Published on
August 16, 2025
Italy’s Venice is raising gondola fares as part of a broader effort to manage the overwhelming surge in tourists and the pressures of overtourism. The fare increase comes in conjunction with the city’s historic implementation of a tourist tax aimed at regulating visitor numbers. As Venice grapples with maintaining its cultural heritage and infrastructure, these measures are seen as necessary steps to balance the city’s allure with the quality of life for its residents. With the gondola rides becoming a popular yet costly attraction for tourists, the new policy seeks to alleviate overcrowding while generating funds to support sustainable tourism initiatives.
Venice, Italy, is set to increase fares for its larger gondolas, commonly used by locals to navigate the city’s canals. These boats, which are larger than the traditional gondolas typically ridden by tourists, have become a point of contention after social media influencers highlighted them as a more affordable alternative for sightseeing in the iconic city.
The attraction of these larger gondolas, known as traghetti or ferries, has led to longer queues at key crossings along the Grand Canal, the heart of the city’s waterway. Influencers shared tips about the affordability of these ferries, which charge a mere 2 euros (around 37,000 rupiah) for tourists—substantially lower than the 80 euros (about 1.1 million rupiah) typically paid for a traditional gondola ride. The fares are even cheaper for locals, making it a popular and budget-friendly option for both residents and visitors alike.
However, this sudden surge in tourists opting for the traghetti has sparked frustration among locals. Andrea Morucchio, a local artist, voiced his concerns, noting that the ferries had become an unintended trend for budget-conscious travelers. Thanks to influencers, these ferries—once a simple, practical means of crossing the Grand Canal—have turned into a popular photo opportunity for tourists. As more travelers hop aboard these ferries, local Venetians are feeling the strain, as Morucchio highlighted the negative impact it has had on their daily lives.
While using traghetti isn’t a new practice among tourists, the trend has significantly gained traction due to social media influencers promoting it. The boats, which offer a quick and affordable way to see the canals, have been especially recommended to solo travelers who want the gondola experience without the hefty price tag. Influencers frequently highlight how easy it is to snap selfies aboard the ferries, capturing the stunning backdrop of Venice’s iconic landmarks, which only contributes to the swelling number of visitors.
In response to this shift, city officials are considering raising the fare for tourists. Simone Venturini, a member of the Venice tourism council, explained that such an increase would be justifiable, given that the ferries have increasingly become a substitute for the traditional gondola ride. The additional revenue from this fare hike could be used to fund the expansion of ferry services, including the addition of two new ferry crossings along the Grand Canal.
Gondolas have long been one of the most cherished tourist attractions in Venice. Visitors flock to these boats to glide through the canal’s serene waters, capturing picturesque moments against the backdrop of the city’s historic buildings. As Venice continues to grapple with overtourism, it finds itself caught in the balance of catering to tourists while preserving its cultural heritage and quality of life for its residents.
The issue of overtourism has been a central concern for Venice for years. In response to the overwhelming number of visitors, the city made history last year by implementing a tourist entrance fee, the first of its kind globally. The fee, which ranges between 5 euros (94,000 rupiah) and 10 euros (188,000 rupiah), was tested between April and July. This charge is applicable to day-trippers visiting during peak hours, from 08:30 to 16:00, with higher rates for those making late bookings. Tourists who have already paid the hotel tax through their accommodations are exempt from this fee.
Despite these measures, some business owners feel that the city should impose a far higher fee to curb the massive influx of tourists. Social media influencers frequently highlight how convenient the ferries are for capturing selfies against the backdrop of Venice’s iconic landmarks, contributing to the swelling number of visitors.
As Venice navigates the challenges of overtourism, rising boat fares, and evolving trends in travel, the future of its iconic gondola rides and canal crossings remains uncertain.
