Quick Answer
Best overall option: Take the ACTV Water Bus Line 12 from Burano to Fondamente Nove (Venice), then transfer to ACTV Bus Line 5.1 / 5.2 to Marco Polo Airport (VCE). Total time: ~1 hour 30 minutes | Total cost: €15–€20 ($16–$22). Key transfer point: Fondamente Nove, Venice. This route offers the best balance of affordability, reliability, and frequency for most travelers.
1. Water Bus + Airport Bus — Best for Budget Travelers
This is the most popular and cost-effective way to reach Marco Polo Airport from Burano. It combines two public-transport legs with a seamless transfer at Fondamente Nove, Venice's northern waterfront hub.
Step-by-Step Route
- Step 1 — Water Bus Line 12: From the Burano jetty (Fondamenta di Burano), board the ACTV Line 12 vaporetto heading toward Venice. Journey time: 40–50 minutes. Disembark at Fondamente Nove (the final stop for this line).
- Step 2 — Walk to the Bus Stop: From the Fondamente Nove vaporetto landing, walk 3–5 minutes across the bridge to the ACTV bus stop "Fondamente Nove" (signposted for "Aeroporto" / Airport).
- Step 3 — ACTV Bus Line 5.1 / 5.2: Take ACTV bus Line 5.1 (direction: Aeroporto) or Line 5.2. Journey time: 20–30 minutes. Get off at Marco Polo Airport (VCE) — the bus stops directly outside the departures terminal.
Ticket Information
| Ticket Type | Price (€) | Price (USD ~) | Validity | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACTV Single (75 min) | €7.50 | $8.20 | 1 ride + transfers within 75 min | One-way without return |
| ACTV 24-hour ticket | €21.00 | $22.90 | Unlimited ACTV water & land buses for 24 h | Multiple trips + same-day return |
| ACTV 48-hour ticket | €33.00 | $36.00 | Unlimited ACTV network for 48 h | Weekend trips |
| Venezia Unica Card (prepaid) | from €5 + top-up | from $5.50 | Pay-as-you-go with discounts | Frequent travelers |
Note: A single 75-minute ACTV ticket (€7.50) may cover both legs if you validate on the water bus and reach the airport bus within the time window — but the total journey often exceeds 75 minutes. A 24-hour ticket (€21) eliminates stress and is recommended if you plan any additional travel.
Schedule & Frequency
- Line 12 (Water Bus): Departs Burano every 20–30 minutes, 6:00 AM – 11:30 PM. First departure from Burano ~6:10 AM, last departure ~11:20 PM. Check current ACTV timetables →
- Bus Line 5.1 / 5.2: Runs every 15–20 minutes, 5:00 AM – 12:30 AM. The bus stop at Fondamente Nove is well-signed. ACTV bus timetables →
Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| Cheapest option (from €7.50) | Requires one transfer (water → land) |
| Frequent departures | Total time can stretch to 1h 40min with waiting |
| Reliable and well-used by locals | Can be crowded during peak season |
| No advance booking needed | Luggage space limited on water bus |
Who Should Choose This?
Solo travelers, couples, and budget-conscious visitors with 1–2 pieces of luggage. Also ideal if you have a Venezia Unica card or already hold an ACTV pass. Not recommended if you have very heavy luggage, limited mobility, or a very early/late flight outside public-transport hours.
2. Alilaguna Water Bus — The All-Water Alternative
If you prefer to stay on the water for the entire journey (no land bus), the Alilaguna water bus service connects Fondamente Nove directly to Marco Polo Airport via the Blue Line (Linea Blu). This is a slower but more scenic option that avoids the need to switch to a road vehicle.
Route Details
- Step 1 — ACTV Line 12: From Burano to Fondamente Nove (same as above). Journey: 40–50 min, €7.50 (ACTV ticket).
- Step 2 — Alilaguna Blue Line: At Fondamente Nove, follow signs to the Alilaguna ticket booth and boarding point. Board the Alilaguna Linea Blu (Blue Line) toward Aeroporto Marco Polo. Journey: 30–35 minutes. Fare: €15.00 ($16.40).
Key Details
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Operator | Alilaguna S.r.l. — Official Alilaguna website → |
| Route | Fondamente Nove → Aeroporto Marco Polo (Linea Blu) |
| Travel time | 30–35 minutes |
| Frequency | Every 30–60 minutes (depending on season) |
| First / Last departure | ~7:00 AM / ~10:30 PM |
| Ticket price | €15.00 one-way (USD $16.40) |
| Ticket purchase | Online, at Alilaguna booths, or via the Alilaguna app |
Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| No bus transfer — all water | Slower than ACTV bus option (extra 15–20 min) |
| Scenic views of the Lagoon | More expensive: €15 vs €8 bus fare |
| Comfortable seating with luggage space | Less frequent; can mean longer wait |
| Direct to airport terminal jetty | Last departure earlier than ACTV bus |
Who Should Choose This?
Travelers who dislike bus transfers, those with moderate luggage, and anyone wanting to enjoy lagoon scenery from the water. Not ideal for early-morning flights (first Alilaguna departs ~7:00 AM) or late-night arrivals.
3. Water Taxi — Fastest Door-to-Door Option
A water taxi is the quickest and most private way to get from Burano to Marco Polo Airport. These licensed private boats operate 24/7 and can pick you up directly from the Burano jetty (or your hotel's waterside entrance) and drop you at the airport's water terminal — a short walk from the check-in hall.
Pricing & Journey Time
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 35–45 minutes |
| Daytime fare (6:00 AM – 9:00 PM) | €100–€130 ($109–$142) |
| Nighttime fare (9:00 PM – 6:00 AM) | €130–€160 ($142–$175) |
| Passenger capacity | Up to 6–8 passengers |
| Luggage capacity | Unlimited (within reason) |
| Advance booking | Strongly recommended |
Prices vary by operator, season, and number of passengers. Always confirm the total fare before boarding.
How to Book a Water Taxi
- Consorzio Motoscafi Venezia: Official booking site →
- Venezia Taxi: Book online →
- Hotel concierge: Most hotels in Burano and Venice can arrange a water taxi with fixed pricing.
- Ride-hailing apps: Some local apps (e.g., Gondola.help) offer real-time water taxi booking.
Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| Fastest point-to-point (35–45 min) | Expensive: €100+ one-way |
| No transfers or waiting for schedules | Price fluctuates with demand and time |
| 24/7 availability | Not all operators are equal — check reviews |
| Excellent for groups (cost per person can be reasonable) | Can be rough in bad weather |
When to Choose a Water Taxi
- Early flights: Before public transport starts (~6:00 AM first departures).
- Late arrivals: After 11:00 PM when ACTV and Alilaguna stop.
- Heavy luggage: If you have 3+ large suitcases.
- Limited mobility: No stairs or long walks required.
- Groups of 4+: Splitting the fare brings per-person cost close to public transport.
4. Private Water Transfer — Premium Comfort
A private water transfer sits one tier above a standard water taxi. These services offer luxury boats, uniformed drivers, meet-and-greet at the jetty, and often include luggage assistance, complimentary water, and flexible scheduling. They are ideal for VIP travelers, honeymooners, and anyone wanting a stress-free start to their journey.
What You Get
| Service Feature | Typical Offering |
|---|---|
| Boat type | Latest-model Riva, Axopar, or similar luxury vessel |
| Driver assistance | Full luggage handling + airport check-in guidance |
| Onboard amenities | Water, soft drinks, Wi-Fi (on selected boats) |
| Cancellation policy | Free cancellation up to 24–48 hours |
| Meet & greet | Driver waits at the Burano jetty with a name sign |
Pricing
Typical range: €150–€200 ($164–$218) for up to 4 passengers. Larger boats for groups of 6–8 can cost €200–€300. This is not a budget option — it is a premium door-to-door experience.
Reputable Providers
- Venice Water Taxi — venicewatertaxi.com →
- Luxury Venice Transfers — luxuryvenicetransfers.com →
- Shared Dreams Boat Service — sharedreams.it →
Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| Highest comfort and service level | Very expensive — not for most travelers |
| Completely private and flexible | Overkill for a short lagoon crossing |
| Luggage handled from door to check-in | Requires advance booking (24h+) |
| Memorable start/end to a Venice trip | Limited availability in peak season |
Who Should Book This?
Travelers celebrating a special occasion, business travelers, families with young children or heavy luggage, and anyone for whom time is more valuable than money. Not recommended for solo budget travelers.
5. Cost & Time Comparison — All Options at a Glance
Use this table to quickly compare every route from Burano to Marco Polo Airport:
| Option | Total Time | Cost (€) | Cost (USD ~) | Transfers | Best For | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🐟 Water Bus + ACTV Bus (Best overall) |
1h 20min – 1h 40min | €15 – €20 | $16 – $22 | 1 (water → land) | Budget travelers, solo, couples | Every 20–30 min |
| 🚤 Water Bus + Alilaguna (All-water) |
1h 30min – 2h 00min | €22 – €25 | $24 – $27 | 1 (water → water) | Scenic lovers, no-bus preference | Every 30–60 min |
| 🚕 Standard Water Taxi (Fastest) |
35 – 45 min | €100 – €150 | $109 – $164 | 0 (direct) | Groups, early/late flights, heavy luggage | On demand |
| 👑 Private Water Transfer (Luxury) |
35 – 45 min | €150 – €200 | $164 – $218 | 0 (direct + VIP service) | VIPs, honeymooners, business | By booking |
🏆 Best value: Water Bus + ACTV Bus (€15–€20). 🏆 Fastest: Water Taxi (35–45 min). 🏆 Cheapest: Water Bus + ACTV Bus with a single 75-min ticket if you can make the timing work (€7.50).
6. Travel Tips & Practical Advice — From Experience
⏰ Timing Your Departure
- For a flight departing before 10:00 AM: Leave Burano by 6:30 AM at the latest. The first Line 12 water bus from Burano departs around 6:10 AM, arriving Fondamente Nove ~7:00 AM. Then catch the 7:15 AM bus to reach the airport by 7:45 AM — giving you 2+ hours before a 10:00 AM flight.
- For flights after 10:00 AM: A departure from Burano at 7:30–8:00 AM is comfortable.
- Red-eye / very early flights (before 7:00 AM): Public transport does not run early enough. You must take a water taxi (€100+) or stay near the airport the night before.
🧳 Luggage Advice
- Water bus luggage limit: ACTV vaporettos do not have a strict weight limit, but space is tight. Keep your bag at your feet and avoid blocking aisles.
- Alilaguna is more luggage-friendly: Dedicated luggage racks on some boats.
- Water taxi / private transfer: No luggage limits — bring everything you have.
- 💡 Tip: If you have very heavy luggage and are on the budget route, consider using a porter service (e.g., Luggage Storage Venice offers airport delivery from Burano for around €30–€50) — a middle-ground solution.
🎫 Ticketing & Passes
- Venezia Unica Card: This prepaid card gives you access to ACTV transport with a discounted per-ride rate (about €5.50 per ride instead of €7.50). Buy online at Venezia Unica →
- ACTV 24h / 48h / 72h tickets: If you're also exploring Venice on the same day, these passes pay for themselves.
- Alilaguna tickets: Cannot be used on ACTV and vice versa. They are separate systems.
- Water taxi payment: Most operators accept credit cards, but confirm in advance. Some require cash for smaller boats.
🌦️ Seasonal Factors
- Spring & Autumn (Mar–May, Sep–Oct): Best travel conditions. Fewer crowds, mild weather.
- Summer (Jun–Aug): Peak crowds. Water buses can be packed. Allow extra 15–20 minutes for queues.
- Winter (Nov–Feb): Fewer tourists, but acqua alta (high tide) can disrupt water-bus schedules. Check tide forecasts.
- Fog: In winter, dense fog can delay water buses and water taxis by 10–30 minutes. Factor this into your timeline.
♿ Accessibility
- ACTV water buses: Step-free boarding at some jetties, but not all. Burano jetty has a ramp; Fondamente Nove has stairs at some landings. Not fully wheelchair-accessible on all routes.
- Alilaguna: Some boats have wheelchair-accessible boarding — request assistance when booking.
- Water taxi: Most can accommodate wheelchairs with advance notice. Always call ahead.
- Airport bus (Line 5): Low-floor buses with ramp access.
📱 Useful Apps & Websites
- ACTV app — Real-time water-bus & bus schedules, ticket purchase. ACTV →
- Alilaguna app — Book Alilaguna tickets and see live departures.
- Venice Airport (VCE) official site — Flight status, transport info. VCE Airport →
- Google Maps — Reliable for water-bus routes and bus stops (set "transit" mode).
FAQs: Your Questions About Getting from Burano to Marco Polo Airport
1. Is there a direct boat from Burano to Marco Polo Airport?
No. There is no direct water bus or direct ferry from Burano to Marco Polo Airport. You must travel via Fondamente Nove in Venice (or via Murano) and then transfer to either an airport bus (ACTV Line 5.1/5.2) or the Alilaguna Blue Line water bus. The only direct option is a water taxi or private water transfer, which goes straight from Burano to the airport jetty.
2. How much does a water taxi from Burano to Marco Polo Airport cost?
A standard water taxi from Burano to Marco Polo Airport costs €100–€150 ($109–$164) during the day, and €130–€160 ($142–$175) at night (after 9:00 PM). Prices depend on the operator, boat size, and number of passengers. Always confirm the total fare before boarding. For a group of 4–6 people, a water taxi can cost as little as €25–€30 per person — competitive with public transport when split.
3. How long does it take to get from Burano to Marco Polo Airport?
It depends on the mode of transport:
- Water bus + airport bus: 1 hour 20 minutes – 1 hour 40 minutes
- Water bus + Alilaguna: 1 hour 30 minutes – 2 hours
- Water taxi: 35–45 minutes
- Private water transfer: 35–45 minutes
Always add 20–30 minutes of buffer time for waiting, queues, and unexpected delays.
4. What is the cheapest way to get from Burano to Marco Polo Airport?
The cheapest option is the ACTV water bus (Line 12) + ACTV bus (Line 5.1/5.2) using a single 75-minute ACTV ticket (€7.50 / $8.20). However, the total journey often exceeds 75 minutes, so you may need a second ticket (another €7.50). To avoid stress, use a 24-hour ACTV ticket (€21.00) — which offers unlimited rides and also covers any additional Venice travel that day.
5. Can I use the same ACTV vaporetto ticket for the airport bus?
Yes — ACTV tickets are integrated across water buses and land buses (including airport Line 5.1/5.2). A single 75-minute ticket covers both modes as long as you validate on the first vehicle and complete your journey within 75 minutes. Because the trip from Burano to the airport often takes 80–100 minutes, a 75-minute ticket may not be enough. A 24-hour ACTV ticket (€21) is a safer and more flexible choice.
6. Is the water taxi worth it for the Burano → airport route?
It depends on your priorities. A water taxi is worth it if:
- You have a very early (before 7:00 AM) or late (after 10:30 PM) flight
- You are traveling in a group of 4+ (cost per person drops to €25–€38)
- You have heavy or bulky luggage
- You have limited mobility or need step-free access
- You value time savings of 45–60 minutes compared to public transport
If none of these apply, the public transport route offers similar reliability at a fraction of the cost.
7. How early should I leave Burano for a flight from Marco Polo Airport?
As a rule of thumb, aim to arrive at the airport 2 hours before your flight (3 hours for international/long-haul). Working backward:
- Public transport: Leave Burano 2 hours 45 minutes – 3 hours before departure.
- Water taxi: Leave Burano 1 hour 15 minutes – 1 hour 30 minutes before departure.
Example: For a 10:00 AM flight by public transport, leave Burano by 7:00 AM. For a water taxi, leave by 8:30 AM.
8. What is the best option from Burano to Marco Polo Airport with heavy luggage?
If you have 2+ large suitcases or limited mobility, the water taxi (€100–€150) or private water transfer (€150–€200) is the most comfortable — your luggage is handled from the jetty to the check-in counter. For a budget-friendly alternative, use the Alilaguna water bus (€15 from Fondamente Nove) which has dedicated luggage space, combined with the ACTV Line 12. Avoid the ACTV bus (Line 5) with heavy luggage as space is limited.