excursions.
Gondola rides with serenade
For an extra special experience, some gondola rides come with their own musical entertainment. On these trips, an accordion player and singer will delight you with traditional Venetian folk tunes as you cruise along the canals.
You can hear these serenades as you wander across the city, echoing off the medieval palace walls beside the water. This is your chance to have front-row seats to your own show and be the envy of your friends. And yes, the iconic “O Sole Mio” will no doubt be part of the repertoire.
Sunset gondola tours
For a bit of romance, book a sunset gondola ride and see the city in its best light. You’ll watch the sun slowly sink toward the horizon, enjoying the buildings along the canal change color. Golds, oranges and yellows bring these ancient palaces and residences to life.
Being out on the water at this time of day is a magical experience. These tours are understandably popular with couples and honeymooners, but families love them too. Just be aware that tour times change depending on the time of year – trips will be earlier in winter to coincide with the sunset.
Here’s our full catalog of gondola rides in Venice:
How much do gondola rides in Venice cost?
The cost of Venice gondola rides varies according to where you buy your tickets and the type of tour selected. Here’s a breakdown to give you an idea of prices:
On-site price
You can turn up at the operator’s office and book a gondola ride on-site if you’ve left things until the last minute. It’s also possible to just wander along a canal and find a waiting gondolier who will be willing to take you on a ride.
However, while there is always room for in-person price negotiation, this can end up being very expensive. The official on-site tariff is usually €80 for half an hour in the daytime and €100 in the evening. Yet gondoliers know they have a captive audience, and often charge more.
Hot tip: be aware that not all gondoliers accept credit cards, so you will need to take some cash.
Online price
The Venice gondola rides price is generally much cheaper online. Booking in advance means you’ll have no nasty surprises when it comes to cost. You will be able to select your preferred time and date too and there won’t be any need for queuing.
Prices for shared daytime gondola trips start at around €30 per person for a half-hour ride. This rises to about €40 if you book a sunset tour. Live commentary is often included on these jaunts.
If you’d like to be serenaded during your shared gondola excursion, expect to pay €50 each for the privilege. This often includes both an accordion player and a singer.
Private gondola rides are more expensive and more exclusive. If you’re traveling with a group of friends, these tours can be very cost-effective. Daytime prices start at €130 for up to five passengers, while sunset trips are approximately €160.
For a private photo shoot tour, packages start at €400 for a 1.5-hour experience. A professional photographer and digital image book will be provided. Meanwhile, marriage vow renewals cost €890 for an hour-long gondola ride, flowers and the services of a celebrant.
Combination tours with guided walks and a gondola ride can be a cheap way to see the city highlights in a single day. Excursions cost around €60 for a walk and a boat trip. If you’d like to include a guided tour of St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, the price rises to €125.
How to book a gondola ride in Venice?
While some visitors like to be spontaneous and book gondola rides in person, this isn’t advisable. The Venice gondola rides price will likely be far more expensive on-site than you’ll find online. So, plan your tour in advance and save money.
There are several travel sites selling gondola rides online, so do your homework to ensure you bag a bargain. Competition is strong, which means discounts are often available.
On sites like TourScanner, you can compare prices, check out reviews and see if any combination tours are available. By booking online, you’ll be able to book the excursion that best suits your budget and itinerary.
Hot tip: Need help deciding which one to choose? Check out our list of the best gondola rides in Venice.
How many people can fit in a gondola?
Most gondolas can fit up to five passengers. This means that you’ll probably be sharing a boat with people from other tours. This approach helps to keep the cost of gondola tours in Venice down.
Seating is allocated by passenger weight to help balance the boat. As a result, you may not be able to choose where to sit, although the gondolier will ensure everyone is comfortable.
If you’d prefer to have a gondola to yourself, then private tours are also available. These come with a higher price tag, but the experience will be exclusive, and even more romantic.
When is the best time for a gondola ride in Venice?
Gondola rides operate throughout the day, with hundreds of boats gliding up and down the main canals in Venice. Early morning trips can be a little quieter before the rush that lasts until the late afternoon.
For the ultimate experience, book a sunset gondola ride and see the waterways flood with color at dusk. This is the best time to head out if you’re looking for a little romance, or even have a proposal in mind. Meanwhile, if you’d like to see the Rialto Fish Market in action, morning tours are ideal.
Venice gondola rides can be combined with walking tours, so consider what you want to see on land too when deciding on a time. Evening boat trips are perfect if you fancy adding on a ghost walk after dark.
Where do gondola rides in Venice start?
Gondola rides depart from numerous locations across the San Marco district. This is usually at the provider’s office or a designated stand beside the canal.
Many starting points are based around St. Mark’s Square, while others can be found scattered along quieter canals throughout the neighborhood. Some operators also offer pickups from hotels and major tourist areas in central Venice.
Away from St. Mark’s Square, popular starting points include Calle Larga XXII Marzo in San Marco and near the train station in Piazzale Roma. Other frequently used locations in San Marco are the Church of Santa Maria del Giglio and Campo San Gallo.
The starting place of tours can often affect the Venice gondola trip price. For example, those that begin in St. Mark’s Square can sometimes cost a bit more thanks to the premium location. You’ll be able to see the tour meeting point on the online listings.
Where is the best place to get a gondola ride in Venice?
The most popular place for a Venice gondola ride is along the Grand Canal. This is the city’s main water corridor and runs between several different districts, including San Marco, Dorsoduro and San Polo.
For a quieter experience away from the crowds, choose a tour that focuses on the Rialto area. These itineraries tend to head off along the lesser-known canals, showing you a different side of Venice in a more peaceful setting.
How long does a gondola ride last in Venice?
Most gondola rides last around half an hour. This is plenty of time to enjoy a jaunt along the Grand Canal as well as veering off down some of the quieter waterways.
The tour length is, of course, reflected in the Venice gondola rides price. Hour-long trips are more expensive, but they do show you more of the city.
Combination tours that include a gondola ride and a walking excursion usually last between 2 and 3 hours. The boat trip will take up around 30 minutes of this time.
Where do gondola rides in Venice take you?
Many gondola tours concentrate on the Grand Canal and the attractions that line this iconic channel. You’ll pass by several key attractions including the Peggy Guggenheim Collection palace and the Accademia Gallery. Keep your eyes peeled for the famous Gritti Palace too – this hotel is where celebrities come to stay.
You’ll also get to journey beneath the Rialto Bridge – it’s the oldest in Venice. In this area, you will see the house where composer Mozart once lived, as well as the historic Palazzo Dolfin Manin. Your guide will point out the Ca’ Farsetti Palace where George and Amal Clooney were married.
Some excursions head away from the Grand Canal, taking you down sleepy backwater canals far from the hustle and bustle. You’ll be right in the heart of the old San Marco and San Polo districts, exploring charming residential areas that are centuries old.
How safe is a gondola?
You might expect gondolas to be rather unstable, given that they’re so long and narrow. Yet this isn’t the case. Standing up on the end of the vessel, the gondolier acts as a counterweight, keeping the boat balanced for everyone on board.
The Grand Canal can get very busy with gondolas, water taxis and other boats cruising up and down. This makes the water quite choppy, and it’s only the skill of the gondoliers that ensures a smooth ride for passengers. If you’re concerned about safety, pick a tour that takes you down the quieter side canals, away from the main thoroughfare.
Accidents are rare, and thousands of tourists every year enjoy safe gondola rides in Venice. Note that life jackets are not provided on these tours.
Should I tip the gondolier? How much?
The Venice gondola rides price includes everything you need to enjoy your experience. It often covers a guide, an onboard musician and sometimes even a complimentary glass of spritz. Tipping is not expected or required.
Yet if you feel you’ve been treated well and enjoyed your time on board, feel free to give the gondolier a little something. They are experts at their craft, having spent years studying and perfecting their technique.
For a half-hour ride, tipping 10% of the tour price will always be appreciated. Make sure you have some cash handy in case you’re feeling generous.
Travel tips
- The cost of Venice gondola rides is usually more expensive on-site, so make sure you book online for the best prices.
- For a more intimate experience, opt for a private tour to avoid sharing your ride with strangers.
- Tour routes differ, so read the itinerary carefully before booking.
- The canals become very busy during summer, so avoid this period if you’re looking for an authentic experience.