Padova Transportation

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if you dont have long in Padova, if you would like an overview of the city, or if like me you have sore feet then a tour on the open topped bus is nice to do on a sunny day
you can get off and see the sights and catch a later bus, or just sit and relax for 50 minutes as your bus winds its way through Padovas lovely buildings

there is a commentary [earphones are provided] in 7 languages which was a little confusing at times for us, but would have been clearer if we had picked up a leaflet before jumping on the bus

save your ticket as you will get a 10% discount on your next city sightseeing tour in many other cities around the world

Padova tours start from Basilica del Santo at 9.50am and run throughout the day with a break for lunch, check the website for more details
our tour cost 7euro each

Ma Kettle and I use public transport a lot, which includes local bus service, Trains, and Sita Bus services which travel from town to town.

For the most part, these modes of transportation are great throughout Italy. However today, I sat on a seat cushion on which some unfortunate soul had had an accident, and I ended up with a very powerful smell of urine on my jeans.

I'm hoping it occurred on the final leg of my journey...

Never again will I travel without a plastic bag which I will lay upon the cushion prior to sitting. This was the first time this has ever happened to me, but I shudder to think if it had happened on the start of a three or four day trek.

I have no need of a vehicle in Padova. Bus service is great, and my legs are even better. No need to pay for parking, no more Visa bills, no disappointment when the garage hasn't finished the oil change.

BUT, if I were to buy a car, I think either of the cars in the picture would be nifty...The Black and silver one is called a Smart Car, made by Mercedes, the Yellow one is an older version of a Fiat 500. These things sound like a sewing machine, but zip around just as easily.

Parking is a snap, so often, rather than parallel park, the driver goes nose first, and parks sideways. They are no longer than the width of a conventional vehicle.

It is very helpful to carry a map of the towns the trains pass through. Often, you are questioning if you are on the right train. You should ask fellow travellers, but if they don't understand you, they often smile and nod. (just like I do). You're not much further ahead unless you strike gold and they speak your language., but who says they know anymore than you. Finding a conductor is difficult, so you are on your own.

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.

Once you have gone through the stressful process of buying a train ticket, remember, you must validate it, or chance getting fined by the conductor.

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.

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The best site I have run across to date describing train travel in Italy, is the one I have indicated below. It will show you everything you need to know, from buying tickets, to chosing your mode of travel, to figuring out which car is 'second class', or how to deal with a person occupying your reserved seat. This site really is a gold mine.

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)

If you want to travel to Venice, Verona, or any other close destination (within 40 km's), go to the baggage storage area, and buy a ticket from the clerk who also can store your luggage for you. You miss the long lines, and tickets cost the same as from ticket agents or from the machines (and usually one or more are down for maintenance), and if you're returning the same day, buy a return ticket, it'll save you having to line up later. I believe this service is available at other train stations, and tickets could be purchased for their local area also. If in doubt, ask.
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.

These machines are great...when they are functional. First thing to look for, are signs taped to the machine advising of a malfunction. Second, not all machines accept credit cards, or conversely, will accept cash (often will not accept 50 euro bill, so carry smaller denominations). Look for the permanently attached notice affixed to the face of the machine. We have stood patiently in many lines, only to find the machine would not accept our payment method. LOOK FIRST.

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.