A slice of Venice in the heart of the desert. Here’s everything you need to know about the Venetian Gondola Ride in Vegas.

Venetian Gondola Ride in vegas

A Slice of Venice

The Venetian Gondola ride in Vegas transports you to Venice, Italy where gondolas gracefully glide across picturesque canals. Located inside The Venetian Resort, which opened in 1999, the gondola ride is a key feature of the resort’s theme of evoking the spirit of Venice.

The Venetian Resort itself is renowned for its luxury and comfort. The outdoor gondola ride winds through a beautifully designed canal, featuring Venetian-style architecture and serenades from gondoliers who sing classic Italian melodies.

Hours of Operation, Tickets, and Pricing 

Tickets for the gondola ride can be purchased directly at The Venetian or through their official website. It’s advisable to book in advance if you’re visiting during peak times to secure your spot and minimize wait times. Just a heads up, the outdoor gondola ride operates on a seasonal and weather permitting basis.

Ticket Booth Hours

Indoor Gondola Ride: The ticket booth opens at 9:30 a.m. | Location: Emporio D’ Gondola Level 2, Grand Canal Shoppes

Outdoor Gondola Ride: The ticket booth opens at 9:30 a.m. | Location: Gondola Ticket Booth | Doge’s Palace

Gondola Ride Hours

Daily (Indoor & Outdoor):
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. ***Last gondola leaves the dock 15 minutes prior to closing.

Gondola Ride Prices

Daily: $39.00 per person | Private Gondola: $156.00 | Photo Packages: Starting at $40.00. 

Location and Parking Information

The gondola ride is located within The Venetian Resort on the Las Vegas Strip. If you are not staying at The Venetian, you can easily access the resort via public transportation, rideshare services, or valet parking.

Parking at The Venetian is convenient with both valet and self-parking options available. The self-parking garage is located just off the Strip. Valet parking is available at the main entrance for a fee. From the parking areas, you’ll find easy access to the gondola ride entrance.

Indoor or Outdoor Gondola Ride – Which is Better?

Both the indoor and outdoor gondola rides offer unique experiences, so it really comes down to your personal preferences. If you’re seeking stunning views of the Las Vegas Strip with plenty of natural light and the best photo opportunities both day and night, I’d recommend the outdoor gondola ride. Just a heads-up, though—it’s a bit shorter, lasting about 10 minutes.

On the flip side, the indoor gondola ride has its own appeal. It’s a bit more private compared to the outdoor ride, but you might find yourself surrounded by onlookers and people snapping photos as you float through the canals inside the mall. This ride typically lasts around 15-20 minutes, and you might encounter longer wait times. So, it’s a good idea to weigh these factors when deciding which ride fits your preferences best.

Gondolier March

As an added bonus, if you time your visit right, you can witness the team of singing gondoliers marching along the indoor Grand Canal Shoppes twice daily, harmonizing in unison.

Plan accordingly to catch this special photo or video opportunity at 9:50 a.m. or 4:20 p.m., between Skechers and Barneys New York.

What to Bring or Pack for the Ride

When it comes to dressing for your gondola ride, feel free to wear whatever you’re comfortable in. I’ve seen everything from fancy outfits for that perfect photo to casual attire for a laid-back experience. Just remember to consider the weather when choosing your outfit.

If you’re going on the outdoor gondola ride during the day, a hat or sunglasses can come in handy to shield yourself from the sun. For the indoor ride, while it’s sheltered, you might still want to bring a light jacket or sweater, as temperatures can change, especially in the evenings.

Don’t forget to bring your camera or smartphone to capture the stunning views and the charming atmosphere of the ride. And if you enjoy your gondolier’s company, a small tip is always appreciated as a thank you for their service.

Capturing and Purchasing Photos

After your gondola ride, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase photos taken by professional photographers stationed along the canal. Prices for photo packages typically start at $40.00, but they can vary, so it’s a good idea to check with the staff for the latest rates. Given that professional photos can be on the pricier side, consider bringing your own phone or camera to capture your own memories.

For the best photos, opt for the outdoor gondola ride. From personal experience, I found that the photos from the outdoor ride came out much better. Natural light enhances your images and the outdoor setting offers a beautiful backdrop of The Venetian’s architecture and the canal. The daylight helps highlight vibrant colors and intricate details, making your photos vivid and appealing.

Is It Worth the Hype?

You might think the gondola ride is a bit cheesy or artificial because of its recreated Venetian setting, but many visitors find it to be a charming and romantic escape. There’s something special about gliding along the canal, enjoying the romantic ambiance, and being serenaded by gondoliers. It’s a delightful break from the usual Vegas hustle, offering a moment of romance or relaxation in the midst of your trip.

The major con for me is that the ride is fairly short, lasting around 10-15 minutes, and it often feels like it’s over in the blink of an eye—for the price, I honestly wished it lasted longer. While it’s a quick experience, it’s definitely one of those “must-do” activities to check off your list of touristy Vegas experiences, just to say you’ve done it.

Looking for another unique activity in Vegas that will transport you to another world, then check out the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.