If you’ve been to Venice recently, you know the city can feel like it’s bursting at the seams. The narrow streets, the crowded bridges, the packed vaporetti — all part of life in one of the most visited cities in the world. But lately, one very specific local tradition has become the latest flashpoint in Venice’s overtourism debate: the traghetti.
What’s a Traghetti?
For centuries, Venetians have used traghetti — large, no-frills gondola ferries — to cross the Grand Canal at points where there are no bridges. They’re quick, practical, and cost just €0.70 for locals. Tourists are welcome to use them too… at a slightly higher price: €2 per ride.
Unlike the romantic gondolas you see on Instagram (which can cost €80–€100 for 30 minutes), these boats are purely about transportation. No singing, no fancy seats, no scenic detours — just a short hop from one side to the other.
From Local Shortcut to Tourist Attraction
In the past, traghetti were mostly used by residents — students heading to school, workers crossing to the market, nonna with her shopping bags. But in recent months, TikTok and Instagram travel influencers have been sharing the “secret” of the €2 gondola ride, billing it as the ultimate Venice budget hack.
The result?
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Long lines of tourists forming at traghetti stations.
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Slower service for locals who just want to get to work or back home.
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Crowds spilling onto narrow quays, making the already congested streets even tighter.
Why This Matters: The Delicate Balance
Overtourism isn’t just about the number of people visiting Venice — it’s about the friction between tourism convenience and residents’ quality of life. For locals, traghetti are a piece of daily life, as essential as a bus in any other city. When tourists overwhelm the system, that’s more than just an inconvenience — it’s another reminder that Venice’s infrastructure is struggling to serve both visitors and residents equally.
Venice’s Overtourism Problem in Numbers
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Venice has just under 50,000 permanent residents in its historic center.
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It welcomes over 20 million visitors per year — that’s 400+ tourists for every local annually.
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In peak season, the daily influx can double or triple the city’s population.
This isn’t just a Venice issue — other destinations like Barcelona, Amsterdam, and Dubrovnik face similar challenges — but here, the city’s water-based infrastructure makes crowding even more noticeable.
What’s Being Done?
City officials are now discussing ways to manage the traghetti surge:
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Raising tourist fares to discourage unnecessary rides.
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Adding extra boats at peak times to ease congestion.
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Educational campaigns reminding visitors that these ferries are primarily for residents’ daily use.
This comes alongside other overtourism measures, like the new day-tripper entrance fee for visitors not staying overnight in the city.
A Local Perspective
As a Venetian, I can tell you — the traghetto isn’t just a boat, it’s a thread in the fabric of everyday life. It’s where neighbors greet each other, where workers balance shopping bags, where schoolkids race to beat the bell. When these spaces get taken over by selfie sticks and tour groups, a little piece of the city’s soul feels lost.
What Visitors Can Do to Help
If you’re visiting Venice and want to keep the city livable for everyone:
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Walk the bridges when you can — save traghetti for when you really need them.
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Avoid peak commuting hours (7:30–9:00 AM and 5:00–6:30 PM).
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Respect local spaces — if you’re just riding for fun, be mindful that others may be in a hurry.
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Learn a bit of etiquette — stand steady, avoid blocking the boarding ramp, and have your fare ready.
The Bigger Picture
The traghetto story is just one small chapter in Venice’s larger overtourism narrative. It’s a reminder that the city isn’t just a backdrop for your vacation photos — it’s a living place with rhythms, routines, and a fragile infrastructure.
If visitors and locals can share these spaces respectfully, Venice can continue to be both a dream destination and a real home. But finding that balance? That’s the real journey.
