Here’s everything you need to know about the Venetian Gondola Ride in Las Vegas.
Anyone who has been to Venice knows that a gondola ride is one of the most romantic activities. Well, in theory. The scenery is beautiful as long as you hold your nose to avoid the smells from the water. Or maybe it was just when I was there.
If you can’t make it to Venice, Italy, the next best thing happens at the Venetian in Las Vegas. It feels a bit cheesy and artificial, like Disneyland, but it’s a fun and iconic activity on the Las Vegas Strip. We initially thought the inside canals were connected to the pool on the outside, so it was disappointing to learn that you have to pay for two separate rides (indoor and outdoor) to get the entire experience.
Below we’ll help you decide which one you should do.
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Last Updated: September 21, 2024
About the Venetian Gondola Ride
The Venetian is one of our favorite properties on the Strip, and we always love seeing the gondolas float by. It’s a great outing with friends, or it can be a romantic date. There are two options when you get tickets for the gondola: an indoor ride or an outdoor ride. If you’re curious about which is better, click here.
Each gondola seats up to four people, but if you’re looking for a more intimate ride, you can rent out the entire gondola, which is what we did. During the ride, the gondolier takes you through the canal and will serenade you.
See More: 15+ Best Things to Do at the Venetian Las Vegas
Price and Hours of the Venetian Gondola
The Venetian Gondola ticket booths open at 9:30 AM.
Venetian Gondola Hours:
Indoor Daily: 10 AM – 11 PM
Outdoor Daily: 10 AM – 12 AM
Venetian Gondola Prices:
Monday to Sunday: $34 per person
Private Gondola: $156
Photo Packages: Starting at $40
Remember that the last gondola leaves the dock 15 minutes before closing and that outdoor rides are weather permitting.
Local Tip: If you want the boat to yourself, just ask them. They will ask you to buy all four seats.
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Location and Parking
The gondola has two locations.
Indoor: Emporio di Gondola, Level 2, Grand Canal Shoppes
Outdoor: Gondola Ticket Booth, Doge’s Palace
You can look at their property map ahead of time.
Parking at the Venetian is free. As a quick reference for walking directions, if you are going to the Indoor Location, exit the parking deck and walk towards the Grand Canal Shoppes/Casino until you see the canals. Do not go down the escalator. Then follow along the canal, staying on the right side of it. After St Mark’s Square, it will be on your right.
If you are going to the Outdoor Location, exit the parking deck, head towards the Grand Canal Shoppes and Casino, and go down the escalator. This will take you to the casino floor. Turn left and follow the walkway. You’ll come upon and rotunda where you’ll see a long hallway taking you away from the Casino floor, do not turn there but keep walking. You’ll see another set of escalators after that. Do not go up them but walk through them to the doors that take you outside. You’ll see the Gondola ticket boot to your right.
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Which Gondola Ride is Better Inside or Outside?
On our first visit, we did both indoor and outdoor gondola rides. Since we went when the weather was cooler, we enjoyed the outdoor ride much more. Inside, tourists are leaning over the rails, watching and taking photos of you throughout your ride, but outside you get more privacy and open skies. Even if people are watching, they are farther away. Plus, the lighting is better for photos.
So as long as the weather is cooler, we recommend the outdoor ride. If you do it during the summer, try booking a sunset ride to avoid the sun beating down on you. We’ve been back multiple times and have done the outdoor ride since.
Local Tip: It gets cold outside in winter, so be sure you’re dressed warmly.
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Helpful Tips for Your Venetian Gondola Ride Experience
- Indoor or Outdoor ride? Get the indoor ride if you want the more iconic and touristy Las Vegas experience. Also, indoors all the way when it’s the summer. If want a more private and relaxing experience, get the outdoor ride. Plus, the photos always come out better if it’s not high noon.
- To purchase tickets, look for the Emporio di Gondola storefront just past St Mark’s Square along the canal or the outdoor ticket booth.
- Buy tickets early and plan ahead. If you have to wait around, there are plenty of shops and restaurants to go to. The rides get booked up quickly. We saw a few people walk away in disappointment because no more rides were left in the day. Even a couple that just got married didn’t want to wait 3 hours for the next open slot.
- For the best light and photos on the outdoor ride, we recommend booking close to sunset.
- How long is the gondola ride at the Venetian Las Vegas? After you receive your ride time, you line up at the corresponding line, board the gondola, and you’re off. Each gondolier will sing a few songs for you, and the ride lasts between 15-20 minutes.
- They take a photo of you when you board the gondola that you can purchase. You can also bring your own camera aboard.
- Hidden Secrets. If you want to catch something unique, the gondoliers sing in unison as they march along the indoor canal twice a day. They are typically live at 9:45 AM and 4:20 PM marking the start of the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
IS THE GONDOLA RIDE FREE FOR VENETIAN GUESTS?
No. It is free to watch other people ride but everyone needs to purchase tickets regardless if you are staying at The Venetian.
DO YOU TIP THE GONDOLIER AT THE VENETIAN?
While it’s not expected, they recommend tipping around 10 percent.
HOW MUCH IS THE GONDOLA AT THE VENETIAN?
Gondola rides start at $34 per person. See the full breakdown here.
HOW LONG IS THE GONDOLA RIDE AT THE VENETIAN LAS VEGAS?
The ride lasts about 15 minutes.
WHICH GONDOLA RIDE IS BETTER IN VEGAS?
If it’s not too hot outside, we prefer the outdoor one because it’s less crowded and better for photos. See our full breakdown here.
ARE GONDOLA RIDES WORTH IT?
It depends on the person! It’s one of our favorite activities on the strip.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO TAKE THE GONDOLA RIDE AT THE VENETIAN IN LAS VEGAS?
It costs $39 per person. See the full pricing breakdown here.
HOW MANY PEOPLE CAN FIT IN A GONDOLA AT THE VENETIAN?
The gondolas fit 4 adults comfortably.
HOW EARLY CAN YOU GET A GONDOLA RIDE?
Indoor and outdoor gondola rides start daily at 10 AM.
WHAT TIME DO THE GONDOLA RIDES STOP AT THE VENETIAN?
The last gondola leaves the dock 15 minutes before closing. Indoor rides close between 11 PM Mon to Thurs and Sunday and 12 AM on Fri to Sat. Outdoor rides close at 10 PM daily.
CAN YOU TIP ON THE GONDOLA RIDE?
Yes, gondoliers always appreciate tip!
Where to Stay in Las Vegas
The rooms at The Venetian are great! We’ve stayed there a few times now. Check the map below for all hotel deals.
Planning Checklist
- Get comprehensive insurance for your trip.
- Download these helpful language apps.
- Find a great deal on Las Vegas hotels.
- Arrange a rental car for your trip.
- Book a tour for your visit.
- Get airport lounge access.
- Buy a travel charger to keep your devices charged.
- Get a new backpack for your trip.
- Buy a Las Vegas travel guide.
- Pack the appropriate shoes for your trip.
- Don’t forget your in-flight essentials.
- Save money on attractions with Go City.
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Esther + Jacob
Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.
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