Last Updated on January 21, 2026 by Sam
Famous for its lacemaking and multicoloured houses, Burano makes for a great day trip from Venice. Thanks to its vibrant houses, this small island gives Cinque Terre a run for its money as one of the most colourful places in Italy. While you can’t reach the island by gondola ride, getting to Burano from Venice is simple thanks to the city’s unique network of water buses. It’s one of the most picturesque spots in the Venetian Lagoon and is well worth a visit, even if you have just two days in Venice. Here’s how to get to Burano Island from Venice.
How To Get to Burano Island From Venice
Vaporetto
It’s easy to get to Burano Island from Venice using the Vaporetto (the city’s water bus service). The only Vaporetto that runs from Venice to Burano is Route 12, which departs from Fondamente Nove (F.te Nove) and takes approximately 40–45 minutes one-way.
Vaporettos depart roughly every 20–30 minutes throughout the day, but for exact timings, check the Route 12 schedule on Venice’s public transportation website.
Travelling by Vaporetto is the most affordable way to get from Venice to Burano. One-way tickets cost €9.50, but single or multi-day passes are available and are typically better value, as they allow unlimited use of the water buses for a specified period.
Vaporetto Passes
As of October 2025, these are the prices of single and multi-day Vaporetto travel passes:
One-day ticket – €25
Two-day ticket – €35
Three-day ticket – €45
Seven-day ticket – €65
You can buy Vaporetto passes via the ACTV website, or from ACTV and HelloVenezia ticket outlets at large vaporetto stations and shops across the city. Alternatively, you can also book passes through the Get Your Guide website.
Click here to find Vaporetto passes through Get Your Guide!
If you’re between 6 and 29 years old, you can get a three-day Vaporetto pass as part of the Rolling Venice Card for just €33. We strongly recommend doing this if you’re eligible, as the water buses are extremely convenient for getting around Venice.
Water Taxi
It’s also possible to take a private water taxi to Burano, but it’s a lot more expensive. Water taxis from Venice to Burano cost €150 one-way, so the Vaporetto is a much more affordable option.
You can also get to the island directly from Marco Polo Airport by water taxi, which costs around €180.
Burano Island Tours From Venice
Another option for getting to Burano from Venice is to take a tour. Most tours stop at several islands in the Venetian Lagoon, typically Burano, Murano, and Torcello, so it’s a great way to explore if you don’t have time for a day on each island.
It’s best to book in advance to secure your spot, and we recommend booking with Get Your Guide, as they have a number of great options starting from around €24 per person. Return transport is included, so if you take a tour, you won’t need to worry about paying for the Vaporetto to Burano.
Some tours even include a lace-making demonstration in Burano and a glassblowing workshop in Murano, which gives you a firsthand look at the traditions that make these islands unique.
Click here to discover Venice’s best island tours on the Get Your Guide website!
Best Time To Visit Burano Island
Before figuring out how to get from Venice to Burano Island, you need to decide when to visit. If you want to avoid crowds, then winter, spring, or autumn are the best choices.
Although the winter months are colder, with average highs of 7–10°C (45–50°F) and lows of 0–3°C (32–37°F), you can still get lucky with the weather. We visited at the beginning of March and had some lovely warm days, and got to enjoy Burano without the summer crowds.
Keep in mind that Burano experiences flooding during the winter months, so if there’s a lot of rain, your visit could be affected. For that reason, it’s probably best to visit in spring, summer, or autumn.
Burano tends to be busier during the weekends, so try to visit on a weekday. Aim to arrive early, as the crowds tend to pick up from late morning.
It might be stating the obvious, but try to visit on a sunny day if possible. Burano’s colourful houses feel that extra bit more vibrant when the sun is out, making for an unforgettable visit.
Things To Do in Burano
Discover the Lacemaking Traditions
The island is well-known for its needle lace making, and there are a number of shops that sell authentic Burano lace. Some tours and shops offer lacemaking demonstrations, and you can also visit the Lace Museum to learn more about this fascinating tradition.
If you’re particularly interested in lacemaking, we recommend visiting the village of Pano Lefkara in Cyprus, which has a famous lacemaking tradition dating back to the 14th century.
Visit the Leaning Bell Tower of Burano
One of the top things to do on the island is to take in a view of the Campanile Storto di Burano. Standing 53 metres tall, this leaning tower is an impressive sight and is best viewed from Via Giudecca or the Terranova marble bridge.
See Burano’s Colourful Houses
One of the best things to do in Burano is simply to wander the streets and admire the colourful houses. You’ll find multicoloured buildings all over the island, but the houses surrounding the Tre Ponti footbridge are particularly vibrant and picturesque.
Where To Stay in Venice or Burano
Casa Burano Experience
Casa Burano Experience is a brilliantly located property which allows you to experience the island in the evening, after most tourists have returned to Venice. Rooms at the property are comfortable and air-conditioned, and the location is brilliant for exploring Burano’s canals.
Click here to book a stay at the amazing Casa Burano Experience on Booking.com!
Hotel Dona Palace
Hotel Dona Palace is an amazing 4-star boutique hotel just a few minutes’ walk from Venice’s famous St. Mark’s Square. Thanks to its spacious rooms and suites, it’s the perfect place for a luxurious stay.
Click here to take a look at the fabulous Hotel Dona Palace on Booking.com!
Tips for Visiting Burano Island
Burano Carnival — If you happen to be in Venice during Carnival, make sure to visit Burano, as the island hosts a number of events, ranging from parades to live music performances. The island is busier during Carnival, but it’s worth braving the crowds to witness the festivities.
The next Venice Carnival is scheduled to take place between 7 February and 17 February 2026. Check the Venice Carnival schedule for more details.
Visit early—We’ve said it before, but we can’t emphasise it enough: if you want to avoid the crowds, get there early! It’s worth it to enjoy this beautiful place with only a handful of other tourists around.
How to get to Burano from Murano — If you’re planning your own day trip, you can use the Route 12 Vaporetto to get from Murano to Burano. Coming from Venice, the Vaporetto stops at Murano first, but you can easily catch a later vaporetto onwards to Burano once you’re ready.
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