A Beautiful Escape: How to Visit Burano from Venice

There’s an island just beyond Venice where life feels more colorful and calm. Welcome to Burano, a small slice of Venetian paradise in the lagoon, famous for its rainbow-hued houses and peaceful canals. If you’re seeking a day trip from Venice that gives you both beauty and a break from crowds, Burano is the perfect choice. In this traveler’s guide, you’ll learn exactly how to get to Burano, what to expect when you arrive, and how to enjoy every minute on this vibrant island.

Getting from Venice to Burano: Your Complete Guide

Choosing the Right Departure Point in Venice

The journey to Burano starts with Venice’s unique public transport, the vaporetto, or water bus. The most convenient way to get there is from Fondamente Nove, also called “F.te Nove” on signs and vaporetto maps. If you’re staying near iconic places like St. Mark’s Square or the Rialto Bridge, it’s easy to reach Fondamente Nove either on foot or by using local vaporetto lines (notably 4.1, 4.2, 5.1, and 5.2).

Direct Vaporetto Route to Burano: Line 12

The most popular way to reach Burano is on Vaporetto Line 12. This is a direct water bus service that travels from Venice’s Fondamente Nove, stopping at the glass-making island of Murano along the way and finally docking at Burano. Here are the details you need for smooth travel:

• Location: Head to the Fondamente Nove vaporetto station, which is well connected by other vaporetto lines.
• Boat Frequency: Line 12 runs approximately every 30 minutes, beginning early each morning and running late into the night. Schedules can vary in winter and summer. Always double-check the latest times at the dock or online.
• Route & Duration: The journey from Fondamente Nove to Burano takes about 45 minutes. The ride gives you sweeping views over the Venetian Lagoon and makes a stop at Murano before reaching Burano.

There is also a seasonal Line 14 that runs directly from St. Mark’s Square (San Zaccaria) to Burano, taking about 65 minutes. This is especially helpful if you want to avoid changing boats, so ask at your hotel or check the ACTV site for seasonal options.

Buying Vaporetto Tickets: Everything You Should Know

Every visitor to Venice’s water buses needs a ticket. For Burano, here’s what you need to know:

• Where to Buy: Purchase tickets from official ACTV vending machines or booths. These are located at main vaporetto stops, including Fondamente Nove and St. Mark’s Square. Staff at ticket offices can also answer questions and provide free maps.
• Types of Tickets: Single ride tickets cost €9.50 (valid for 75 minutes of travel), which is enough time to reach Burano.
• Travel Cards: If you plan to hop around Venice or visit multiple islands, consider buying an ACTV Tourist Travel Card (24-hour, 48-hour, 72-hour, or 7-day options). These passes offer unlimited travel on vaporetti and some buses in Venice. The popular 12-hour pass is no longer sold directly by ACTV, so your best bet is to buy an option starting from 24 hours at the official ACTV site.
• Validation Required: You must always tap (validate) your ticket or pass at the green pillars at the piers before boarding. If it’s not validated, you could face a hefty fine during ticket checks.

For comprehensive ticketing info, you can visit the official ACTV vaporetto booking website.

Can I Take a Private Water Taxi?

Yes, private water taxis are available if you want comfort, privacy, or are traveling with a group. Expect to pay noticeably more, with one-way fares from Venice to Burano starting at €120. This can be worthwhile for groups or special occasions. If you’re interested in this flexible option, ask your hotel to book a water taxi, or look for official stands along major canals and piers.

Arriving at Burano: Rainbow Streets and Historic Sights

Burano’s Famous Colorful Houses: Fact and Legend

Once you step off the boat at Burano, you’re immediately greeted by row upon row of vibrantly painted homes. While it’s true that each house is a bold splash of color, the real story is a delightful mix of tradition and modern rules:

• The widespread color palette dates back mostly to the past 150 years. While the island’s settlement is ancient, the intense rainbow you see today became popular after new types of paint became available in the late 19th century.
• Contrary to popular legend, the rule about painters seeing their homes in fog is a fun tale, but the actual system started more recently. Residents are required to get approval from the local authorities, which help maintain Burano’s unique look by specifying which color ranges are allowed for each property.

Whatever the historic origins, you’ll definitely want to wander and take photos. Every corner reveals another perfect backdrop for your Venetian adventure.

The Leaning Bell Tower of San Martino

Just like Pisa, Burano has its own “leaning tower.” The Bell Tower of San Martino is tilted about 1.8 meters off the vertical, a dramatic sight against the vivid houses. It stands 53 meters tall and is a beloved symbol of Burano’s blending of nature, history, and village charm. You can see it from almost anywhere in Burano, making it a great landmark for navigation as you explore the island’s winding streets.

The Lace Museum: Discover Burano’s Artistic Heritage

Burano’s lace is world-famous. To get the full story, stop by the Lace Museum (Museo del Merletto) in Piazza Galuppi. This museum is set inside the old Lace School building and showcases hundreds of beautiful and historic lace creations. You’ll learn how the tradition grew and changed over time, and can even watch live demonstrations of lace-making. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 4 PM (with extended hours on some weekends in summer). It’s a cool, quiet spot to appreciate the patient artistry that helped put Burano on the map.