How to get to Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute in Venice

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Hey travelers, if you’re looking for how to get to Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute in Venice, this step by step guide has got you covered: from public transport to the most scenic walks, from vaporetto prices to the best photo spots.

The Basilica della Salute is an iconic landmark, a symbol of the Venetians’ gratitude and a must-see for those who want to discover the real soul of the city.

Find out in this guide by Venice Insider Guide how to get to Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute in Venice: vaporetto, on foot, water taxi or Alilaguna. All options, schedules, prices and tips for a perfect visit.

Where is Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute

Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute is located in Dorsoduro sestiere, at the tip that separates the Grand Canal from St. Mark’s Basin. Its big white dome dominates the entrance of the canal and can be seen from almost every corner of the lagoon.

Built in the 17th century as a votive church for the end of the plague, the church is one of the greatest examples of Venetian Baroque and houses works by Tiziano and Tintoretto.

How to get to Basilica della Salute by vaporetto: the most comfortable and scenic way

If you’re wondering how to get to Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute in Venice with the most used means of transport by Venetians and tourists, the answer is vaporetto.

  • Line 1 runs along the Grand Canal and stops at Salute station, the most convenient one to get to the basilica: get off, cross the street and you’ll find it in front of you. Line 1 is also the most scenic because you’ll have a view of palaces and bridges all the way.
  • Line 2 is faster and skips many stops; you can get off at San Marco Vallaresso and from there reach Salute with a nice 8-12 minute walk along the waterfront (depending on your pace).

Line 1 ACTV

The most practical and romantic way to find out how to get to Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute in Venice is to take ACTV Line 1 vaporetto, which runs from Piazzale Roma or Stazione Santa Lucia to Salute stop.

Get off and you’ll be right at the bottom of the Basilica’s steps, a few meters from the water.

Line 2 ACTV

Line 2 is faster: stops at San Marco Vallaresso, from where you can reach the Basilica with a 10-12 minute walk along the waterfront. It’s a scenic route with great views of Palazzo Ducale and Punta della Dogana.

Tickets and tourist passes

A single ACTV ticket costs more than a daily pass.

  • 24/48/72 hours pass: ideal if you plan to move around the city often.
  • You can buy tickets at ACTV ticket offices, online or through official app.
    This way you’ll save time in line and can board without stress.

How to get to Basilica Santa Maria della Salute from Stazione Santa Lucia or Piazzale Roma

If you arrive by train at Venezia Santa Lucia or by bus at Piazzale Roma, you have two options:

  • Take Line 1 or Line 2 from the nearby pier (Ferrovia or Piazzale Roma stop) and get off at Salute or San Marco Vallaresso. The vaporetto ride along the Grand Canal is comfortable and scenic.
  • Walk (if you like a nice walk): from the station you can reach Salute by crossing the center bridges and going through Ponte dell’Accademia or head to Rialto and then along the waterfront to the Basilica. It’s one of the most beautiful walks in the city

Vaporetto

If you arrive by train at Venezia Santa Lucia or by bus at Piazzale Roma, take the vaporetto Line 1 or 2 towards San Marco and get off at Salute.

The ride takes about 25-30 minutes but it’s an unique experience: the Grand Canal seen from the water is an open-air gallery of Renaissance palaces.

On foot

If you prefer to walk, you can reach the Basilica by crossing Ponte dell’Accademia and walking through the Dorsoduro calli. It’s a 35-40 minute walk, perfect for those who love to get lost in the Venetian streets.

How to get to Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute from Marco Polo Airport or Treviso

Let’s see how to get to Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute in Venice from the Airport. Arriving by plane you can:

  • Use the Alilaguna (water bus) service that connects the airport to various points in Venice; some lines stop in the San Marco area or near Salute — check the line and stop for your destination. Alternatively, take a bus+vaporetto transfer or a private water taxi,

Alilaguna

Alilaguna connects the airport to various points in Venice, including those near San Marco. From there you can walk to Salute or take an ACTV to a stop.

Bus + vaporetto

Alternatively, take a bus to Piazzale Roma, then continue with vaporetto Line 1 or 2 to Salute.

Private water taxi

If you want to travel in style or have many bags, water taxis are the fastest and most direct solution. They will take you to a few meters from the Basilica, but it’s more expensive (estimated between 70 and 120 € one way).

Alternatives: ferry, gondola and water taxi

The traditional ferry is useful to cross the Grand Canal quickly from one side to the other, even if it doesn’t stop at Salute.

The gondola is romantic but not a means of transport: it’s a good choice for an evening tour.

Water taxis are perfect for those who want comfort and speed without worrying about the budget.

How to get to Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute in Venice on foot

How to get to Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute in Venice on foot? Here’s everything you need to know.

From St. Mark’s Square

Start from the St. Mark’s Square, walk to Punta della Dogana, cross the small bridge and you’ll find the Basilica in about 10 minutes. It’s one of the most iconic and photographed walks in Venice.

From Galleria dell’Accademia or Peggy Guggenheim

From the Accademia area you can reach Salute in less than 10 minutes on foot. It’s a good option if you visit the Dorsoduro museums and want to end the day in front of the Basilica’s dome.

Opening hours of Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute in Venice and useful info

The Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute is open every day, but hours may vary according to liturgical celebrations or special events.

The sacristy and the internal museum may require a small entrance fee.
Check the official website of the Basilica or the Patriarchate of Venice for updated information.

Accessibility and practical tips

  • The front staircase can be challenging for those with mobility issues; check if the side entrance is available for wheelchairs.
  • Avoid peak hours: early morning or late afternoon offer the best light and less crowd.
  • Be respectful inside: Salute is a place of worship first.

Best viewpoints to photograph Salute

  • Ponte dell’Accademia: side view of the dome and the Grand Canal.
  • Riva degli Schiavoni: classic shot with the Basilica reflected in the water.
  • Punta della Dogana: close-up and dramatic view, perfect at sunset.

Mini itinerary to visit the Basilica and surroundings (2 hours)

  1. Get off at “Salute” stop with Line 1 or 2.
  2. Visit the Basilica (30-45 minutes).
  3. Walk to Punta della Dogana for photos and panorama.
  4. Visit Galleria dell’Accademia or Peggy Guggenheim Collection.
  5. Return to vaporetto to San Marco or Piazzale Roma.

Quick checklist before visiting

  • Have you bought your ticket or ACTV pass?
  • Basilica hours checked?
  • Itinerary planned (on foot or by vaporetto)?
  • Camera ready to shoot the most beautiful dome in Venice?

Conclusion: how to get to Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute in Venice

So, how to get to Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute in Venice?

In short, the easiest and most beautiful way to get to Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute in Venice is to take Line 1 vaporetto and get off at Salute.

From anywhere in the city — Airport, Piazzale Roma or San Marco — you can reach it easily with ACTV lines, Alilaguna connections and walking routes.

With a little planning you can enjoy one of the most iconic views of Venice without stress and with the best view of the Grand Canal.

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