Vaporetto Line 11 Venice: Boat–Bus–Boat Lido → Pellestrina → Chioggia
In brief: Vaporetto line 11 is Venice’s southern lagoon connection — and not a pure boat line, but a combined boat–bus–boat route: vaporetto Lido → Alberoni, change there to the ACTV bus across the island of Pellestrina, then again by vaporetto from Pellestrina to Chioggia. Total journey time about 75 minutes. For travellers who want to visit Pellestrina (the long, rarely visited lagoon island) or Chioggia (“little Venice”) without the road detour via the mainland. Fare: regular ACTV fare (single ride €9.50), included in the 24-hour pass.
Pellestrina Cimitero - Chioggia
3 stops
- 06:05 Pellestrina Cimitero
- 06:17 Caroman A RICHIESTA
- 06:30 Chioggia
What makes line 11 special
Line 11 is the only public connection serving the entire southern lagoon system: the Lido di Venezia (north), Pellestrina (the long barrier island) and Chioggia (the southern “little Venice”). The route combines two vaporetto legs with a bus leg across Pellestrina, because a continuous vaporetto would not be possible due to traffic and depth restrictions.
For visitors the line is interesting for two reasons: first as a way to reach Chioggia (without taking the ATVO bus 80 from the mainland — much nicer across the water), and second as a day trip to the island of Pellestrina itself — kilometres of fishermen’s promenade, rows of traditional coloured houses, and the famous “Murazzi” sea walls of Istrian stone. Pellestrina is far less touristy than Burano and gives a very authentic impression of the lagoon.
The three legs in detail
Leg 1: Lido S.M.E. → Alberoni (vaporetto)
Starting point at the central Lido pier Santa Maria Elisabetta. The vaporetto runs south along the eastern Lido coast to the Alberoni pier at the southern end of the Lido. Journey time about 25 minutes. Intermediate stops: Lido S. Nicolò (marina), Lido Casinò (seasonal), Lido Lungomare D’Annunzio.
Leg 2: Alberoni → Pellestrina (bus across the island)
At the Alberoni pier, the ACTV bus continues across the long island of Pellestrina (about 11 km). The bus stops in the three villages of Pellestrina (central), San Pietro in Volta and Portosecco. Journey time about 25–30 minutes. If you want to visit Pellestrina itself, get off along the way.
Leg 3: Pellestrina (Cimitero) → Chioggia (vaporetto)
From the southern end of Pellestrina (pier “Pellestrina Cimitero”) a vaporetto crosses the lagoon to Chioggia (Vigo pier). Journey time about 25–30 minutes. Chioggia is the southern “little Venice” with a large fish market, its own old town with canals, and 10 km of sandy beach in Sottomarina.
Day-trip strategy for Pellestrina and Chioggia
The ideal day plan from central Venice: in the morning from San Zaccaria with line 5.1 or 6 to the Lido (20–25 min), then change to line 11. Get off at Pellestrina at lunchtime for a fish restaurant (recommended: Trattoria da Celeste in San Pietro in Volta, right on the water, classic lagoon cooking), then continue to Chioggia in the afternoon. Return either by the same route or via the mainland with ATVO bus 80 to Piazzale Roma (50 min).
If you prefer it more compact, travel to Chioggia directly by ATVO bus 80 or car and use line 11 only for the return — scenically, the water route is far more beautiful than the bus across the mainland.
Timetable and frequency
The three legs are coordinated — the connections between vaporetto and bus are synchronised in the official ACTV timetable. Daytime frequency roughly every 30 to 60 minutes, depending on season and weekday. First connection around 6:00 in the morning, last return from Chioggia around 20:00. Summer high season: denser intervals. Current live data in the table embedded above.
Tickets for line 11
Line 11 is part of the regular ACTV fare system — single ride €9.50 (valid 75 min, which does not cover the whole route), 24-hour pass €25, multi-day passes accordingly. Important: for the complete Lido → Chioggia route with all three legs, the 24-hour pass pays off, because the 75-minute validity of a single ticket is not enough. Validate your ticket at the yellow Imob readers before each boarding — on the vaporetto and on the bus. The day pass does not exempt you from validating each time.
Frequently asked questions about line 11
Is line 11 really a vaporetto line or rather a bus?
Both — the official ACTV line 11 combines two vaporetto legs with a bus leg across the island of Pellestrina. In the timetable and ticket system it is treated as one continuous line.
How long does line 11 take from the Lido to Chioggia?
Total journey time about 75 minutes, including the two changes at Alberoni (vaporetto → bus) and Pellestrina Cimitero (bus → vaporetto). With well-synchronised connections there is no waiting; otherwise it can take 90 minutes.
Line 11 or rather the ATVO bus 80 to Chioggia?
If you simply want to reach Chioggia as fast as possible: ATVO bus 80 from Piazzale Roma (50 min, €5–8). If you want to experience the lagoon landscape and see Pellestrina: line 11 — scenically far more rewarding.
Can I stay overnight on Pellestrina?
Yes, there are a few small guesthouses and B&Bs on the island. Pellestrina is very quiet — if you are looking for lagoon authenticity without tourists, this is the place. Restaurants and shops are limited, and a car is of no use (there are none in the middle of the island).
Does line 11 run in winter too?
Yes, all year round, though with a reduced timetable in winter (November–March). Current times in the live table embedded above or on the ACTV website.