1. Find the right route and direction
Open ACTV’s current waterbus timetable. Look for the exact boarding stop, destination and direction. Then read the notices for your travel date.
A saved screenshot can help you remember a route, but it will not show a later service change. Recheck the operator before a time-sensitive connection.
2. Check the ticket’s coverage
Decide whether an ordinary single ticket or timed pass fits your planned journeys. Check the covered routes and exclusions, particularly for the airport. You can compare fares and passes here, then confirm the terms on ACTV.
Keep your ticket or phone ready. If you rely on an app, make sure the device will stay charged and that you can display the valid travel document during inspection.
3. Validate before boarding
ACTV’s transport conditions require scanning travel media at the validator before entering waterbus stops. Its rules also require validation when changing service or vehicle.
For smartphone tickets, follow the app’s activation and scanning instructions. ACTV’s conditions specify activation at least three minutes before boarding. Do not wait until you are on the boat to work out the process.
The gate opening is not proof
Check the validator’s light and sound confirmation. ACTV explicitly warns that an opening turnstile does not, by itself, prove a ticket was validated correctly.
4. Ask staff if validation fails
If all validators at a waterbus stop are malfunctioning, ACTV instructs passengers to ask the sailor to validate the ticket when boarding. Tell staff about the problem before settling in. Keep the travel document available for inspection.
5. Match your boat to the stop display
Check the route and direction again as the boat arrives. Let passengers disembark, follow staff directions and keep the boarding area clear. Watch for a change in level between platform and vessel.
For access needs, check the current operator’s accessibility information and contact staff about your exact route. Do not infer step-free access from a stop being close to your destination.
6. Keep the final walk in mind
Confirm your arrival stop before boarding, and check the walking route from there to your destination. If you need a return trip, save the return direction and check when that service runs.
Open official ACTV timetables ↗
Validation requirements: ACTV General Transport Conditions. Other preparation and wayfinding steps are editorial advice. Checked 19 October 2026.