How to Travel Venice > Murano > Burano > Torcello (Route + Timing)
Exploring the islands of the Venetian Lagoon is among the most memorable experiences for visitors to Venice. But while most travelers stay near St. Mark's Square, the nearby islands of Murano, Burano Island Venice, and Torcello introduce a radically different rhythm: one defined by glass furnaces, lace workshops, and quiet medieval churches surrounded by the lagoon's glittering waters.
This will not be a mere sightseeing tour but a passage through layers of art, craftsmanship, and history: from Venice to Murano, Burano, and then Torcello. With correct journey planning that includes how to use vaporetto routes, understand the timing of tickets, and find the best hours of travel, the travellers would be able to see each island without any rush.
This guide describes the full route, gives a sample timing, and explains how one can make the most of the day using ACTV Vaporetto Line 12 the water-bus service linking the lagoon islands with central Venice.
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Why This Route Works
This island-hopping circuit works because the vaporetto network seamlessly connects the northern lagoon with the Venice mainland, and from Fondamente Nove, one of the city's main water-bus terminals, Vaporetto Line 12 regularly departs for Murano, Burano, and Torcello.
This logical order-Murano → Burano → Torcello-reduces travelling time and allows for easy transfers. Murano is the closest to Venice, lying about 1.5 kilometres north of the Grand Canal, which makes it a natural first stop. Further north lies Burano, famous for its lacework and houses painted in pastel shades of pink, blue, and yellow. Torcello is the smallest and quietest, just beyond Burano, offering a peaceful end to the trip.
The order here means the traveler moves progressively further from the crowds and discovers a calmer, more genuine face of the Venetian Lagoon.
Venice → Murano
Route and Time
The departures to Murano are made from Fondamente Nove, near Cannaregio Venice. Vaporetto Line 12 has a travel time of about 25 to 30 minutes to Murano Colonna or Murano Faro. Both stops are proximal to the island's central canal, making it easy to explore.
It is preferable that the departures be in the morning, preferably at 8:30 or 9:00 a.m., since most of the glass factories open around that time. This will also keep the number of crowds at a minimum and the weather pleasant.
What to See
Since 1291, Murano has been home to the Venetian glassmaking process, when furnaces in Venice were transferred to Murano in order to reduce fire hazards within the city. Even to this day, the island resonates with the hisses of molten glass and clangs of artisans shaping elegant chandeliers and vases.
Notable sites include the Murano Glass Museum, located in the historic Palazzo Giustinian, and the Duomo Basilica dei Santi Maria e Donato, which boasts twelfth-century Byzantine mosaics. Equally available for leisure is a walk down Murano's Grand Canal lined with boutiques showcasing delicate glass jewelry and decorative art pieces.
A stop for coffee at one of the smaller cafes on Murano-perhaps overlooking Zattere or one of the quiet side canals-is a pleasant pause before continuing onward.
Time Use
Allow 1 to 1.5 hours on Murano. Don't miss seeing a glass-blowing demonstration; most studios have brief and generally 15- to 20-minute sessions. Afterwards, take a stroll along the narrow alleys before returning to Murano Faro pier for the onward boat.
Murano → Burano
Route and Timing
Leave Murano Faro by Vaporetto Line 12 in the direction of Burano Island Venice. Your travel may take up to 35-45 minutes depending on some intermediate stops, for instance, Mazzorbo. You will have open-air views of the Venetian Lagoon, catching sight of fishing boats and the bell towers far away rising from the water.
What to See
Burano astounds with its brightly coloured houses, reflected in quiet canals - a photographer's dream and one of the most colourful sights in all of Venice. According to local legend, fishermen painted their homes in bright hues so they could recognise them through the lagoon fog.
In addition to its colors, Burano is also known for the tradition of lace making. The Museo del Merletto on Piazza Galuppi has outstanding handmade lacework, some pieces dating from centuries ago. The close-by Church of San Martino houses a painting by Giambattista Tiepolo, further enriching the island's artistic identity.
Lunch restaurants might be local trattorie serving up fresh seafood dishes, like Ristorante Da Romano, or offer traditional Venetian Recipes such as Sardè in Saòr and Rice and Peas - Risi e Bisi. Nothing says Burano laid-back charm more than dining al fresco beside the canals.
Time Distribution
Allow 2 hours for Burano—long enough for lunch, a leisurely pace through the alleys, and stops at lace shops. Late morning through early afternoon is best, as the light on this island is especially good for photography, and lanes are less crowded by day-trippers.
Burano → Torcello
Route and Time
From Burano, small vaporetto shuttles, or ferries, make the short crossing in ten minutes to Torcello. Boats leave roughly every 20 minutes, though intervals lengthen in the afternoon.
What to See
Torcello is a haven of tranquility compared to the frenetic bustle of Venice. As the lagoon's onetime main settlement, predating St Mark's Square by a number of centuries, it is now a quiet retreat of ruins, orchards, and ancient stone churches.
The highlight is the Santa Maria Assunta di Torcello, founded in 639 AD and famous for the golden Byzantine mosaics depicting the Last Judgment. Next to it stands the Church of Santa Fosca, an example of the perfect Venetian-Byzantine architecture. One can climb the campanile for a great view over the Venetian Lagoon, down to Burano and Murano.
A short walk leads to the Devil's Bridge-Ponte del Diavolo-a very rare railingless bridge that reminds of the early medieval times of the island. To have some drinks and refreshments, Locanda Cipriani was established in 1934, and Ernest Hemingway was one of its regular customers; it is now offering sophisticated Venetian cuisine in tranquil gardens.
Time Allocation
One hour is sufficient to see Torcello unless the travelers want to stay for coffee or dinner. Many return boats stop via Burano so it is a good idea to check the departure times before leaving the island.
Return to Venice
From Torcello or Burano, Vaporetto Line 12 returns to Venice via the same route, arriving back at Fondamente Nove. Travel time: approximately 35 to 45 minutes. Evening journeys offer some of the most atmospheric views imaginable: the lagoon alight with hues of sunset and the city's twinkling lights shimmering in the vicinity of St Mark's Campanile and the Bridge of Sighs.
Sample Full-Day Itinerary
Leg | From → To | Travel Time | Suggested Stay |
Morning | Venice (Fondamente Nove) → Murano | ~30 min | 1–1.5 hrs |
Late Morning | Murano → Burano | ~40 min | 2 hrs (lunch + walk) |
Afternoon | Burano → Torcello | ~10 min | 1 hr |
Return | Torcello/Burano → Venice | ~40 min | — |
Sample schedule: Leave Venice at 09:00, arrive in Murano at 09:30, visit until 11.00, leave at 11:15, arrive in Burano at 12:00, lunch and walk until 14:30; boat to Torcello at 14:45, visit 15:00–16:00, return to Venice from 17:00 to 18:00.
This may be shortened for those in a hurry by missing out on one island—usually Torcello—and spending longer in Burano for a relaxed afternoon.
Choosing the Tour Order
Starting with Murano suits those leaving from central Venice because it is closest and thus less crowded in glass shops early in the day. Travellers starting from Venice Mestre or from Piazzale Roma can easily reach Fondamente Nove on foot or by vaporetto Line 5.1.
Those who prefer quieter mornings may want to start with Burano and then loop back in via Murano to St. Mark's Square or Dorsoduro Venezia. The reverse order works for late risers but at the risk of full boats on return trips.
Torcello invariably makes an ideal final stop, providing space to unwind after the bustle of Burano. The stillness of its churchyards contrasts beautifully with the ornate interiors of Basilica di Santa Maria Della Salute or the grandeur of the Doge's Palace back in the city.
Tickets and Practical Transport
The tour depends on the use of the ACTV water bus network. One ticket for the vaporetto costs about €9.50, with 75 minutes of validity and unlimited transfers among lines. For this multi-island tour, visitors should make use of a day ticket of about €25 or the multiday Venezia Unica Pass, which covers all Venice Transport, including the lagoon islands.
Tickets can be bought at any ACTV kiosk, from vending machines next to the Santa Lucia Station, and online from Venezia Unica. All tickets have to be validated with the electronic machines before boarding. Failure to do so could result in a fine.
In summer, Line 12 runs every approximately 30 minutes, while in winter, the intervals are generally longer-a full 40 minutes or sometimes even more. The evening runs usually stop around 8:00 p.m., so travelers are encouraged to consult the updated timetable, either from official apps or at the displays on Fondamente Nove itself.
First, those connecting from Venice-Mestre or Piazzale-Roma can take Line 4.2 or 5.2 toward Fondamente Nove. Private Water Taxis are also available on the route at substantially higher fares, ideal only for groups or for passengers looking for a luxury transfer.
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Information to Fully Exploit the Visit
Get an early start: Mornings are cooler and crowds are thinner.
Plan your return: Note the last vaporetto times-especially after 17:30, when frequency drops.
Stay hydrated: Carry bottled water; vending machines may be closed on smaller islands.
Dress comfortably: Wear lightweight shoes; piers and bridges can be slippery.
Photography: For optimum light, shoot in Burano before noon and then at sunset when you return to Venice.
Respect locals: Do not block narrow bridges or photograph private homes without permission.
Weather awareness: during Acqua Alta, or high-tide flooding, services are temporarily suspended.
Cultural combination: If returning early, consider evening concerts at La Fenice Theatre or explore the Correr Museum near St. Mark's Basilica.
Comparative Overview
| Feature | Murano | Burano | Torcello |
| Main Attraction | Murano Glass Musuem, Glass Workshops | Lace Musuem, Colourful Houses | Santa Maria Assunta di Torcello, Byzantine Mosaics |
| Typical Visit Duration | 1-1.5 hrs | 2 hrs | 1 hr |
| Atmosphere | Artistic and Industrial | Cheerful and Vivid | Quiet and historic |
| Dining Options | Cafes and gelaterie | Seafood restaurants | Locanda Cipriani |
| Ideal For | Art and craft enthusiasts | Photographers and food lovers | History seekers and peace lovers |
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Conclusion
A day of travel from Venice to Murano to Burano to Torcello brings out the living mosaic of the Venetian Lagoon: a place where, within one journey, artistry, color, and serenity may find their place. From the starting point of Fondamente Nove, visitors follow centuries of craftsmanship-from fiery furnaces on Murano through painterly canals on the island of Burano, Venice, into the ancient silence of Torcello's Santa Maria Assunta.
Whether one returns to St Mark's Square, pauses at Zattere, or goes on toward Dorsoduro Venezia for an evening meal, the islands make their mark. Each carries with it a manifestation of Venetian life: art, beauty, and endurance.
This is more than a transport route, an island-hopping itinerary through the heart of Venice Uncovered, connecting travelers not just to history but to the spirit of the lagoon itself in all its timeless, shimmering, and endlessly inspiring beauty.