Venice water bus routes explained — the 5 lines tourists actually need

Line 1 — the full Grand Canal

Every stop. Piazzale Roma → Ferrovia (Santa Lucia station) → San Marcòla → Ca’ d’Oro → Rialto → Sant’Angelo → Ca’ Rezzonico → Accademia → San Marco. 45 min. The scenic route. Take it at least once, ideally at sunset.

Line 2 — Grand Canal express

Fewer stops: Piazzale Roma → San Tomà → Rialto → San Marco → Giudecca → Tronchetto. 25 min. Use for commuting, not sightseeing.

Line 12 — the island line

Fondamente Nove → Murano (Faro) → Mazzorbo → Burano → Torcello. Allow a full day: Murano (glass, 1h), Burano (colored houses + lace, 2h), Torcello (Byzantine mosaics, 1h).

Line 4.1/4.2 — Murano direct

Fondamente Nove → Murano. Faster than Line 12 if only going to Murano.

Line N — night service

After midnight, the N lines cover main routes. Every 20–40 min. Same ticket/pass.

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