| Tips for getting around Padova posted by real travelers and Padova locals. Padova Map |
 | Padova Transportation | Tips 1 - 10 of 45 |  |
 most efficient way to travel
in Italy... by mapakettle, 4 more photos
http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/trains/index.htm
I take no credit for this information. The author of that site (Alice Twain) has devoted great time and effort in collecting the tips as indicated. Many thanks Alice from our VT readers..., you will save us all a lot of confusion.
If you have found this tip to be of assistance to you, please send me an e-mail so I in turn may notify the author. She really deserves a lot of credit for compiling this wealth of information. ....Pa (mapakettle) Leave a Comment
|
 | |  |
Visiting Padova?
Read reviews about Padova Hotels
Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.
 touch screen...works great by mapakettle
The opening screen allows you to chose the language you will do the transaction in. Just 'touch' the flag of your choice. Follow the steps, but be aware that you will be offered various 'classes' of travel, one more expensive than the next. It is interesting to compare the prices, often there isn't too much of a difference.
You can play with the machine, and can go all the way with various transactions to get used to how it works, and you can 'escape' at the very end once it indicates the price.
Suggest you check the departures board prior to purchasing a ticket to find out when each train 'class' to your destination leaves. You may wish to purchase a more expensive ticket in order to depart earlier. Remember, if you decide to wait for a cheaper train, and then spend your idle time in the restaurant, then you may have defeated your purpose.
Don't let it deter you, take your time, and don't be intimidated by the long lines of people behind you. Leave a Comment Theme: Train
|
| | |
Departure times, and departure platforms tend to change, so check the 'arrivals/departures' board before heading out with luggage in tow. If you miss a connection due to a change in platforms, and even if the change occurred at the very last moment, tough tooty. The administration consider it your responsibility to keep yourself apprised of any and all changes.
The locals may hear announcements over the loudspeaker, but if you are Italian 'challenged', then announcements don't help much. On the lighter side, most announcements sound like Darth Vader anyway...
The binario is the 'gate' or 'platform' that the train is departing from. The boards are located overhead, both in the station itself, and on every platform.
When you arrive on the binario (platform), note that they are numbered, but each side (left/right) is different. Don't be careless. Also, as the train is arriving, check the other lit box indicating which train it is. Be aware that it may indicate the final destination of the train, rather than your destination. A map of train stations is invaluable to have. Leave a Comment Theme: Train
|
| | |
 check to make sure ticket
'was' validated... by mapakettle
If you purchase your ticket through a machine, there is a slot to insert your ticket into. Often, they do not work properly, so listen for the stamping mechanism in action, then check to see if an imprint was made on the end of the ticket.
If not, there are numerous validation machines spotted throughout the station. Look for yellow boxes situated before the doors on either side of the entrance leading to the platform. Failing that, don't despair, there is a machine located at the entrance to every binario along the underground tunnel.
Often the yellow boxes are on the platforms themselves, but not always. Don't count on it. Sometimes yes, sometimes no.
If you board the train, and realize you have forgotten to validate, search for the conductor. Find him, before he finds (and fines) you. Leave a Comment Theme: Train
|
| | |
 huge market on Saturday by mapakettle
We had no choice but to go in search of this ellusive money minder, but, to no avail. We found ourselves in unfamiliar territory, and having walked many miles already today, we decided to treat ourselves to a bus ride home. Well, we hopped on the first bus that came along. It was a #8, and knew it would take us back to the train station, and we could walk home from there. Problem was, we went the wrong way. Too confident, to tired to check. We just 'assumed'.
Another adventure begins. Ok, this isn't club hopping, but for our age, it is exciting. We travelled for miles, going the wrong way, and discovered neighbourhoods we didn't know existed. We saw restaurants we'd heard about, found portable beds (for our summer visitors) and spotted an English bookstore (we think, we're still discussing who is right in this matter), and the list goes on. We found the area we got lost in last November, late at night (another story), and saw 'why' we got lost. (I was right...)
All in all, a productive day for the 'kettles'.
As I said, not 'clubbing', but for us, almost like a trek through the Amazon Rain Forest. Remember, we were tired.... Leave a Comment Theme: Bus
|
| | |
Visiting Padova?
Read reviews about Padova Hotels
Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.
 I know, I know, this taxi is
from Verona !! by mapakettle
Upon arrival at Padova train station, line up outside at the designated pick-up, immediately in front of the main doors. Taxis drop off their fares at one end, and drive forward to where you are standing. Don't bother walking back to where the drop off area is, it won't help, plus you will get yelled at. We've seen it happen, and it warmed our hearts. Depending upon how busy they are, (as is natural of course), the system is orderly, efficient, and fairly quick.
ORDERING BY PHONE
When you order a taxi by phone, you first get a recording (in Italian), telling you to stay on the line, after a minute or two, a dispatcher (real person) comes on, says "Radio Taxi", and you have to be ready to give your pick-up point or address. Immediately you will be told how long before the taxi will arrive, and the car number, which is located above the front fender. It throws you at first, if you don't realize that your first contact is with a recorded message. Just stay on the line....
Taxis are exceptionally clean, and drivers courteous and helpful. Taxis are white in colour, come in all sizes, wagons, vans, cars, with the occasional Mercedes thrown in. Quite a treat. The drivers normally own their own cars. Leave a Comment
|
| | |
 you need more detail than this
however by mapakettle
Consult your map as you pass through stations. If you find yourself in unknown territory not shown on your map...start to worry, but just a little. Sit in the centre of the train if possible, so you can see the station signs which indicate the town you are arriving at. If you are near the end, you won't see the signs until you are leaving, which doesn't do you much good.
Don't despair, if you are on the wrong train, just get off at the next station, and return the way you came. Trains are so frequent, that isn't a big deal. If you've screwed up, so what, you've had an ADVENTURE. Another story to tell when you've returned home. Leave a Comment Theme: Train
|
| | |
 repairs are on going... by mapakettle
All machines display flags of origin, just like ATM machines do, select your language on the touch screen. Just follow the directions given, but be advised if you must 'spell' your destination, the touch screen is not very accurate. Check to see if the letter you touched actually was displayed. Speed does not work here. Take your time, and don't hesitate to look over your shoulder at a fellow traveller, and shrug, with a questioned look on your face. They are very willing to assist. (...they want you out of the way so they can purchase their own ticket)
I suggest you practice on a machine while waiting for your connection. You can do all the functions, up to the point of inserting payment, just to see how they work. Will save you time and anxiety the next time you need to make a last minute connection.
After your purchase, remember to validate your ticket. Also, check for change if you used cash. The machine is slow on giving it. Leave a Comment Theme: Train
|
| | |
 baggage storage (in Venice) by mapakettle
The customer service representative in Padova is very helpful....I can't remember his name, but will update when I can. (he speaks English)
As a point of interest, a pair of 'return' tickets to Verona from Padova cost 9.80 euro. These tickets are for the Regionale trains. If you have need to upgrade to Eurostar due to scheduling difficulties as Ma Kettle and I did last night (we missed our cheapy train), buying a suppliment from the conductor will cost an 'additional' 11.98 euro. Quite a difference in price.
The return trip was fast, and extremely comfortable, and this was only second class. First Class on Eurostar is an unnecessary expense, even for longer distances. Leave a Comment Theme: Train
|
| | |
 This is the #13 bus we take
every day . by mapakettle, 2 more photos
Buses don't necessarily stop at every bus stop, so stick your arm out, rather like pointing, when you see your bus approaching. You can board either at the front or at the rear. The middle doors are for exiting only. Take note before boarding of the route number of your bus (above windshield, and on the side)
Validate your ticket in the yellow/orange box found near front and rear doors by inserting the ticket in the slot. The machine will stamp your ticket with the current date and time. In Padova, the ticket is valid for 75 minutes, and you can get on and off at will.
Find your route number indicated on the map and follow with your finger so you'll have an idea where you are. When you see an interesting neighborhood, ring the bell beside each seat(orange, white, black, or red) and the sign above the middle exit door will flash. (if you don't hear the bell, look to see if the sign is flashing anyway, another person may already have depressed the button for their stop). Get off and explore.
You will find great restaurants, shopping, and wonderful people this way, because you're away from the tourist areas. Food is cheaper, as it is intended for local consumption. Be adventurous, you won't get lost, and if all else fails, simply cross the street and catch a bus returning the way you came, just watch for the route number.
To check for arrival times, look at the metal sign overhead to find your location, then find your location and arrival time on the printed schedule at the stop. Note the number in the little box, bottom right corner, and add that to the arrival time as indicated....that will give you a very close approximation. Buses are usually on time.
We have found most bus drivers to be very helpful. Leave a Comment Theme: Bus
|
| | |
|
More Padova Car Rental Deals Auto Rental
Save on All Major Brands at Expedia Get Our Best Rate Guarantee. NÜ Car Rentals Italy
Discount Car Rentals in Italy Best Prices on Cars, Vans and SUV's New/Used Autos-New Jersey
Simple Easy Fast & Friendly Receive a FREE 15 Min. Price Quote Sponsored Links - AC Padova
Via Prima Strada S/N near Viale Dell Industria, Padova - IFA Majestic Resort Spa & Golf Padova
Viale delle Terme 78-84, Padova - Hotel Autostrada
Via San Marco 5, Padova - Hotel Garibaldi
Via San Marco 63, Padova - NH Mantegna Padova
Via N Tommaseo 61, Padova - Plaza Hotel
Corso Milano 40, Padova - Majestic Toscanelli
Via dell'Arco, 2, Padova - Best Western Hotel Biri
Via A Grassi #2, Padova - Hotel Galileo Padova
via Venezia 30, Padova - Grand Italia
Corso del Popolo 81, Padova - Al Giardinetto
Prato della Valle, 54, Padova - Hotel Alla Fiera
Via Ugo Bassi 20, Padova - Cittadella
Via Monte Pertica, 3 Cittadella, Padova - Sheraton Padova Hotel
Corso Argentina, 5, Padova - Monaco
Piazzale Stazione 3, Padova
|
