Vaporetto Line 3
Venice, the city on water, is not just renowned for its network of canals but also for its intricate public water-based transportation system. Among the many vaporetto lines that serve this interesting city, Vaporetto Line 3 is one of the quickest, most effective, and direct.
Mainly designed to connect Piazzale Roma and Murano, this line is a popular choice with visitors who prefer direct access to the island renowned for glass production.
This guide offers a full overview of Vaporetto Line 3, everything one needs to know before boarding—from schedules and tickets to practical tips and attractions at the stops.
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Venice Water Bus Ferry Vaporetto - Line 3
Service runs from 06:20 to 08:20, Monday to Saturday (last departure at 07:50). Also operates daily at 08:20.
| P. Roma D | 6:20 | 6:50 | 7:20 | 7:50 | 8:20 |
| Ferrovia D | 6:24 | 6:54 | 7:24 | 7:54 | 8:24 |
| Murano Colonna A | 6:41 | 7:11 | 7:41 | 8:11 | 8:41 |
| Murano Faro B | 6:44 | 7:14 | 7:44 | 8:14 | 8:44 |
| Murano Navagero | 6:46 | 7:16 | 7:46 | 8:16 | 8:46 |
| Murano Museo A | 6:48 | 7:18 | 7:48 | 8:18 | 8:48 |
| Murano Colonna A | 6:55 | 7:25 | 7:55 | 8:25 | 8:55 |
| Ferrovia C | 7:13 | 7:43 | 8:13 | 8:43 | 9:13 |
| P. Roma E | 7:17 | 7:44 | 8:17 | 8:47 | 9:17 |
Daily service from 08:50 to 14:50. Boats depart every 30 minutes from Piazzale Roma—for example, at 09:20, 09:50, 10:20, and so on—until the final departure at 14:50.
| P.Roma D | 20 | 50 |
| Ferrovia D | 24 | 54 |
| Murano Colonna A | 41 | 11 |
| Murano Faro B | 44 | 14 |
| Murano Navagero | 46 | 16 |
| Murano Museo A | 48 | 18 |
| Murano Colonna A | 55 | 25 |
| Ferrovia C | 13 | 43 |
| P. Roma E | 17 | 47 |
Piazzale Roma to Ferrovia to Murano to Ferrovia to Piazzale Roma
Daily service from 15:40 to 18:50. Boats depart every 30 minutes starting from 15:50—for example, at 16:20, 16:50, 17:20, and so on. Please note: The 18:50 departure operates only from Monday to Saturday.
| P.Roma D | 20 | 50 |
| Ferrovia D | 24 | 54 |
| Murano Colonna A | 41 | 11 |
| Murano Museo A | 48 | 18 |
| Murano Navagero | 50 | 20 |
| Murano Faro B | 52 | 22 |
| Murano Colonna A | 55 | 25 |
| Ferrovia C | 13 | 43 |
| P. Roma E | 17 | 47 |
What Is Vaporetto Line 3?
Vaporetto Line 3 is a regular waterbus service operated by ACTV (Azienda del Consorzio Trasporti Veneziano), the principal public transport company of Venice. It is specifically designed as a direct and fast water connection from the city's central transportation hub at Piazzale Roma to the well-known island of Murano.
While there are a few vaporetto lines that run scenic or popular tourist routes, Line 3 stands out for its express service and limited stops, reducing travel time significantly.
This has been the route of choice for visitors and residents alike due to its directness and reliability. It serves those who are in a rush to reach Murano—particularly those wishing to visit the world-famous Murano Glass Museum, centuries-old glass furnaces, and artisanal workshops that have preserved the island's cultural heritage for centuries.
For time-constrained individuals who prefer to prioritize efficiency over leisurely sightseeing, Line 3 is ideal with its fewer detours and less waiting around.
In contrast to more tourist-oriented lines like Line 1 and Line 2, which follow the Grand Canal and offer a broader if slower visual tour of Venice, Line 3 is utilitarian. It's a transit service rather than a sightseeing excursion, and its no-frills attitude draws practical visitors, commuters, and those seeking direct access to Murano's various districts.
Route and Stops
Vaporetto Line 3's journey is specifically planned to avoid delays that are common on some of the busier vaporetto lines which travel along the Grand Canal.
It begins at Piazzale Roma, Venice's central interchange for buses, private vehicles, and taxis. From this key transit point, the line travels in a general northerly direction, linking a series of selective stops before it reaches its terminus in the Murano archipelago.
The most significant stops on Line 3 include
Piazzale Roma
Ferrovia (Santa Lucia Train Station)
Guglie
Murano Colonna
Murano Faro
Murano Museo
Murano Venier
Murano Navagero
Each of these stops is strategically located to provide passengers with convenient access to the most important parts of Murano. For instance, passengers who are interested in visiting Murano's museums and cultural centers can disembark at Murano Museo and walk directly into the Glass Museum, home to exquisite Venetian glassworks from ancient to modern times.
The other stops are situated near commercial glass factories, residential areas, and seashore promenades, creating a convenient and well-connected transit experience.
The limited-stop nature of the line permits shorter travel times and less congestion than lines that take more indirect routes. This renders Line 3 particularly useful in high season when some other lines can be full or delayed.
Timetable and Frequency
Line 3 of the Vaporetto operates on a standard daily schedule, usually beginning service at about 6:00 AM and concluding service at approximately 8:00 PM. These times vary slightly depending on the time of year, national holidays, and changes to service made by ACTV.
During rush travel periods, especially in the mornings and late afternoons, Line 3 waterbuses tend to depart at 20- to 30-minute intervals.
Such regularity allows it to be possible for commuters to plan movements with a reasonable degree of certainty, especially for those who continue by bus or train from Piazzale Roma or Ferrovia.
It is strongly recommended for visitors to view the revised schedule before beginning their trip. New schedules and line-specific announcements are available through various media, including ACTV's official website and appropriate mobile applications. These websites offer real-time timetable changes, service alerts, and platform updates.
Steps to view the timetable
Visit ACTV's official website
Visit "Lines and Timetables"
Select Line 3 under vaporetto services
Choose travel date and direction for real-time info
Reliable timetable information is particularly important during low-season months or public holidays, when the frequency of service may be lower. Being well-informed helps visitors avoid unnecessary waiting times and plan their travel itineraries efficiently.
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Exploring Vaporetto Line 3
Visitor Information
It is quite straightforward to take Vaporetto Line 3, yet certain information can greatly enhance the visitor experience. For both the novice Venice visitor and the return visitor who wants to delve into its islands more significantly, an understanding of how Line 3 operates is fundamental.
Boarding Points
Piazzale Roma: Most convenient for travelers coming by bus, automobile, or airport bus.
Ferrovia: Most convenient for commuters coming to the Santa Lucia train station.
Travel Duration
The whole journey from Piazzale Roma to Murano typically takes 20–25 minutes.
The travel time may differ slightly depending on the stop and congestion.
Accessibility
Line 3 boats are accessible to people with limited mobility.
Wheelchairs and ramps are accessible on most vessels.
Safety
Life jackets and safety equipment are on board.
Follow all crew members' instructions when boarding or alighting.
Luggage
Small and medium-sized luggage is allowed on board.
For larger luggage, it is advisable to travel during off-peak hours to avoid congestion.
Ticket Information
Line 3 tickets use the same tariff system as the broader ACTV network. A single ticket now costs €9.50 and is valid for 75 minutes on ACTV waterbus routes.
Ticket Options Include
Single journey tickets – €9.50
One day and multiple day passes – Ideal for frequent commuters (e.g., €25 for 24 hours, €35 for 48 hours)
Venezia Unica travel cards – Perfect for repeat or long-stay visitors
Youth and senior reductions – Under special conditions
Where to Purchase Tickets
ACTV counters at principal stops such as Piazzale Roma and Ferrovia
Automatic ticket machines at select stations
Online at Venezia Unica website or ACTV app
Ticket Validation
All tickets must be validated before boarding through the yellow or green machines at the docks.
Failure to validate may result in fines, even with a valid ticket.
Purchasing a pass or ticket in advance is recommended during high seasons to avoid queues and ensure timely boarding.
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Tips for Riding Vaporetto Line 3
Travelers intending to use Line 3 will benefit from a few strategic tips to make their experience smoother:
Early morning and late afternoon are nice times to travel. These are less crowded times, which mean a more relaxed and comfortable ride and a better possibility of seating and views.
Avoid the peak rush hours, especially between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM, when both tourists and locals crowd the vaporetto stops. Traveling outside of this window reduces the likelihood of overcrowding.
Use Line 3 instead of Lines 4.1 or 4.2 if the goal is speed. While the latter routes are scenic and more extensive, they take longer and make numerous intermediate stops.
Board at Piazzale Roma when possible. This terminal is the line’s origin point and offers the highest probability of securing a seat—particularly valuable during Venice’s high tourist season.
Check the end destination notices on the individual vaporetti. While the majority of Line 3 vaporetti are Murano Navagero, exceptions do occur, and some will terminate at earlier stops. Attention avoids accidental disembarkation.
Accessibility is provided on Line 3, with adapted areas for wheelchairs and buggies. Though, due to limited space onboard, there may be a short wait during busy periods to get an appropriate boat.
What to Do When You Arrive at Murano
Arriving at Murano on Line 3 places visitors directly in the center of one of Venice's most renowned islands. Renowned throughout the world for its artistic glassblowing factories, Murano offers a unique blend of craft, historic character, and relaxed ambiance—making it a sight to behold when in the Venetian Lagoon.
Recommended Stops and Activities
Murano Museo – This destination takes us straight to the Murano Glass Museum, where one can delve into one of the world's largest collections of glass objects. Displays range from ancient Roman to contemporary innovations, offering both historical context and artistic appreciation.
Murano Faro – A nice place to take pictures, this lighthouse area offers scenic views of the canals and lagoon that surround it. It is also a primary transfer point for people who are continuing to Burano or Torcello.
Murano Venier and Murano Colonna – With glass shops and artisan workshops surrounding these stops, there are demonstrations that are normally given, giving visitors a firsthand look at the intricate process of glassmaking.
Walking Tour – Begin with a leisurely exploration from Murano Navagero, wandering through charming alleys and open campi in the direction of Murano Faro. Stops can be made at cafes, shops, and cultural sights along the way, allowing for a full experience of the island's character.
Extend the journey by transferring onto Line 12 at Murano Faro. This extension offers access to Burano—famous for lace and colorfully painted houses—and Torcello, with a cathedral of historical significance and serene natural surroundings.
Alternative Lines to Reach Murano
While Line 3 is the most direct and time-efficient route from Piazzale Roma to Murano, Venice's public transportation network provides several alternative lines for reaching the island. Each offers unique advantages depending on one’s starting location and desired experience.
Line 4.1 and 4.2: These are circular routes connecting Murano with Fondamente Nove, Giudecca, and the Grand Canal.
They have more stops and a longer journey but provide panoramic views of such classic landmarks as San Giorgio Maggiore, Santa Maria della Salute, and even St Mark's Basilica.
These lines are perfect for visitors who have the time and inclination to enjoy a more comprehensive sightseeing tour while commuting.
Line 12: Departs from Fondamente Nove and travels via Murano to Burano and Torcello. This is a great line for day-trippers wishing to visit multiple islands on one itinerary.
Particularly convenient for travelers staying in the Cannaregio area or on the northern edge of Venice. Travelers based near St Mark's Square may prefer Line 4.2 for its southern route coverage, but those staying further north or wishing to take a multi-island excursion are well served by Line 12.
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Final Thoughts
Vaporetto Line 3 is more than a functional waterbus route but a speedy, dependable, and vital connection between the mainland hub of Venice and the historic island of Murano. It provides an invaluable option for visitors who prefer not to take the slower, picturesque curving of the Grand Canal and reach their destination with haste and convenience.
Whether one is drawn to Murano by an interest in glassblowing, an appreciation of authentic Venetian artisan culture, or the desire for leisurely island exploration, Line 3 provides for all with a minimum of bother.
Visitors are advised to review updated schedules, pre-validate tickets, and ride ready with a camera. Even a brief Line 3 journey can reveal breathtaking scenery and offer glimpses of Venice's tranquil beauty.
For those who would prefer to venture beyond central Venice's iconic attractions like San Giorgio Maggiore, Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo, or Redentore Church, Line 3 offers a gateway to one of the most authentic and artistically inclined islands in the Venetian Lagoon.