Vaporetto Line 9 Venice: The Burano–Torcello Shuttle in 5 Minutes

In brief: Vaporetto line 9 is the shortest shuttle in the lagoon — a small boat that only ferries between Burano and Torcello. Journey time about 5 minutes, daytime frequency every 30 minutes. On the classic Murano–Burano–Torcello tour you need line 9 for the hop between Burano and Torcello — line 12 also calls at Torcello, but line 9 runs far more often.

9

Burano "A" - Torcello

2 stops

  1. 09:30 Burano "A"
  2. 09:35 Torcello

When do I need line 9?

Line 9 is one of the few vaporetto lines you will deliberately take as a visitor without it being part of your main route. It solves a single problem: how do I get back and forth between Burano and Torcello as quickly as possible?

Line 12 also connects the two islands — but only about every 30 minutes, and the boats are often full of day trippers from F.te Nove. Line 9 is purpose-built for the short hop: a small boat, no long route, low occupancy. If you spontaneously decide at lunchtime “come on, let’s pop over to Torcello”, line 9 is your boat.

The typical island-day logic with line 9

  1. From F.te Nove with line 12 to Burano — about 40 minutes.
  2. 2 hours on Burano (a walk through the coloured houses, the lace museum, lunch).
  3. Line 9 to Torcello — 5 minutes.
  4. 1.5 hours on Torcello (the basilica of Santa Maria Assunta, the museum, Locanda Cipriani).
  5. Line 9 back to Burano — 5 minutes.
  6. Line 12 back to F.te Nove — 40 minutes.

With line 9 you save on average 20–25 minutes per island day compared with waiting for line 12 to cover the Burano–Torcello link.

What to see on Torcello

  • Basilica Santa Maria Assunta: Byzantine mosaics (7th century), one of the oldest church buildings in the lagoon, €5.
  • Santa Fosca: a smaller 11th-century sister church right next door, free.
  • Museo Provinciale di Torcello: archaeological finds from the island and the early lagoon.
  • Locanda Cipriani: a legendary restaurant (Hemingway was a regular), lunch from €50.
  • Ponte del Diavolo: a small bridge without railings, a few steps from the pier — photogenic, with a local legend attached.

Torcello is practically uninhabited today — about 10 people live there year-round. At midday in midsummer it can still get busy. Come early (before 10:30) or late (after 16:30) and you experience the basilica in almost meditative silence.

Timetable and tickets

Line 9 runs every 30 minutes in both directions during the day. First departure around 7:00 in the morning, last around 20:30. In low season (November–March) the frequency drops to 60 minutes — be sure to check the timetable before your return from Torcello, the pier is rather lonely in the evening.

Line 9 is part of the normal ACTV fare. A separate single ride would cost €9.50; it is fully included in the 24-hour pass (€25) — with 4+ rides on an island day, the pass pays off guaranteed.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the trip from Burano to Torcello take?

With line 9 about 5 minutes. With line 12 (if your connection fits) also 5 minutes — but line 12 runs only half as often.

Do I need an extra ticket for line 9?

No. Line 9 is part of the normal ACTV fare and included in the 24-hr pass. Coming from Burano, you continue on the same ticket.

Is Torcello worth it at all?

For art and history lovers yes — Santa Maria Assunta is one of the most important early Christian churches in northern Italy. If you just want to “see another island”: rather not, Torcello is quiet and sparse in classic sights.

How late does the last boat return?

High season around 20:30, low season often as early as 18:00–19:00. If you stay longer, check the timetable in advance — Torcello has no late service.

Can I go directly from Murano to Torcello?

Not directly with line 9 — it only runs Burano ↔ Torcello. From Murano: line 12 to Burano (15 min), then line 9 onwards (5 min). Or line 12 straight through (it frequently also calls at Torcello).