Does anyone know about Venice and Gondalers?

[Frozennortherner]

Am in Venice at the moment and the cost of a gondola for 30 mins or so seems to be about 90 euros. However, I saw a few signs yesterday which were advertising rides at about 28 euros. Does anyone live in Venice who could explain this wide difference?

you need to haggle and find out exactly what you are paying and for how long.
Prices vary wildly because the gondoliers will basically try and make as much money as they can!!

I've been to Venice 7 times and have NEVER gone on one!! I prefer the public water taxis. :)

You can get a ride across the Grand Canal on a gondola at a "Traghetto" crossing point. The locals stand up in them. The one we used was near Campo San Toma. There are about 6 crossing points altogether and are signed with a small gondola. Some others are at San Samuele and Traghetto Garzone, both in the San Marco area, plus Riva del Vin and campo Santa Sofia. They should be indicated on a good map. They are very cheap and quite good fun for 5 minutes. Not sure what the cheaper trip you mention is. Probably 10 minutes?

You can choose to have a gondola to yourself (expensive) or share with random other tourists (cheaper). An hour on your own and only 30 min if shared.

It's also cheaper during the day (rates go up after 7pm)