Murano, Burano & Torcello: by vaporetto to the islands
The perfect day trip to the three most famous lagoon islands. How to get there, routes, travel times and why the vaporetto pass is particularly worthwhile here.
The three islands of Murano, Burano and Torcello are among the most popular day trips in Venice. Murano is world-famous for its glass workshops, Burano for its colorful fishermen's houses and handmade lace, and Torcello is home to one of the oldest churches in the lagoon.
You can easily reach all three islands by vaporetto. The most important line is line 12, which runs from Fondamente Nove via Murano, Torcello and Burano. There is also a direct line 3 from the station to Murano.
Recommended daily route: Murano → Burano → Torcello
The most popular route starts in the morning at the Fondamente Nove stop (north side of Venice) and goes via Murano and Burano to Torcello. Allow around 5-7 hours, depending on how long you want to stay on each island.
Fondamente Nove → Murano
Start in the morning (ideally before 10 a.m.) at Fondamente Nove. Alternatively, take line 3 directly from Ferrovia station. Visit the glass workshops and museums on Murano. Recommended duration of stay: 1-2 hours.
Murano Faro → Burano
From Murano Faro, take line 12 to Burano. The colorful fishermen's houses are the photo motif of the lagoon. Try a Buranello (local shortbread cookie). Recommended duration of stay: 1.5-2 hours.
Burano → Torcello
It is only a short crossing from Burano to Torcello. The almost deserted island is home to the Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta with its famous Byzantine mosaics (7th century). Recommended duration of stay: 30-45 minutes.
Torcello → Burano → Fondamente Nove
Return via Burano on line 12 to Fondamente Nove. From there, you can be back in the city center in just a few minutes on foot or by vaporetto.
The three islands at a glance
Murano
The glass island: artistic glass objects have been produced here since the 13th century. Many workshops offer free demonstrations.
Burano
The most colorful island in Venice: every house is painted in a bright color. Burano is also known for its handmade lace.
Torcello
The quiet island: Once the first populated island in the lagoon with over 20,000 inhabitants, today only around 10 people live here.
Practical tips for a trip to the island
Start early
Leave before 10 a.m. from Fondamente Nove. The islands get very crowded from midday, especially Burano. Early in the morning you have the best photo opportunities and shorter waiting times for the glass demonstrations on Murano.
Order: Murano first
Start with Murano (closest to Venice), then continue to Burano and Torcello. This way you can make the most of line 12 and don't have to criss-cross the lagoon.
Lunch on Burano
Burano has the best restaurants of the three islands. The fish dishes are often cheaper and more authentic than in the old town of Venice. Torcello has almost no gastronomy, Murano only a few options.
Note stop names
There are several vaporetto stops on Murano (Colonna, Museo, Faro). For the onward journey to Burano, get on line 12 at „Murano Faro“. Do not wait at Murano Colonna - the 12 does not stop there.
Note last ferry
The last line 12 from Burano back to Fondamente Nove departs in the evening. Check the current timetable beforehand in the ACTV app „AVM Venezia“ or at the bus stop. In winter, the last ferry is earlier.
Vaporetto pass for the island excursion
The day trip to Murano and Burano alone requires 4 one-way tickets (€38). The 24-hour pass for €25 covers all trips - plus the rest of the day in the center.
Buy a vaporetto ticket- Instant voucher by e-mail