Venice to Murano: How to Travel
When on a trip to Venice, a not-to-be-missed destination is the neighboring island of Murano. Also known as the "Glass Island," Murano is famous for its glassware, a heritage from the 13th century. As is the norm in the city of canals, you take the waterway to make the trip from Venice to Murano—hop on a public water bus (Vaporetto) or hire a private water taxi. You can join a guided group tour, arrange a private trip, or embark on a solo trip to Murano from Venice.
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Ways to Get to Venice From Murano
Venice and Murano are approximately two kilometers from the northern edge. You can travel from Venice to Murano or any other 117 islands surrounding the “Floating City” by boat. Crossing the Venetian Lagoon will be an integral part of your journey, regardless of the mode of water transport. And here’s the best part—these water excursions are more than functional; they offer the chance to view and appreciate Venice's scenic waterways.
By Vaporetto (Public Water Bus)
The vaporetto (meaning “little steamers”) are Venice's public water bus service, operated by ACTV (Azienda del Consorzio Trasporti Veneziano). It is a convenient mode of transportation that connects Venice to its surrounding islands, including the glassmaking center of Murano. Passengers enjoy a quick journey that is about 10 to 20 minutes long while taking in the spectacular views of the Venetian Lagoon. Your Murano tour starts with purchasing a single-use Vaporetto ticket, good for up to 75 minutes, for about USD 8. Explore further with day passes (24 to 72 hours), which are available online or at kiosks near major water bus stops.
Pro tips:
- Download the Venezia Unica City Pass app to buy and manage tickets easily. This app facilitates seamless navigation of the vaporetto with route planning and schedule updates.
- Purchase your passes for the Venice to Murano trip well ahead of time (either online or at ticket kiosks) to avoid lines, especially during peak travel seasons.
- Tickets are one price, no matter the length of your journey, so it makes sense to purchase flexible Vaporetto tickets.
- All tickets must be validated before boarding the vessel to mark the start of their validity period. So always validate your tickets before boarding to avoid fines.
- Hopping on a public vaporetto is the most inexpensive way to get around Venice. But it can be crowded during peak travel seasons.
By Private Water Taxi
Taking a private water taxi can enhance your Murano experience. It offers the flexibility of making stops per your convenience, which you do not get when traveling on a Vaporetto. Hiring a private water taxi will also give you sufficient time to explore a Murano glass factory and other attractions, as you won’t have a set boarding time to return to Venice. To secure a private water taxi, make reservations in advance through various online platforms or contact water taxi companies. You can also approach water taxi stands throughout Venice, especially near the major tourist points and hotels.
Pro tips:
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Water taxis are faster and easier to take than the vaporetto.
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It's wise to book your water taxi from Venice to Murano in advance, especially during peak tourist season. This ensures availability and can sometimes get you a better rate.
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Confirm your fare before boarding. While private water taxis offer convenience, they can be costly.
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When making plans, being clear about your destination is helpful. Familiarize yourself with landmarks or the name of the dock closest to it as reference points to share when booking.
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Private water taxis offer flexible scheduling and limited seating, providing a more comfortable experience. However, they are also significantly more expensive than the vaporetto.
By Plane, Train, Automobile, or Bus
There are no planes or trains to hop on or roads that lead to Murano.
Comparing Transportation Options from Venice to Murano
| Feature | Private Water Taxi | Vaperetti | Plane, Train, Car, Bus |
| Cost | Most expensive | Most affordable | N/A |
| Customization | Highly customizable | Fixed routes | N/A |
| Interaction | Limited to your group | Limited, mostly self-directed | N/A |
Venice to Murano Itinerary
To experience Venice and all its rich history, culture, arts and cuisine, two to three days is ideal, including a day trip to the island of Murano. This time frame allows enough time to explore Venice’s top sites like the iconic St. Mark’s Basilica and Square Doge’s Palace, take gondola rides through picturesque canals, and wander through ancient alleyways. Dedicate time to explore the Rialto Bridge and market or visit several of Venice’s renowned museums, such as the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.
Including a day trip from Venice to Murano in your itinerary offers the chance to see a different side of Venetian life, with its own historical sites, such as the Basilica dei Santa Maria e San Donato, known for its beautiful mosaics and connection to the glassmaking tradition. Start your day with a scenic vaporetto ride and set the tone with lovely water views. Upon arrival, take a stroll to soak up the island’s ambiance. Visit a glass factory to learn about glassblowing and watch master artisans shape molten glass into exquisite artwork. Afterward, explore local shops and boutiques to find unique glass souvenirs. If you want to learn more about Murano’s glass-making heritage, visit the Glass Museum (Museo del Vetro), which has an extensive collection of glassware documenting Murano’s glassmaking history and evolution from ancient times to the present. You can also squeeze in a Burano island trip to your Venice and Murano trip if you have the time!
Planning a multi-day trip to Italy that covers Venice and Murano? Fill out our customized Italy trip form so our experts can craft your itinerary.
To ensure you make the most of your trip to Italy, check out our Italy guide and our article on the best time to visit Italy.
