Uber in Venice: Everything you need to know

If you’re planning on visiting the City of Canals, you might be wondering, ‘How exactly does Uber work in Venice?’. Well, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you need to organise a transfer to or from the airport, want to get around the city quickly and easily, or plan on visiting nearby attractions, you’ll find all the information you need about taking an Uber in Venice and possible alternatives to help you plan your trip right here.

Is there Uber in Venice?

Venice is a series of islands connected by narrow footbridges and as such, vehicles are not allowed within the city centre. However, it is still possible to use an Uber to reach Piazzale Roma, the closest plaza to the historic centre, and to travel to and from the airport to nearby suburbs such as Mestre.

Uber services in Venice are currently limited to premium options, including Uber Black, which can seat up to 4 passengers, and Uber Van, a more spacious choice for larger groups of up to 6 passengers. These vehicles are typically more costly than a standard taxi since they are classed as luxury services with modern vehicles, leather interiors and Uber’s most highly rated drivers. Alternatively, you can use the app to book a regular metered taxi.

How much is Uber in Venice?

Uber provides a real-time price estimate of your trip based on the distance, time and driver demand, allowing you to plan and budget accordingly. This means, however, that at certain times of day, you may be stung with a higher fare, and given that Uber in Venice only offers premium services, this can be considerably more expensive than a regular taxi.

Nevertheless, an Uber ride from Marco Polo Airport to the city centre typically ranges from €60 to €80 for Uber Black. Within the area surrounding the city centre, a 5 km ride generally costs between €20 and €30, depending on the traffic and time of day. If you choose to book a regular metered taxi through the app your fare will calculated based on the time and distance travelled, just be aware that sometimes there are long waits for available taxis.

*Tolls and surcharges may be added to your final fare.

Alternatives to taking an Uber in Venice

From the airport

It is possible to use Uber at Venice’s Marco Polo Airport, as well as nearby Treviso Airport. However, if you’re on a budget you may prefer to use one of the public transport options such as the public bus and the ATVO shared shuttle bus for those heading to Piazzale Roma, or a vaporetto – a public ferry – if you’re staying within the historical centre.

Local airport taxis are also an option, they’re available from right outside the terminal and can take you to Piazzale Roma or the town of Mestre. Keep in mind that they may either offer a fixed fare rate or use a meter to calculate their fare, which means you won’t know the cost before riding, although they are still cheaper than an Uber. Similar to public transport options, lines can be quite lengthy during the peak season, in particular the summer months. 

If your hotel is situated on a canal, a fun and more direct alternative – albeit the most expensive – is to take a water taxi from the docks in front of the airport. It is also possible to share a water taxi to help cut down the price. When taking any water transport, it is important to keep in mind that tides and weather conditions can impact wait times and that during winter it can become quite chilly.

If you’re concerned about waiting around and prefer to know the cost of your journey upfront, a pre-booked private transfer with a trusted company like Welcome Pickups can provide a personalised service with an English-speaking driver, who can assist with any luggage and offer tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your trip in Venice.

Getting around Venice

Other than taking an Uber, using a local Venice car taxi is also an option for visiting the surrounding region outside the city centre. From Mestre or Piazzale Roma, you can call a taxi company directly to arrange a pickup or you’ll find vehicles lined up near Piazzale Roma waiting to take you. For a fixed fare and the added convenience of being picked up at a time and place that works for you, Welcome Pickups can also be used for day trips to popular destinations such as Treviso and Verona.

Once inside the city centre, transport options become somewhat limited. The cheapest and most popular way to get around is to use the vaporetto. Similar to public buses, vaporettos operate on a fixed timetable with specific stops along each route, allowing you to thoroughly explore the Grand Canal and neighbouring islands at your own pace. A more convenient but significantly more expensive option is to use a Venice water taxi. These provide the benefit of being able to go wherever you choose without having to share the moment with fellow passengers. Alternatively, you can choose to explore the ancient cobbled alleyways on foot.

Is Uber safe in Venice?

Using Uber in Venice is generally safe, but it still pays to be cautious. Passengers can share their trip details with friends and family and track their ride in real-time, and the option of cashless payments means there’s no need to carry cash. Moreover, drivers of premium services, like those found in Venice, are required to maintain a certain rating.

Similarly, both regular and water taxis in Venice are considered safe. Although it is rare, you may come across a driver who tries to overcharge you, so it’s best to always check that the meter has been set correctly or in the case of a water taxi, that you’ve agreed on a price upfront before setting sail.

Taxi, Uber, or Private Transfer?

When it comes to choosing the best option, you need to take into consideration your and your group’s needs and budget. Below you can find a comparison of the most important factors to consider so that you can make an informed choice.

FAQs

Can you take an Uber in Venice?

While it isn’t possible to use Uber on the islands of Venice – in fact, no vehicles are allowed – you can still use Uber to get around outside of the city and if you’re travelling to or from the airport, your ride can pick up or drop off at Piazzale Roma, which is the closest point to the city centre.

What taxi app is used in Venice?

The only ride-sharing service that is currently allowed to operate in Italy is Uber, and services are restricted to premium vehicles. A popular alternative when travelling to the airport is to book a private airport taxi transfer. Rides with Welcome Pickups are more affordable than water taxis, plus you won’t need to share or make stops along the way as is the case with shared water taxis and vaparettos.

Is Uber safe in Venice?

Overall, taking an Uber in Venice is very safe. All Uber drivers must maintain a certain rating, with even higher standards for premium drivers. For extra precaution, Uber allows riders to share their journey with friends and family in real time and make payments through the app, eliminating the need to carry cash.

Is Uber expensive in Venice?

On the whole, Uber is more expensive in Venice than in other cities, mainly because Uber services in Venice are limited to premium options. During peak periods, prices can increase further due to prices surging, making vaporettos and public buses a more budget-friendly option.

Does Uber pick up at Venice Airport?

Yes, Uber can pick up passengers from the airport. There are dedicated ride-sharing car spaces located in front of the Departures Hall, and your driver will confirm the exact pick-up spot after booking.