How to get to Padova: complete transport guide

How to get to Padova by train

Padova is a key railway junction in northeast Italy, on the main Milan-Venice line. The station is in Piazzale Stazione, in the district leading to the historic Corso del Popolo, 15 minutes' walk from Piazza delle Erbe and the centre.

From Venezia Santa Lucia the journey takes just 25-30 minutes on very frequent regional trains (every 10-15 minutes) or 15 minutes by Freccia. From Milano Centrale about 2 hours 15 minutes by Frecciarossa. From Roma Termini about 3 hours 30 minutes by direct Frecciarossa (via Bologna). From Bologna about 1 hour 15 minutes by fast regional or 1 hour by Freccia. From Florence about 2 hours by Freccia via Bologna.

Practical tips

Padova is a stop for all Frecciarossa trains on the Milan-Venice route: very high frequency and great prices if booked early
From the station to the centre: take the tram (stop in front of the station) or walk 15 minutes along Corso del Popolo
The station has luggage storage, cafes and facilities
Very frequent regional trains to Vicenza (20 minutes), Verona (50 minutes), Treviso (30 minutes)

How to get to Padova by car

Padova sits at a major motorway junction:

From Venice: A4/E70 (37 km, 30 minutes) or Romea+ring road
From Milan: A4 east (230 km, about 2 hours 30 minutes)
From Bologna: A13 north (120 km, about 1 hour 20 minutes)
From Rome: A1 to Bologna, then A13 (490 km, about 4 hours 30 minutes)
From Verona: A4 east (90 km, about 50 minutes)
From Trieste: A4 west (200 km, about 1 hour 45 minutes)

Parking

**Padova Centro car park (former Boschetti)**: underground, very central near Prato della Valle (2.50 euro/hour)
**Rabin car park** (Via Sarpi): near the university area
**Park Tram North and South**: free park-and-ride with tram ticket to the centre (highly recommended!)
**Free parking** near the Fiera area and along western suburban roads
The ZTL covers the entire old town with cameras: do not enter. The tram serves the centre perfectly from the outskirts

How to get to Padova by plane

The airports near Padova are excellent:

**Venice Marco Polo** (40 km): main northeast hub with flights from around the world. From the airport direct SITA/Busitalia bus to Padova (50 minutes, 9 euros) or shuttle to Venice Mestre then train (50 minutes total)
**Treviso Canova** (55 km): Ryanair low-cost hub. Barzi Service shuttle direct to Padova (1 hour) or bus to Treviso and train
**Verona Catullo** (100 km): alternative for central European flights, then train in 50 minutes

The direct SITA bus from Venice airport to Padova is the simplest and most affordable solution.

How to get to Padova by bus

Bus connections to Padova:

**Busitalia Veneto**: comprehensive network from all Veneto (Abano Terme, Euganean Hills, Brenta Riviera)
**FlixBus**: direct connections from Rome, Naples, Florence, Milan and European cities
**Itabus**: daily Rome-Padova and Bologna-Padova
**SITA**: direct Venice airport-Padova line

The bus terminal is in Piazzale Boschetti, adjacent to the railway station.

Local transport in Padova

Padova has an efficient public transport system operated by Busitalia:

**Tram (SIR1)**: single line Pontevigodarzere-Guizza crossing the centre. Tito Livio stop = heart of the city (Piazza delle Erbe 2 minutes away). Frequency every 5-8 minutes
**Urban buses**: complete network reaching every district
**Bicycle**: Padova is flat and cycle-friendly, with extensive paths and GoodBike hire (daily pass)

The old town is compact and entirely pedestrianised in the main areas: from Piazza delle Erbe to Palazzo della Ragione (1 minute), from there to the Scrovegni Chapel (10 minutes), to Prato della Valle (15 minutes). Continuous porticoes shelter you from rain and sun along almost the entire route.

For the Euganean Hills and Abano Terme you need suburban buses (30 minutes) or a car.