Vaporetto Line 17 Venice — Car Ferry Tronchetto

In brief: Vaporetto line 17 is not a normal vaporetto line but the only car ferry to the Lido: it links Tronchetto (at Venice’s western entrance, with a multi-storey car park) and Lido S. Nicolò at the northern tip of the Lido. If you want to take a car to the Lido — for the film festival site or a Lido stay with your own vehicle — there is no alternative to line 17. Crossing time about 25–30 minutes, with a separate fare (not included in the normal vaporetto pass).

Lido S. Nicolo' Ferry - Tronchetto Ferry

2 stops

05:50 Lido S. Nicolo' Ferry
06:25 Tronchetto Ferry

What makes line 17 different

All other vaporetto lines are passenger boats darting through the lagoon. Line 17 is a fully fledged ferry — car deck, higher tonnage, slower speed. The route runs south around the Giudecca and across open lagoon to the Lido, so it is not quite the same path as the passenger lines either.

Without a car you will probably never take line 17 — line 6 is faster and cheaper for a passenger-only trip to the Lido. For travellers with a car, on the other hand, line 17 is a must when the hotel or destination is on the Lido.

Stops and route

Tronchetto Ferry: multi-storey car park at the western entrance to the city, with direct access to the mainland bridge and the A4 motorway.
Lido S. Nicolò Ferry: northern tip of the Lido; continue from there by bus or car towards the Lido centre (beach promenade) and the southern Lido.

Pure crossing time: 25–30 minutes. Plus around 10 minutes each for loading and unloading cars — in total about 50 minutes from the Tronchetto car park to the Lido road.

Practical tips

Reserve in high season: In July/August and during the film festival (early September) the ferries are often fully booked. Online reservation on the ACTV website 24–48 hours ahead is strongly recommended.
Tronchetto car park or mainland parking? If you stay in Venice longer than a day, parking on the mainland is cheaper (Mestre parking, approx. €8/day) with bus/train onwards. Tronchetto rates are higher (~€30/day); the only advantage is the location right by the ferry.
Arriving with a campervan: Line 17 also takes campervans up to 6 m. Larger vehicles have to take a different route via the mainland (SR11) — a road link to the Lido only exists indirectly via Pellestrina/Chioggia.
Alternative without a car: If you simply want to reach the Lido, take line 6 (25 min, €9.50) or line 1 (60 min, but with the Grand Canal views).

Frequently asked questions

Can I drive into Venice by car?

No — Venice’s historic centre is completely car-free. Cars end at Piazzale Roma or Tronchetto. You can take a car to the Lido via the line 17 ferry.

How much does line 17 cost for a car?

Depending on the season, about €18–22 per crossing for a standard car under 4 m. Exact price at the Tronchetto counter or online.

Is line 17 included in the 24-hour pass?

Only for passenger-only tickets. Car fares are separate and not included in the ACTV day pass.

How often does line 17 run?

Roughly hourly during the day, more often in high season (every 30–45 min). First ferry from Tronchetto around 5:00 in the morning, last in the evening around 22:00.

Do I need a reservation?

Usually not in low season. In July/August and during the film festival (Sept.) strongly recommended, online via actv.avmspa.it.