Vaporetto lines Venice: routes, stops & network map
An overview of all the main vaporetto lines for tourists - from the Grand Canal to the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello.
The vaporetto network in Venice comprises over 20 lines operated by ACTV. As a tourist, you only need to know a handful of them. The most important are lines 1 and 2 through the Grand Canal, line 12 to the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello, and line 14 to Punta Sabbioni for vacationers on the Adriatic coast.
All the lines listed below are included in the Vaporetto day and multi-day ticket. The only exceptions are lines 16 and 19 as well as the Casino line and the Alilaguna services to the airport.
Vaporetto network: Simplified overview
Simplified, schematic representation of the most important vaporetto lines for tourists (not to scale). Own graphic from VaporettoPass.com.
Lines 1 and 2: Through the Grand Canal
Lines 1 and 2 are the most important for tourists. Both run along the Grand Canal - the most famous waterway in Venice - between Piazzale Roma/train station and the Lido.
Line 1 - The panoramic line
Piazzale Roma → Ferrovia → Rialto → San Marco → Lido
Stops at all 15+ stops along the Grand Canal. Travel time approx. 45 minutes. Ideal for an initial orientation and as a sightseeing trip. Often overcrowded in summer - secure a seat at the rear for the best view.
Line 2 - The express line
Piazzale Roma → Ferrovia → Rialto → San Marco → Lido (+ Giudecca)
Only stops at approx. 7 stations, travel time approx. 30 minutes. Also runs via Giudecca. The better choice if you want to get from A to B quickly. Less crowded than line 1.
Tip: If you only want to get from Ferrovia to San Marco, take line 2 - you save 15 minutes. For the full Canal Grande experience with a view of the Rialto Bridge, Ca‘ d'Oro and the palaces, line 1 is the right choice.
Lines 3 and 12: To the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello
For the popular lagoon islands, you need two lines in particular: Line 3 for the quick direct route to Murano from the station, and line 12 for the large island circuit via Murano, Torcello and Burano.
Line 3 - Direct to Murano
Piazzale Roma / Ferrovia → Murano (direct)
The fastest connection to Murano from the train station. Travels directly to the glass workshops in approx. 20 minutes without changing trains. Every 20 minutes during the day.
Line 12 - The big island tour
F.te Nove → Murano Faro → Mazzorbo → Torcello → Burano → Treporti → Punta Sabbioni
The most important island line. Connects all the large lagoon islands with each other. Departure from Fondamente Nove (north side of Venice). This is the right line for the classic Murano-Burano-Torcello day trip. Departs approx. every 30-40 minutes.
Typical island excursion: From Fondamente Nove with line 12 to Murano (glass), on to Burano (colorful houses), detour to Torcello (cathedral), and with line 12 back to Fondamente Nove. Duration approx. 5-7 hours with stops. All trips are included with the day pass.
Circuit lines 4.1, 4.2, 5.1 and 5.2
The circular lines (Giracittà) run around Venice and connect the outer districts with Murano and the Lido. They are useful if you want to travel between Murano and San Marco without changing trains.
| Line | Route | Special feature |
|---|---|---|
| 4.1 | Murano → F.te Nove → San Marco → Giudecca → P.le Roma | Counterclockwise circuit |
| 4.2 | P.le Roma → Giudecca → San Marco → F.te Nove → Murano | Clockwise circuit |
| 5.1 | Lido → S. Zaccaria → F.te Nove → Murano → Lido | Circular route across the North Lagoon |
| 5.2 | Lido → Murano → F.te Nove → S. Zaccaria → Lido | Reverse direction from 5.1 |
Lines 14 and 15: Punta Sabbioni and the Adriatic coast
For vacationers in Jesolo, Cavallino or Bibione, line 14 is the most important access to Venice. It connects San Zaccaria (near St. Mark's Square) via the Lido with Punta Sabbioni - the ferry terminal on the Adriatic coast.
| Line | Route | Special feature |
|---|---|---|
| 14 | S. Zaccaria → Lido S.M.E. → Punta Sabbioni | Large Motonave, approx. every 30 minutes, all year round |
| 15 | S. Zaccaria → Punta Sabbioni (Nonstop) | Seasonal express line, without stop at the Lido |
Tip: There are regular buses from Punta Sabbioni to Jesolo (approx. 30 minutes) and Cavallino. The vaporetto ticket is valid for the entire journey on line 14, including the Punta Sabbioni-Lido-Venice section.
Night lines and special lines
After midnight, the night line N takes over operations on three routes: through the city center, to Murano and through the northern lagoon. The boats depart approximately every 30-60 minutes between 11:30 pm and 5:00 am. The night line is included in the day and multi-day ticket.
Night line N
3 routes: Center, Murano, Laguna Nord. Approx. 23:30-5:00, every 30-60 minutes. Included in the day ticket.
Line 11 (Chioggia)
Combination of bus via the Lido and ferry via Pellestrina to Chioggia. For day trips to the southern lagoon.
Line 17 (car ferry)
Tronchetto → Lido San Nicolò. For cars and bicycles. Not relevant for most tourists.
Important stops in Venice
Piazzale Roma
Terminus for all land transportation: bus station, parking garages, people mover. Lines 1 and 2 start here. Venezia Unica agency with ticket counter and ticket machines (7:00-19:30).
Ferrovia (Santa Lucia station)
Main transfer point for train travelers. Ticket machines directly at the station exit. Lines 1, 2 and 3 depart from here (direct connection to Murano).
Rialto
Central stop on the Grand Canal, right by the Rialto Bridge. Ticket counter on site. Transfer point between lines 1 and 2.
San Marco / San Zaccaria
Near St. Mark's Square. Several platforms (A, B, C, D) - pay attention to the signs. Interchange for islands, Lido and Punta Sabbioni (line 14).
Fondamente Nove
Starting point for the islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello (line 12). Located on the north side of Venice. Reachable from San Marco with line 5.2 or on foot in approx. 20 minutes.
Lido S.M.E.
Main stop on the Lido. Venezia Unica agency on site. Transfer point between line 1/2 (from the center) and line 14 (to Punta Sabbioni).
All lines with one ticket - unlimited travel
The Vaporetto day and multi-day ticket is valid on all lines shown above. One-way ticket from 9,50 €.
Buy a vaporetto ticket- Instant voucher by e-mail