Walking is how Venice works. The city is small enough to cross in about 45 minutes, and the main routes between the key points are signposted — follow the yellow signs pointing to San Marco, Rialto, Ferrovia (the train station), and Piazzale Roma. Getting lost is not a disaster; it is an experience, and the network of alleys always returns you to a canal or a campo that you can navigate from.
The vaporetto (water bus) is the main public transport on the canals. Line 1 runs the length of the Grand Canal between Piazzale Roma and San Marco, stopping at every landing stage — the essential route for first-time visitors, best done slowly in daylight. Lines 2, 5, 6, and others are faster or serve the lagoon islands. Tickets must be validated before boarding. A single ticket costs around €9.50; a 24-hour pass costs €25, 72 hours €40. If you plan to use the vaporetto more than twice in a day the pass is worth it.
The traghetto is a stripped-down gondola that crosses the Grand Canal at several points for about €2 — you stand in the boat, it takes 90 seconds, and it is the cheapest way to cross the canal where there is no bridge nearby. Look for the green signs. Water taxis are fast and expensive — a short trip within Venice can cost €30–50.
Gondolas are for hire at stands throughout the city. The official rate is around €80 for 30 minutes (more after 7pm). Agree the price and route before you get in.