Looking to escape the crowds of Venice for a day? The nearby islands of Murano and Burano offer a completely different side of the Venetian Lagoon and make for one of the easiest and most memorable day trips from Venice.
Best of all, the two islands can be easily combined into a single day trip using Venice’s Vaporetto system.
Here’s how we planned our day visiting Murano and Burano from Venice.
Morning in Murano
We found that visiting Murano first and Burano second created the perfect balance for the day.
We started the day exploring Murano’s historic sights, browsing artisan shops, and wandering the quiet streets and canals. We then stopped at the Murano Glass Museum, which offers an interesting look at the history and evolution of Venetian glassmaking.
Of course, no visit to Murano is complete without a glassblowing demonstration at the Murano Glass Factory. Kids will be mesmerized watching molten glass transform into intricate works of art.
Suggested time in Murano: 2–3 hours
For details on what to see and do, check out our full post: Exploring Murano Island.
Afternoon in Burano
From Murano, take Line 12 to Burano and spend the afternoon exploring the colourful fishing village.
Burano is compact, walkable, and completely free of cars and motorbikes, making it the perfect place for families to wander at a relaxed pace. Be sure to visit the Burano Lace Museum to learn about the island’s long history of lacemaking and stop by Piazza Galuppi to see Burano’s leaning bell tower.
What we loved most about Burano was simply wandering — browsing the lace shops along Via Baldassare Galuppi, walking the canals, and getting lost among the vibrant colours of the island’s homes.
Suggested time in Burano: 2–3 hours
For details on what to see and do in Burano, check out our full post, Exploring Burano Island
Can You Visit Both Islands in One Day?
Absolutely. Combining Murano and Burano into a single day is very manageable and is one of the most popular day trips from Venice.
That said, avoid overpacking your schedule. Both islands are best enjoyed slowly, with plenty of time left to wander side streets, browse local shops, and stop for food or photos.
Planning Your Day Trip to Murano and Burano
The easiest way to visit both islands is to use Venice’s Vaporetto system, a public water bus network that connects Venice with the surrounding islands.
We purchased a Vaporetto day pass, which allowed unlimited rides throughout the day and made it easy to combine Murano and Burano in a single trip.
Vaporetto Routes to Murano & Burano
There are several Vaporetto routes connecting Venice and Murano, but these are the most useful options for visitors:
- Line 3 Express: The fastest and most direct route from Piazzale Roma and Santa Lucia Station to Murano (30 minutes).
- Lines 4.1 and 4.2: Slower but more scenic routes that travel around the outer canals of Venice before reaching Murano (60 minutes).
- Line 12: Connects Murano and Burano (25 minutes), making it easy to visit both islands in one day. This is also the main route back to Venice from Burano (45 minutes) at the end of the day. Be sure to check the ferry schedule in advance, as the last evening departure can be as early as 5 p.m., depending on the season.
Travel Tip: The Vaporetto is a public bus on water — often crowded, hot and noisy, especially during peak season. Head to the open-air section rather than the enclosed seating area.
Vaporetto Tickets
- Day passes are usually more economical if visiting multiple islands and are valid for unlimited rides in the 24-hour period from the time of purchase.
- Tickets can be purchased at major Vaporetto stations throughout Venice. including Piazzale Roma (near the taxi/bus station), Ferrovia (Santa Lucia railroad station), and San Marco.
Is the Day Trip Worth It?
Murano and Burano turned out to be one of our favourite days, and it’s a great addition to any Venice itinerary. Between the fascinating glassmaking traditions of Murano and the colourful canals of Burano, the islands offered a completely different side of the Venetian Lagoon.
Ready to Explore Italy?
Check out these related posts to help plan your trip:
• Fun Things to Do in Venice with Kids
• 4-Day Itinerary in Rome with Kids
• Inside the Colosseum: Touring Ancient Rome with Kids
• The Vatican with Kids: What to Expect & How to Plan
• Roaming Around Rome: A Walking Tour for Families
