How to Get Around Padua: Info, Costs And Advice

Padua, situated in the heart of Veneto, Italy, is a treasure trove of art, culture, and history. This enchanting city is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the rich heritage of Italy.

Getting Around Padua: A Guide to Transportation Options

Navigating Padua is relatively easy, thanks to its well-organized public transportation system. Here are some of the most effective means of getting around the city:

Walking Around the City

Advertisement

Padua is a pedestrian-friendly city, with many of its historic streets and landmarks easily accessible on foot. Walking is an excellent way to explore the city’s charming architecture, quaint shops, and picturesque piazzas.

Public Transportation

Padova has a comprehensive network of urban buses that cover every corner of the city! The central point is Piazzale della Stazione, where you’ll find the Busitalia Veneto bus station, in addition to the train station. Service is active from morning till late at night.

Buses

A single ticket ride has a duration of 75 minutes and costs €1.30, if bought on board €2.00 (make sure to have enough money!). There’s also the possibility of buying a ten-ticket carnet for €12.00 (€1.20 per ride) or the weekly urban pass for €12.00.

Advertisement

Trams

Padova has only one tram line, always managed by BusItalia Veneto. This line is the SIR1, which consists of 25 stops and has as endpoints Capolinea Nord R and Capolinea Guizza R. Service operates generally from 5:30 am to 23:30 with some minor variations in case of festivals.

For the tickets, they are the same as those for buses: a single ticket ride has a duration of 75 minutes and costs €1.30, but it can’t be bought on board. There’s also the possibility of buying a ten-ticket carnet for €12.00 (€1.20 per ride) or the weekly urban pass for €12.00

Tourist Bus Hop-On-Hop-Off

The tourist bus hop-on-hop-off is an excellent option for those who want to see the main attractions without getting tired of walking. The ticket has a validity of 24 hours, during which you can get on and off the bus as many times as you like! Ideal for reaching quickly all the main attractions of the city (€15.00 per person)

Advertisement

Bicycles

In addition to normal public transport, Padova offers various services specifically designed for those who love moving by bike. Thanks to the Good Bike Padova service, you can use the bike-sharing system consisting of 25 stations and 250 bicycles. To use it, just sign up according to your needs. The service is always open 24/7 and doesn’t have any restrictions on routes

Not Recommended Solutions and Means of Transport

Car and taxi are not recommended solutions for navigating Padua. The city has several traffic-limited zones, making driving a stressful experience. Additionally, finding parking spaces in some areas can be challenging.

Recommended Solutions and Means of Transport

Advertisement

Walking, bus, tram, tourist bus hop-on-hop-off

City Card and Subscriptions Recommended

PadovaCard (from €18.00 – see details), weekly urban pass (from €12.00)

How to Arrive at Padua City Center from the Airport

The city does not have its own airport, but it is well connected to three major airports: Venice-Marco Polo, Treviso, and Verona, which operate daily flights both domestic and international.

Advertisement

Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE)

Venice Marco Polo Airport is the best solution as it’s the closest to Padua and most served by low-cost flights. From the airport, you can take a bus until the station of Venice Mestre (linea Venice Airport Bus Express, 19 min, €8.00 per trip) and then take the regional train to Padova (15 min, €3.60 per trip). There are also many taxi services with tariffs between €90.00 (daytime) and €95.00 (nighttime, 22:00-6:00).

Venice Treviso Airport (TSF)

Venice Treviso Airport is well connected to Padua. Once landed, you can take a bus directly from the airport to Padova of the MOM company (linea 101, 1 hour and 9 minutes, €4.90). Alternatively, you can take a bus until Mestre (linea Treviso Airport Bus Express, €8.00 per trip) and then take the regional train to Padova (15 min, €3.60 per trip).

Verona Airport (VRN)

Advertisement

Verona Airport is a valid alternative to reach Padua, since it’s served by various low-cost lines. Once landed, you can take the Airlink navetta (15 min, departure from 6:50, every 40 minutes until 20:10) that arrives at Verona station and from there you can take the regional train to Padova (58 min, combined ticket bus+trolley €13.60 per trip). Alternatively, you can use taxi services with tariffs between €150.00 (daytime) and €190.00 (nighttime, 22:00-6:00).

Walking Around the City

Padua is a perfect city to visit on foot! Most of the historic center is traffic-limited, so only authorized vehicles can access!

For your first approach with the city, we recommend taking part in one of the walking tours of Padova with local guides, which in about 2 hours will show you the must-sees of the historic center and provide practical advice for the rest of your visit.

How to Explore Padua’s Must-See Attractions

Advertisement

Here is a suggested itinerary for a day on foot that will take you around the main attractions:

• The Cappella degli Scrovegni: A masterpiece of medieval art, featuring frescoes by Giotto and Cimabue.
• Basilica di Sant’Antonio: A beautiful example of Gothic architecture, housing the remains of Saint Anthony.
• Prato della Valle: A stunning square surrounded by impressive buildings and picturesque streets.

Additional Tips for Navigating Padua

To make the most of your time in Padua, here are some additional tips:

• Buy a local SIM card or portable Wi-Fi hotspot to stay connected during your trip.
• Download maps and guides on your phone to help you navigate the city.
• Don’t forget to try some traditional Venetian cuisine, such as risotto al nero di seppia (risotto with cuttlefish ink) or fegato alla veneziana (Venetian-style liver and onions).

Padua is a treasure trove of art, culture, and history waiting to be explored. With its well-organized public transportation system, charming streets, and must-see attractions, this city is an ideal destination for anyone seeking to experience the best of Italy.

FAQs

Q: How do I get from Venice Marco Polo Airport to Padua?
A: You can take a bus until the station of Venice Mestre (linea Venice Airport Bus Express, 19 min, €8.00 per trip) and then take the regional train to Padova (15 min, €3.60 per trip).

Q: Can I drive in Padua?
A: No, driving is not recommended due to several traffic-limited zones.

Advertisement

Q: Is there a bike-sharing system available in Padova?
A: Yes, Good Bike Padova offers a bike-sharing system consisting of 25 stations and 250 bicycles.

Q: What are the most popular tourist attractions in Padua?
A: The Cappella degli Scrovegni, Basilica di Sant’Antonio, and Prato della Valle are some of the must-see attractions in Padua.

Q: Is there a weekly urban pass available for public transport in Padova?
A: Yes, the weekly urban pass costs €12.00.

Q: Can I use my credit card to buy tickets on board buses and trams in Padova?
A: No, you need to have enough money with you.

Q: Is there a tourist information office in Padua where I can get help with navigation?
A: Yes, the Tourist Information Office is located at Via San Zanobi, 5.

Advertisement

DEAL 1

Journeys of a Lifetime, Second Edition: 500 of the World's Greatest Trips

• Featuring 120 new destinations, this best-selling inspirational travel guide reveals 500 celebrated...
• Completely revised and updated for its 10th anniversary
• Compiled from the favorite trips of National Geographic's legendary travel writers, this fully...

$20.00

View Product