How Much is a Gondola Ride in Venice? Per Person and Groups.
Is there anything more quintessentially Venetian than being punted down the canals of Venice in a gondola by a man in a striped shirt and a straw hat? I don’t think so! So, when you’re planning your next trip to Italy you might be wondering, “How much is a gondola ride in Venice?” and “How can I organise or book a gondola ride?”. Well, we’re here to help. Read on to find out all you need to know about gondola rides in Venice to make your upcoming trip unforgettable!
How Much is a Gondola Ride In Venice?
There are a variety of ways you can book a gondola ride in Venice and which option you choose will determine the cost. You can either simply go and speak to a gondolier on the edge of the canal and ask him his prices, or you can book a tour.
Officially speaking the city of Venice sets rates for gondola rides to ensure they all offer a standard fare. This is currently set at €80 for 40 minutes, with additional 20-minute increments being €40 each. While this may sound expensive, it is important to note that the cost can be shared between up to six people so really it works out at under €15 for 40 minutes if your gondola is full. It is also worth noting that prices go up after 7pm, with the base rate climbing to €100 for 40 minutes and additional 20-minute time slots being €50 each.
Before you set off, you’ll want to specify the exact length and price of your gondola ride as gondoliers have been known to take advantage of tourists and allow them to while away time without realising it and charging them hundreds of euros when they finally realise where they are!
If you’d rather have your gondola tour lined up before you travel, you can book a pre-arranged tour with companies like ‘Get Your Guide’. These tours can cost anything between €30 per person up to €800 for a group, depending on the situation and the inclusions on each tour.
Is a Gondola Ride In Venice Considered Expensive?
As taking a gondola ride in Venice has become a popular tourist attraction over the years, it has become quite an expensive thing to do, especially if there are just two of you. It’s definitely going to set you back a bit more than a coffee in Piazza San Marco, for example, or entry into a museum. However, it will be an experience like no other!
The best way to enjoy your gondola ride in Venice is to forget about the cost and simply enjoy the ride. Just like a trip on the River Seine in Paris or a horse and cart ride in Central Park in New York, you know you’re paying tourist prices, but that’s not the point. The experience is quintessential, magical, and photogenic, so you’re sure to have a trip to remember.
Is There A Cheap Way To Take a Gondola Ride in Venice?
If you’re travelling on a really tight budget but don’t want to miss out on crossing Venice’s canals by boat, then fear not as there is a way! You will have to forgo the striped shirts, straw hats, and hand-painted boats, but the traghetto (or public gondola ferry) can be a fun way to experience the water without breaking the bank. The traghetto ferry rides cost just €2 to cross over the Grand Canal, and while the journey is short, it can still be memorable.
There are a number of crossings on the Grand Canal between the railroad station and the Campo del Traghetto near Piazza San Marco. True Venetians stand up during the crossing, but unless you’ve got sturdy sea legs, you’re probably better off sitting down so that you don’t rock the boat!
How Do I Book A Gondola Ride In Venice?
There are three main ways of booking a gondola ride in Venice, and depending on your negotiation skills and charm, you may or may not be able to get a good deal.
The first option is to head to a gondolier and barter a price that suits you for the length of time you desire. You can pretty much pick up a gondola anywhere that there is water in Venice, with popular spots being Doge’s Palace, Rialto Bridge, and Tronchetto.
Please bear in mind the set-prices mentioned above though, and remember that you’re not in Asia so hard-line bartering won’t work here. While you might be able to do some friendly haggling to save a couple of euros, it is worth remembering that this is the gondolier’s full-time job and investing in a picture-perfect gondola for your benefit will have set them back around €20,000, so your $50-100 will literally and figuratively be helping them stay afloat!
Secondly, you could save yourself the time and hassle of bartering and book your gondola ride through the concierge service at your hotel. Of course, they will charge a commission for this which may add extra to your cost, but it is up to you as to whether the time saved is worth the money spent.
Finally, you could have a look online to book a gondola trip or tour before you travel. There are loads of options available online, with everything from group gondola rides to private serenading sunset cruises, so take your pick… We’ve chosen a few of our favourites below to help you find a gondola ride in Venice that matches your travel style and budget.
Recommended Gondola Ride Tours In Venice
Book a Shared Gondola Ride
If you’re seeking a budget-friendly way to punt along Venice’s canals, you’re best off opting for a shared gondola ride to save some extra pennies. This 30-minute gondola ride allows you to float along the canal, taking in the spectacular sights of Venice’s beautiful buildings and charming atmosphere.
Cost: From €32 per person
Shared Gondola Ride with Serenade
For an extra romantic touch, why not add a couple of musicians into the mix to serenade you as you pass along the Grand Canal? This Shared Gondola Ride with Serenade option gives you the chance to listen to a singer and accordion player perform their repertoire of romantic tunes as you watch the world go by.
Cost: From €41 per person
Walking Tour & Gondola Ride
It can be easy to get lost within Venice’s winding city streets and while this is lovely if you have plenty of time on your hands, you might want a bit more structure if you’re just here on a day trip or weekend break. This is where the Walking Tour & Gondola Ride comes in handy as you can explore the city’s most-loved attractions and hidden gems, before taking a gondola ride along the Grand Canal and other meandering minor canals.
Cost: From €53 per person
Gondola Ride with Music and Sparkling Wine Tasting
If you want a night to remember with some truly unique activities, why not book a Gondola Ride with Music and Sparkling Wine Tasting? This allows you to take in a few of Italy’s cultural attractions in one, with a 30-minute gondola ride through Venice’s charming canals, live music played by local Italian musicians and topped off with an evening of Venetian sparkling wines and snacks.
Cost: From €66.40 per person
2-Hour Private Photo Shoot with Gondola Ride
This gondola tour with your very own private photographer allows you to soak up the atmosphere along the Venice canal without having to worry about taking shaky selfies or spending the whole time behind the camera. See some hidden areas of the city before enjoying a private 30-minute gondola ride in style. This is an excellent option if you’re on honeymoon or celebrating your engagement!
You might also choose this option if you’re a travel blogger or Instagrammer, because, if you didn’t get photos from your trip along the Venice canals in a gondola, did it even happen?!
Cost: From €400 for a group of up to six
Renew Your Wedding Vows on a Venetian Gondola
If you’re seeking a truly special location to renew your wedding vows, you can book a trip on a Venice gondola. With a bunch of roses, a private gondolier, celebrant, and a backdrop of the stunning Venetian canals and architecture, it is a wonderfully picturesque place to affirm your love.
Cost: From €780 per couple
There are more things to do in Venice than ride a Gondola, so check out our post; Venice Bucket List – 25 Best Things to See and Do
If you are Travelling to other cities in Italy check out The 14 Best Places to Visit in Italy
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Related Bucket List Items
Visit Venice, Italy
Visit Venice during the Carnevale Festival
Take a Gondola ride in Venice
Become fluent in Italian
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