Wondering how to get to Murano from Venice? Take a vaporetto from the Fondamente Nove stop. Murano has no bridge or road, so every visit starts on the water, and the ride takes roughly 10 to 15 minutes.
- From Fondamente Nove: line 12 runs direct, and the circular lines 4.1 and 4.2 also serve Murano, according to Venicexplorer.
- From Piazzale Roma: line 3 reaches Murano in about 20 minutes, as described by Venezia Help.
- Ticket: a single ACTV fare is €9.50 and stays valid for 75 minutes, per the same line 3 guide.
This page works as a ladder. Start with the plain public boat, then move to more specific stops, other departure points and paid alternatives only if the simple option does not fit. For the wider story of the island’s craft, see our guide to murano glass art.
Step one: the vaporetto from Fondamente Nove
Fondamente Nove is the simplest departure point for Murano, because the lines that serve the island leave from there. Venicexplorer puts the crossing at approximately 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the chosen route. Murano sits only about 1.5 km (about 1 mile) from Venice, according to Venetian Murano Glass, so the trip is short whichever line you pick.
- Go to the Fondamente Nove stop on Venice’s northern waterfront and look for the boards that show line numbers and directions.
- Pick the line that suits your plan. Line 12 is a direct line from Fondamente Nove to Murano that continues to Burano and Torcello. Lines 4.1 and 4.2 are circular routes with stops at Murano’s key locations.
- Buy a ticket and validate it at the reader on the platform before you board (see the fare section below).
- Check the stop name on the board before you step off, because the island has several landings.
Choose line 12 if you may continue to Burano later, since the same boat keeps going. Choose 4.1 or 4.2 if you only want Murano and prefer a loop that returns you to the starting side.
Step two: choosing the Murano stop
The best Murano stop depends on what you want to see first, so decide that before boarding.
Murano Colonna and Murano Faro
These are the stops served by the circular lines, and they work as the default landings for exploring on foot. Murano is small enough to walk between landings. For glass factories, check the address of the workshop you plan to visit and get off at whichever of these stops is nearest. If you would rather not choose a workshop yourself, the list of murano glass tours shows organised visits.
The Museo stop
Museo is the closest stop to the Museo del Vetro inside Palazzo Giustinian, as Venetian Murano Glass notes. Pick it if the collection is your priority, and read about the murano glass museum before you go so you know what to look for.
Step three: line 3 from Piazzale Roma
Line 3 is the practical choice if you arrive at Piazzale Roma, for example by bus or car, and do not want to cross Venice to Fondamente Nove. Venezia Help says it reaches Murano in about 20 minutes, with boats at intervals of about 20 to 30 minutes. It generally operates every day from 8:20 am to 6 pm.
Those hours matter for the return. If your Murano visit may run late, plan to be back at a stop before the daytime service ends and check the current ACTV timetable for later options.
Journey times and frequencies at a glance
| Departure point | Line | Journey and frequency | Planning use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fondamente Nove | 12 | 10 to 15 minutes, depending on route | Direct to Murano, with the option to continue to Burano and Torcello. |
| Fondamente Nove | 4.1 and 4.2 | 10 to 15 minutes, depending on route | Circular routes calling at Murano Colonna and Murano Faro. |
| Piazzale Roma | 3 | About 20 minutes; every 20 to 30 minutes; daily 8:20 am to 6 pm | Best when arriving by road or bus; keep the daytime hours in mind for the return. |
Times and line descriptions come from Venicexplorer and Venezia Help.
Tickets and fares
A single ACTV vaporetto ticket costs €9.50 and is valid for 75 minutes, according to Venezia Help. That is a single-ride price, so a visit with a return needs a second fare unless you hold a longer pass.
- Validate first: tickets must be validated at the reader on the platform before boarding.
- Plan the 75 minutes: the crossing itself is short, so a single ticket covers the ride and, if you stay on board, a continuation on the same trip.
- Compare with a pass only if you ride a lot: if you plan several boat rides in a day, price a longer ticket on the ACTV or Venezia Unica pages before buying singles.
When to move beyond the public boat
The public vaporetto should be the first choice, and most visitors never need to escalate. Two situations justify a different option: you want a private, door-to-door crossing, or you are coming straight from the airport.
Private water taxi
A water taxi suits small groups with luggage or a tight schedule. Venicexplorer gives prices between €60 and €120, depending on distance and time of travel. Compare that range with the cost of several single vaporetto tickets before deciding, and agree the fare before you board.
Alilaguna from the airport
Arriving by air, the Alilaguna boat links the airport pontoon with Murano. Venetian Murano Glass estimates roughly 45 to 75 minutes. If your hotel is in Venice and your bags are heavy, going via the city is usually less direct than this, so weigh it against dropping luggage first.
A Murano and Burano day plan
Venetian Murano Glass calls it entirely possible, and popular, to visit all three islands in a single day.
- Leave from Fondamente Nove on line 12 and get off at Murano first.
- Spend your Murano time on the workshop or museum you chose using the stop guide above.
- Re-board line 12 for Burano and decide on the spot whether Torcello fits your remaining time.
- Return the same way and check the last boats before you commit to the final island.
Venicexplorer suggests late morning to early afternoon is ideal for those wishing to go to both Murano and Burano on one day. Treat that as a guide to when to start, and allow extra time if you want a longer glassmaking visit.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Murano from Venice?
Murano is about 1.5 km (about 1 mile) from Venice, according to Venetian Murano Glass.
Do children need a vaporetto ticket?
Children under the age of 6 ride free, as Venezia Help reports. Older children need a ticket.
Can Torcello be added to a Murano and Burano day?
Yes.
