Chioggia Flights

4 more images

There are more straight forward ways of getting to Chioggia (Kee-o-ja) from Venice, but this was my preference- the journey being as much a part of the day out as the destination.

I caught the #1 vaporetto from San Zaccaria to Lido (2, 51, 52, 61, 62 and N (night service) cover this route too) Which takes about 10 minutes. There are some additional direct services at busy times.

As I was in Venice for 5 days, and was planning visiting here and other islands, I'd purchased a 48 hour ticket (28 Euros) valid for unlimited use on the vaporettos and ACTV land buses- This covered the whole of the journey to and from Chioggia. If I'd caught the #80E bus from Piazzale Roma, this would have cost extra! (This service runs approx every 30 minutes and takes 1 hour 20 minutes). From the end of June to late September a Linea Clodia excursion boat leaves from San Marco in the morning, and returns evening -1 hour 40 minutes- for prices/timetable etc ACTV] or contact the Hellovenezia call centre (+39) 041 2424.

I'm afraid that I don't know how much each individual stage costs, and if you can purchase tickets on the buses/ferry/waterbus from Pellestrina to Chioggia, or if you need to do this in advance.
The ACTV land bus from Lido costs 1.10 Euros and is valid for 75 minutes (I'm guessing this covers the ferry too, but I'm not sure)

A 12 hour ticket (16 Euros) would cover a day here, plus a ride the length of the Grand Canal etc...

From the Lido vaporetto stop, I headed straight forward up the main street Gran Viale Santa Maria Elisabetta. About 100m on the right, is the bus stop for the # 11 bus to Pellestrina. This is clearly marked on the bus stop and timetable. Check that it is continuing to Chioggia before boarding.

This service runs approximately every 30 minutes. I'd just missed one, so sat and waited for the next one-there are plenty of cafes/ bars nearby.

On the bus, it was mainly locals (probably travelling home for lunch) Most were passing the wait, reading their newspapers.(pic 2)
The bus set off on time, and travelled along the sea coast road, until it reached Malamocco, where it followed the lagoon side of the island. It made a few stops, before arriving in Alberoni, where we joined the queue of traffic that was boarding the ferry, For the short crossing, (pic 3) the bus doors were opened, so you could get off and enjoy the views of the lagoon. A notice stated that car drivers had to leave their vehicles. Steps led upto the upper deck for better views. There is a WC on the ferry too.

Back on dry land, and the island of Pellestrina. You could get off here, and explore, before continuing to Chioggia. There are some 'deserted beaches', and fish restaurants.

I continued straight to Chioggia. At the village of Pellestrina, is journeys end for the bus. A #11 motonave (motor vessel) was waiting for the 25 minute crossing to Chioggia (pic 4). It was interesting watching as we passed by the Murazzi- the long sea defense walls at the end of Pellestrina, and the various fishing huts, and small boats.

Nearing Chioggia, a fishing boat was at the side of us, accompanied by flocks of seagulls, circling ahead. There was a distinctive smell of fresh fish, and fish oils in the air. I was looking forward to trying some fresh fish and or seafood later

From Chioggia waterbus station, (pic 5) you are a few steps from the main street of the town, with plenty of pavement cafes and a few souvenir stalls nearby.

My return journey, was later at night-I hadn't checked the timetable - the last boat was due to leave after 23.00.
I had just missed one, so went for a coffee, before heading back, and catching the 22.25 (or there abouts) There was only a handful of passengers this time, and there was a short wait for the bus connection at Pellestrina, but we were straight onto the ferry, and then the driver sped through Lido, resulting in a 10 minute wait for the vaporetto to San Marco.
I enjoyed this journey from Chioggia in the dark, with the various lights from the houses becoming visible. It was a bit chilly at times, so I was glad I'd packed my jacket.