Unlike most other city centres, you can't simply stick out your hand and hail a Venice taxi as they need to find a viable place to dock. The easiest way to take a taxi in Venice is to head to one of the designated docks.

Getting a taxi in Venice is "easy" but requires you to understand the distinction between land taxis and water taxis. Land taxis (standard white cars) are only available at the Piazzale Roma (the end of the road from the mainland) and the Marco Polo Airport; they cannot enter the historic center. To get around the actual canals, you need a Water Taxi (Motoscafo). These are plentiful at major hubs like the Rialto Bridge, St. Mark’s Square, and the Santa Lucia Train Station. While they are very easy to find at designated "Taxi" stands, they are exceptionally expensive, often costing €60–€100 for a short trip within the city and €120+ to the airport. In 2026, many visitors use the "Consorzio Motoscafi Venezia" app or website to pre-book, which ensures a fixed price and avoids the "tourist premium." For a more budget-friendly option, the Vaporetto (water bus) is the "taxi of the people," running frequent routes like a city bus system for a fraction of the price. So, while a private taxi is easy to catch, your wallet may find the "ease" comes at a very high luxury price tag.