Getting to the Doge's Palace - Transport and Walking Routes

Reaching Palazzo Ducale is straightforward once you know the stops and signs.

Vaporetto (waterbus)

• Stops: San Zaccaria (closest) and San Marco Vallaresso are ideal.
• Lines: 1, 2, and seasonal routes along the Grand Canal; consult ACTV maps for timings.
• From Santa Lucia station: Line 1 is scenic (≈40 min), Line 2 faster (≈25-30 min), both require a short walk.

Walking routes

• From Rialto: Follow yellow “San Marco” signs; ≈10-15 minutes through arcades and campos.
• From Accademia: Cross the wooden bridge, head toward San Marco; ≈15-20 minutes.
• From St. Mark's Square: You're there — the palace borders the south side of the piazza.

Accessibility

• The square is mostly level; expect occasional steps and crowded bottlenecks.
• Ask staff for the most step‑free palace route and lifts to upper levels.

Before and after

• Pair with St. Mark's Basilica (book skip‑the‑line) or the Correr Museum (included in the Square Museums ticket).
• For views: Campanile di San Marco or the terrace of the Basilica museum (separate access).