Water taxi
The sleek, wood-trimmed water taxis of Venice are priced for the limousine crowd, with extra fees for radio-dispatched service, trips after 10 p.m., and Sunday travel. Warning: aquatic cabs don't have meters, so know what you're paying before the skipper casts off. However they are a lovely way to spend the day just relaxing.
Gondola
The gondolas of Venice are beautiful but expensive. Gondoliers often demand more money for less time, so check out pricing before you're taken for a ride.Waterbus Vaporetto platforms
The public boats called vaporetti and motoscafi run almost constantly, and you'll seldom have to wait more than a few minutes for one to come along.The waterbus you'll use most often is the No. 1, the local that stops 13 times between the Piazzale Roma and the Piazza San Marco.
The standard waterbus or autobus fare is a painfully steep €6. However, you can save money with a 1-, 3-, or 7-day Venice Card, which allows unlimited public transportation, travel on the Alilaguna airport boat, and other perks. A cheaper ACTV "travel card" is another option. See my Venice Vaporetto and Bus Fares page for more information.
There's also a Cartavenezia card for residents, students, and visitors who are planning to stay a while. This card offers big discounts on public-transportation fares but isn't practical for short-term visitors.
TIP: Smaller boat stops may not have ticket booths. In such cases, board the vaporetto and immediately ask the conductor for a ticket (biglietto). The alternative--keeping your mouth shut and hoping you aren't noticed--could result in a hefty fine and public humiliation.