Last Updated on October 21, 2025 by Sam
Gondola rides along the Grand Canal are often the highlight of any Venice itinerary. For hundreds of years, gondolas were the main means of transportation in the city, and they’re still hugely popular with tourists looking for an authentic Venetian experience. Although gondola rides in Venice are quite expensive, they do offer a unique way to discover the city’s iconic landmarks. For those on a tight budget, traghetto rides are a more affordable alternative, offering canal crossings for just a few euros. Here’s your guide to the cost of a gondola ride in Venice, with up-to-date prices and essential information for your trip.
Cost of a Private Gondola Ride in Venice
The city of Venice sets official rates for gondola rides, with prices starting at €90 for a 30-minute ride as of 2025. If you want a longer ride, each additional 20 minutes costs an extra €40.
After 7:00 PM, the cost of a gondola ride in Venice increases to €110 for 35 minutes, with an extra 20 minutes costing €50. The advantage of taking a gondola at night is that the canals tend to be less busy as most people opt for the cheaper daytime rides.
Up to six people can share a gondola, so daytime rides can cost as little as €15 per person at maximum capacity. Rides cost the same regardless of the number of passengers.
It’s sometimes possible to negotiate a slightly cheaper price for a gondola ride in Venice, but generally, the gondoliers won’t lower their prices, as they know that other tourists will happily pay the full rate.
Price for a Singing Gondolier in Venice
The idea of being serenaded during a gondola ride feels like something from a movie, and although it’s possible to arrange, a singing gondolier does come at a price.
Gondoliers don’t normally sing, so you have to pay for an accordionist and singer to accompany you on your trip. There’s no set fee for this, but typically it adds at least €90 on top of the price of the gondola ride, if not more.
How To Book a Gondola Ride in Venice
It’s easy to arrange gondola rides in Venice, so advance booking isn’t a necessity. You can simply turn up at one of the designated gondola stations near popular attractions like St. Mark’s Square and Doge’s Palace to arrange a ride. Some of the quieter canals also have gondoliers waiting to take passengers, but fares are the same.
Before arranging your ride, it’s best to have an idea of what you want to see. If you take a ride along the Grand Canal, you’ll see iconic sights like the Rialto Bridge, but it can get crowded with other gondolas on the water.
There’s no single best gondola route in Venice, so your gondolier will often let you choose whether to focus on famous landmarks or explore the smaller canals.
Booking Gondola Rides Online
In peak season, queues for gondola rides are common, so booking ahead can help you avoid a long wait. It’s easy to book online, and although it’s typically slightly more expensive than arranging one on the day, it can save you a few hours.
Get Your Guide offers both shared and private gondola rides in Venice, with prices starting at €35–40 per person for a shared trip or €140–150 for a private gondola. If you’re in a group, it often makes sense to split the cost of hiring your own gondola, but if you’re a solo traveller or in a pair, shared trips can help you save a few euros.
Click here to browse the different options on Get Your Guide’s website!
To get a discounted price on your gondola ride, download the Get Your Guide app and use our exclusive promo code SOMETHINGOFFREEDOM5 for 5% off your first booking.
How To Get a Cheap Gondola Ride in Venice
If the cost of a gondola ride in Venice is out of your budget, consider a traghetto ride for a much more affordable alternative. Traghetti (the plural of traghetto) have been used in Venice for hundreds of years to ferry passengers across the Grand Canal.
These boats aren’t as lavish as gondolas, but are similar in appearance. Traghetto rides cost just €2 per person for tourists or €0.70 for Venetian residents.
Traghetti rides are substantially cheaper than a trip on a gondola and arguably offer a more authentic experience, as many locals still use them to cross the canal. You’ll get similar views, with one of the main differences being that traghetto rides last just one or two minutes.
There are seven traghetto routes in Venice, and the trips are typically shared with others wanting to make the crossing. Traghetto stations are easy to spot by the black signs along the Grand Canal or the street signs reading “traghetto.”
Unfortunately, not all routes are open every day, but generally there’s at least one or two open on any given day. Two of the most reliable traghetto routes are from near Campo della Pescaria (Rialto fish market) to Santa Sofia and from San Toma to Sant’Angelo.
Even if you don’t need to cross the canal, traghetto rides are an affordable way to have a quick gondola experience in Venice without having to pay full price.
FAQs: Gondola Rides in Venice
Are gondola rides in Venice worth the money?
Gondola rides are an unforgettable experience and offer a unique way to see Venice, but they are fairly expensive. If you can comfortably afford a gondola ride then it’s definitely worth doing, but if you’re on a budget, we recommend taking a traghetto ride for a more affordable but similar experience.
How long have gondolas been used in Venice?
Gondolas have been operating in Venice since at least the 11th century. They were once the main form of transport in the city, but today they mainly cater to tourists.
What payment methods are accepted for gondola rides?
Although it’s possible to pay for gondola rides in Venice by debit or credit card, most gondoliers prefer cash payments. Not all gondoliers take card payments, so it’s best to have euros on hand if you haven’t booked in advance.
Can you take a gondola to other islands in the Venetian Lagoon?
Gondolas aren’t used for lagoon crossings, so they aren’t an option for getting to Burano or other islands in the Venetian Lagoon.
How many people can share a gondola ride?
Gondolas have a maximum capacity of six passengers. Even if the boat isn’t full, there’s a set rate for each ride, so unfortunately you won’t get a cheaper trip.
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Very useful article. We are going to Venice in the Summer so will be sure to try a traghetto, and its a bargain for that price.
Thank you! It’s definitely a useful way to save money if you don’t want to pay for a gondola!