Tickets Venice
4.5(3.9K Ratings)

Murano Burano Island Tours from Venice

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Murano and Burano Boat Tours
























































From happy customers

Loved by 35 million+
Gradimir Konstantinovic
AU

Gradimir

Australia
Jul 2025
5/5
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+1 more

Great guides (Filipo and Felicia), very friendly and extremely knowledgeable. Timetable followed, guides looking after us on the hot day to have enough rest.
Rachel Vianna Torres
BR

Rachel

Brazil
Apr 2025
4/5
Julia was a very friendly and attentive guide. She gave us all the information about the route and the tour. The demonstration of the Murano factory left something to be desired, it was very simple and extremely quick. I've seen much more interesting ones on TV.
Alexandra Griffiths
GB

Alexandra

United Kingdom
Apr 2025
4/5
Franky the guide was excellent and we learned a substantial amount about the. Lagoon Glassblowing demo was interesting but could have been longer. Cost of pieces for sale were well beyond our pocket but beautiful. Burano was lovely.The tour time was about right.
Francesca palmerini

Francesca

Aug 2025
5/5
Everything very well organized. Prepared guide r friendly staff. I would only suggest the possibility of extending the stay in Murano.
Nadiia Havrylova
UA

Nadiia

Ukraine
Jul 2025
4/5
It was quite a good experience, but sometimes you can think that this trip is not for you. This islands are really small and have almost nothing special. In case you want to buy some souvenirs from glass, the Murano island is perfect for that. The Torcello island totally not worth to visit, it has one church and it is it. The Burano island is colorful, abd contains a lot of tiny streets, you can take some great photos and eat some sweets. It has a lot of souvenirs stores. The rral time on each island is 50 minutes, but it is more than enough to walk around.
Lokendra singh
AE

Lokendra

United Arab Emirates
Aug 2025
4/5
Convinient to trace the meeting point with clear instructions. Had all in all very good experience with memorable tour of both the places.
Kathleen A Zevola

Kathleen

May 2025
5/5
No frills self guided tour. We'll organized and friendly crew. Narrator was quite impressive as she mastered it in multiple languages. Very relaxing, enjoyable tour.
Cristina Chiorescu
RO

Cristina

Romania
Aug 2023
4/5
Ticketing experience was good, we easily find the boarding point and the boat was great. The only thing that I want to add is that the stop in Murano could have bewn longer than 1 hour in order to have time to visit the surroundings not just the glass factory. I would gave up to the visit to Torcello for more time in Murano

Top things to do in Venice

Why take a day trip from Venice to the Murano and Burano Islands?

Murano Island canal with colorful buildings and boats, Venice full-day guided tour.

A quick and scenic escape from Venice

Hop aboard a boat and set sail for the vibrant islands of Murano and Burano, just 30-40 minutes from Venice. Most tours depart from convenient spots like St. Mark’s Square or Palazzo del Prigioni, making it easy to add this adventure to your itinerary.

Artisan crafting glass vase in Murano, Italy.
Tre Ponti Bridge over colorful canal houses on Burano Island, Venice.
Torcello Island canal with ancient church near Venice.
Gondola gliding under a stone bridge on a narrow canal in Venice, Italy.

What are my transport options from Venice to Murano, Burano & Torcello?

Exploring the lagoon islands of Murano’s glassmakers, Burano’s colorful houses, and Torcello’s tranquil ruins is a must-do when in Venice. Here’s how you can get there—whether you’re going local, luxe, or looking for an all-in-one day tour:

🚤 Public Vaporetto (Water Bus) – The local way

The ACTV vaporetto is Venice’s public water bus and the most affordable, authentic way to visit the islands.

Main departure point: Fondamente Nove terminal (north Venice). It’s easy to reach from Cannaregio, Castello, or San Marco.

Lines to know:

  • Line 12 – the one you’ll likely use most: Route: Fondamente Nove → Murano → Mazzorbo → Burano → Torcello. Runs every 20–30 minutes during the day.
  • Line 4.1 / 4.2 / 3 – connect to Murano from other areas like Piazzale Roma or Santa Lucia.
  • Line 9 – short hop between Burano and Torcello (runs less frequently).
Know your vaporetto line

Travel times:

  • Fondamente Nove → Murano: ~10–15 min
  • Murano → Burano: ~30–40 min
  • Burano → Torcello: ~5 min
  • Torcello → Venice: ~50 min (via Line 12)

Tickets:

  • Single ticket (75 min): €10
  • Day Pass (24 hrs): €25 (great if you’re visiting all three islands)

Accessibility: Vaporetti are stroller- and wheelchair-friendly.

🎯 Pro tip: Try heading out early (before 9am) to beat the crowds and make the most of your day. Don’t forget to check seasonal schedules!

Check complete vaporetto schedule

🧑‍🏫 Organized tours – The easiest all-in-one experience

Want to skip the transit hassle and get the best out of each island in a day? Opt for a guided boat tour — group or private — with curated routes and cultural highlights.

What’s typically included:

  • Round-trip motorboat transfers from St. Mark’s Square or Venice Railway Station
  • Visits to Murano, Burano, and optionally Torcello
  • Artisan demos like Glass-blowing workshops in Murano
  • Multilingual audio guide, onboard assistance from a skipper or live expert guide (varies by tour)
  • Private boat and small group sizes (for the premium experience)

Why choose it:

  • You won't need to worry about vaporetto lines or planning routes
  • See the glass artisans of Murano in action — a crowd-favorite
  • Enjoy Burano’s canals and colorful streets with insightful commentary
  • Add Torcello to explore the peaceful, lesser-known side of the lagoon

💡 Good to know: Most guided tours focus on sightseeing and demonstrations. Entry to lace museums or Torcello’s cathedral may not be included — perfect if you’re looking for a relaxed overview rather than deep dives.

🚕 Private water taxi – The luxe & flexible option

Want to island-hop in style? Book a private water taxi for direct, customizable travel:

  • Pickup: From your hotel dock or any major water taxi stand
  • Travel time: 30-40 minutes for all islands with direct hops
  • Cost: From €100–150+ for one-way trips

Best for: Families, small groups, travelers short on time, or anyone avoiding crowds.

Keep in mind: While convenient and scenic, private taxis come at a premium and don’t include guides or activities.

Things to know before booking a Murano and Burano day trip from Venice

  • Murano and Burano are just 30–40 minutes by boat from Venice, making them ideal for a half-day trip. Most tours last around 4–6 hours. Full-day tours may include extra stops like Torcello- truly completing your exploration of the Venetian lagoons.
  • Tours usually depart from St. Mark’s Square—ideal if you're staying in central Venice—or Venice Santa Lucia Railway Station, a better option for early arrivals or those based in Mestre. Check your meeting point in advance and get there at least 15–20 minutes early to board stress-free.
  • Group tours make island-hopping easy with pre-arranged motorboat transfers, multilingual guides or audio commentary, and time to explore at each stop. For something more exclusive, go for a small-group or private tour with a dedicated guide and your own water taxi.
  • Group sizes vary—standard tours may have 25+ people, while private ones are usually capped at around 20. Smaller groups often allow for more personalized attention, but larger tours offer better value if you’re keeping costs in check.
  • If you’d rather explore on your own, **ACTV public transport passes **are a solid option. They give you unlimited access to vaporetto and buses in Venice and the lagoon for 1, 2, 3, or 7 days—great for flexible, budget-friendly island hopping. You can even upgrade to include a digital audio guide that tells you all about the beautiful culture, sights and history of the floating city of Venice. Side note: organized tours save you time and planning while adding expert insights along the way.
  • Enjoy a complimentary live glassblowing demonstration in Murano by a master artisan. This also comes with an exclusive 10% discount at the factory on glass products—please note that any additional purchases are at your own expense.
  • Unfortunately, most group boat tours aren’t wheelchair or stroller accessible due to boarding logistics. However, the Vaporetto ACTV Water Bus system is a more inclusive option, offering level docking, ramps, on-site assistance, and discounted fares.

Things to do at Venice's top islands

Located less than 5 km away by boat, Murano is composed of seven sub islands! With humble beginnings as a small fishing port, it rapidly upscaled in the late 13th century when the Venetian glass industry was transplanted here.

Murano Glass Factory artisans crafting intricate glass art in Venice, Italy.

Murano island glass factory tour

See first-hand the mesmerizing process behind the creation of glassworks! Included in most of your day trip options.

Faro di Murano lighthouse in Venice, Italy, with a view of the surrounding lagoon.

Faro di Murano

An active lighthouse built in the 19th century, this looming stone structure sits on the southeast of the island. Admire it from afar or climb within its interior.

Murano glass artifacts displayed in a museum setting.

Glass Museum

Get further context on the history and legacy of Murano glass, and the ancient art of turning sand into fantastical translucent objects!

Palazzo da Mula and San Pietro Martire bell tower in Murano, Venice, Italy.

Palazzo da Mula

On the sub island of San Pietro Martire, near the Ponte Vivarini bridge lies a 15th-century Venetian mansion. Its quaint façade survives, while the main room inside is used by the municipality for cultural activities.

Located a little further away around 9 km from the mainland, this tiny artisanal paradise is made up of four islets — the smallest in the lagoon!

Tre Ponti Bridge in Burano, Italy, with colorful houses lining the canal.

Tre Ponti Bridge

Built facing three directions over the Giudecca Canal, Tre Ponti is one of its kind on the island! It offers a 360° view in the midst of colorful homes.

Bepi House in Burano, colorful facade in Venetian lagoon, Venice, UNESCO site, Veneto, Italy.

Bepi’s House

This geometrically resplendent, technicolor home of a former film enthusiast must not be missed. The legacy of Bepi as a candy seller, organizer of outdoor cinema, and wall painter lives on at the liveliest home in Burano!

Vaporetto on Venice canal near Museums of the Islands, Italy.

Lace Museum

The Lace Museum in Burano features stunning lace artifacts, detailing the island's lace-making traditions and techniques. It is located inside Podestà Palace, the seat of the Burano Lace School from 1872 to 1970.
Entry fee: €12

Aerial view of Church of Saint Martin Bishop in Venice, showcasing its architectural design and surrounding landscape.

Church of Saint Martin Bishop

The Church of Saint Martin Bishop in Burano features a distinctive leaning bell tower and vibrant frescoes, reflecting the island's rich religious and artistic heritage.

The northernmost isle and one of the earliest settlements in the lagoon, Torcello is made up of 9 sub islands!

Ponte del Diavolo, historic stone bridge over canal in Torcello, Italy.

Ponte del Diavolo

Ponte del Diavolo, or the ‘Devil's Bridge’, is a striking stone bridge with no handrails, with local legends of its construction adding to its mystique.

Murano glassblower crafting art, colorful Burano houses, Torcello's historic church in full-day island tour.

Torcello Cathedral

Torcello Cathedral, founded in the 7th century, features stunning mosaics and a serene atmosphere, marking it as a key historical and religious site in Venice.

Mysterious stone throne in Venice, known as Attila's Throne, surrounded by historic architecture.

Attila’s Throne

Despite the legend linking this stone throne to the King of the Huns being untrue, this monument dates back to the 5th century, when the first settlers arrived on the island!

Things to do in Venice

Gondolas on a canal in Venice, Italy, with historic buildings in the background.

Venice gondola tours

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Doge's Palace in Venice with gondola on canal in foreground.

Doge’s Palace

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Tourists exploring St. Mark's Basilica with skip-the-line tickets and audioguides in Venice, Italy

St. Mark’s Basilica

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Water bus on Grand Canal near Rialto Bridge, Venice, Italy.

Venice boat tours

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Best time to take a Venice boat tour

Water bus on Venice Grand Canal with historic buildings in the background.

Shoulder seasons (March–May or September–October)

The weather is pleasant, prices are relatively reasonable, and the city is less crowded.

Gondolas on a canal in Venice, Italy, with historic buildings in the background.

Summer (April–June)

The weather is favorable for sightseeing and gondola rides, but May Day can be crowded.

Gondola gliding through Venice canal at dawn during winter.

Winter (November–January)

The weather is mild and cold, prices are lower, and there are fewer tourists. However, the chance of flooding is most likely in November and December.

Gondola boats in water parade during Venice carnival opening.

Carnival (February)

This month hosts Venice's most iconic festival, featuring special concerts, events, and costumed figures. Hotel prices are high during this time.

Murano islands water canal with boats and colorful traditional buildings in Venetian Lagoon.

The best days in the week to visit Murano and Burano (Tuesday to Friday)

As different shops are in full swing and glass masters are working. On Sundays, many glass masters rest, although some furnaces may be open for tourists. On Mondays, most shops are usually closed.

Make the most of your Murano and Burano tour from Venice

Bigoli in salsa dish served in a Venetian restaurant, highlighting Venice's culinary experience in September.

Murano:

  • Fresh Seafood: Murano’s lagoon location makes it a haven for fresh fish and seafood dishes. Grilled fish, calamari, and shrimp are popular choices.
  • Risotto al Nero di Seppia: A local specialty made with cuttlefish ink, giving the dish a rich, briny flavor.
  • Bigoli in Salsa: Thick spaghetti-like pasta served with an anchovy and onion sauce, a true Venetian classic.

Burano:

  • Risotto di Pesce: A creamy seafood risotto, often considered the island’s signature dish.
  • Fritto Misto di Pesce: Lightly battered and fried mixed seafood, perfect for a casual meal.
  • Bussolai: Traditional buttery ring-shaped cookies unique to Burano, often enjoyed as a dessert or snack.

Tips: Try a crisp Soave or a Prosecco for the perfect complement to your meal. Murano and Burano often feature handmade gelato and pastries in their trattorias.

Couple enjoying wine at a Venice cafe with canal view.
  • Trattoria Valmarana: Murano | €20–40 | Outdoor seating with rooftop views, family-friendly. Try the seafood!
  • Ristorante La Fornace: Murano | €20–40 | Cozy Venetian spot with outdoor seating. Pasta and local wine are must-haves.
  • B Restaurant alla Vecchia Pescheria: Murano | €20–30 | Quiet square, homestyle Venetian seafood. Don't miss the risotto di pesce.
  • Trattoria Al Gatto Nero: Burano | Known for fish risotto and stunning canal views. Arrive early to skip the wait.
  • Ristorante Pizzeria Principe: Burano | Casual dining with seafood pizzas. Perfect for families or groups.

Tips: Book ahead. Try seafood risotto in Burano and traditional Venetian dishes.

Flooded St. Mark's Square during acqua alta in Venice, Italy.
  • Keep your rain boots on standby in case of high water situations. While it is possible throughout the year, the months of November and December are especially prone to this phenomenon.
  • If you’ve selected the hop-on hop-off boat tour or the Turbopass, make sure to check the opening hours and restrictions for each site you want to visit beforehand in order to have a smooth experience. 
  • Budget for lunch, souvenirs, and more. Try out local delicacies like cicchetti, risotto, or scallops! Take home beautiful glass pieces and lace works. 
  • Avoid visiting on Mondays, since most shops and factories remain closed for the day.

If you’re tempted to linger after your day trip, the lagoon isn’t just for daytime visits—Burano and nearby Mazzorbo offer unique accommodations, while Murano has a handful of B&Bs. Torcello, by contrast, has no lodgings, so plan to return to Venice or stay on Burano/Mazzorbo.

Burano:

  • Casa Burano – A stylish “scattered hotel” with designer rooms tucked into local homes across the island.
  • Night Galleria – Art-filled boutique stay in the heart of Burano.
  • Venissa Wine Resort (Mazzorbo) – Just a bridge away, this vineyard estate offers tranquil rooms and a Michelin-starred restaurant.

Murano:

  • Local B&Bs & Apartments – A few cozy stays near Murano Colonna or Museo stops—perfect for catching glass demos before the crowds.

Frequently asked questions about Murano & Burano day trips from Venice

Can I visit the islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello from Venice in one day?

Yes, all three islands can be visited in a single day trip departing Venice. It takes just 40 mins to reach all the way to the northernmost island of Torcello.

How to get from Venice to Murano and Burano?

The only way to get from Venice to Murano, Burano, or Torcello is by boat or ferry. Take your pick from a selection of speed boat tours, hop-on hop-off boat passes, and cruises to discover the lagoon your way. Or, climb aboard one of the Vaporetto water buses that run consistently between the islands.

Which seasons should be avoided when planning a Venice tour?

July and August are the hottest months, so can be avoided if that’s not your vibe. The winter months of November and December are a good off-season option, but there’s a greater likelihood of ‘high water’ or acqua alta. While February is an atmospherically pleasant month to visit, prices may be hiked—due to an exciting reason!

What is the Venice Carnival and when does it take place?

Enchanting gondola rides, masquerade parties, and fascinating street art and performances make up the lively carnival season in Venice. The festivities take place all through the month of February.

What happens if I’m late to the pick-up point

Ferries and boat services run on a strict schedule, and delayed arrivals might mean you get left behind. Ensure you plan ahead and reach early!

How far are the islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello from Venice?

Murano is the closest, just 4 km and under 10 minutes away. Burano and Torcello are further up around 40 minutes away, at a distance of 9 and 10 km, respectively.

What is the difference between a gondola ride and a boat tour from Venice?

A gondola ride transports you within the canals of the city on a short 30-min expedition, while a speed boat or water bus will jet you between islands in the lagoon or enable a longer tour.

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