Vaporetto Line 20 Venice: San Servolo and San Lazzaro degli Armeni
In brief: Vaporetto line 20 connects San Zaccaria with the small southern lagoon islands of San Servolo (a conference and university site) and San Lazzaro degli Armeni (the Armenian monastery with the Mekhitarist library). More of an insider tip — island visits must be booked in advance. Journey time from San Zaccaria about 20 minutes, included in the 24-hour pass.
S. Servolo - S. Marco-San Zaccaria "B"
3 stops
- 06:55 S. Marco-San Zaccaria "B"
- 07:05 S. Servolo
- 07:15 S. Marco-San Zaccaria "B"
The two island destinations of line 20
San Servolo
A small island between the Lido and San Marco — a former island psychiatric hospital, closed in the 1970s and today a conference centre and home of the Venice International University (VIU). Open for visits during the day (park, former clinic buildings, a small museum on the history of Venetian psychiatry). Entry free, guided tours by appointment.
San Lazzaro degli Armeni
One of Venice’s most extraordinary islands: since 1717 the seat of the Armenian Mekhitarist monks, with one of the oldest Armenian libraries outside Armenia (more than 150,000 volumes and manuscripts). Lord Byron studied Armenian here. Visits only with a guided tour, once daily at 15:25 from the vaporetto pier — advance booking recommended, entry approx. €10.
Timetable and practicalities
Line 20 runs every 30 to 60 minutes during the day between San Zaccaria, San Servolo and San Lazzaro. First trip in the morning around 8:00, last return from San Lazzaro around 17:00. For the San Lazzaro tour, vaporetto line 20 is the only public way to get there — the 15:25 tour start is tightly timed, so check the matching vaporetto in advance (live data in the table embedded above).
Frequently asked questions about line 20
Is San Lazzaro degli Armeni worth it?
Yes — an extraordinary experience for culturally minded travellers. The Armenian library, a working monastery with its own printing press, atmospherically completely different from the rest of Venice. Plan half a day.
Do I need to register for San Servolo?
Not for a walk in the park. For museum visits or conference programmes yes — check the VIU website.
How much does the San Lazzaro tour cost?
Entry to the guided tour about €10, lasting approx. 90 minutes. Includes the library, printing press, church and refectory. Tours available in English and Italian.