Fastest way from Venice to Padua: Train (Trenitalia / Italo), about 0h 13min (from €12). Cheapest: Bus, from €3 (about 0h 25min – 0h 45min). Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on October 27, 2026): GoOpti, NTV, FlixBus; main departure point: Venice Port Bus Station.
There are 2 ways to get from Venice to Padua
Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.
Companies selling this route on 12Go
Offers listed on 12Go on October 27, 2026 for a departure on November 17, 2026. Timetables and prices change with the date: check them before booking.
| Company | Mode | Departs from | From | Offers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NTV | Train | Venice Santa Lucia | €12 | 33 |
| FlixBus | Bus | Tronchetto Railway Station | €3 | 23 |
| Itabus | Bus | Tronchetto Railway Station | €4 | 3 |
| GoOpti | Bus | Venice Port Bus Station | €55 | 94 |
Activate an eSIM before you go: internet the moment you land, no SIM to swap, zero roaming fees.
Practical tips
Venezia Santa Lucia is on the island, Venezia Mestre on the mainland. Look at the departure station on your ticket before leaving your accommodation, so you do not end up at the wrong station with a missed departure.
On a short route like this, the train fare is low and you rarely need to rush. Compare the options in the table first, and avoid buying the first ticket you see at the station machine without checking alternatives.
If your ticket is for a regional train without a fixed time, validate it at the platform machine before boarding. An unvalidated ticket can lead to a fine, even if you paid for the journey.
The train is usually the most straightforward choice: frequent departures, central stations and no road traffic. Keep the bus for a departure that fits your schedule or your budget particularly well.
If you choose the bus, check the exact boarding point in your booking confirmation. Stops can differ from the railway stations, and a quick look at the map beforehand saves stress on the day.
The journey experience
Venice to Padua is one of the easiest hops in northern Italy, and you can work out the best option in seconds. Both cities sit on the main Veneto rail corridor, so the choice is really between a frequent train and a bus that suits particular situations. The comparison table on this page shows durations, price ranges and frequency side by side.
The train is the default for most independent travellers. Trenitalia runs frequent regional and faster services on this line, and Italo also serves the corridor on some trains. You get comfortable seats, luggage racks, space to move around and a ride that ends right in the centre of Padua. Buses can work out cheaper on some departures and may suit you if a schedule lines up with your plans, but they are exposed to road traffic around Mestre and the mainland approaches.
My advice: check which Venice station you leave from. Venezia Santa Lucia is on the island and is the most convenient for sightseers, while Venezia Mestre is on the mainland and is useful if you are staying outside the historic centre. Both can get you to Padua, but arriving at the wrong one can cost you time and a connection. Book ahead when you can, compare the options in the table, and you can travel with confidence.
Frequently asked questions — Venice → Padua
The train is the faster option, at around 15 minutes. The bus takes between 25 and 45 minutes depending on the departure and traffic. For most travellers, the train is the clear choice for speed and reliability, since it avoids road congestion around Mestre.
The train starts from €12, with typical fares up to €13. The bus starts from €3, with typical fares up to €64 depending on the departure and when you book. Prices vary, so compare the options in the table on this page before booking your ticket.
For most independent travellers, the train is the best choice: it takes around 15 minutes, leaves from central stations and runs frequently. The bus, at 25 to 45 minutes, can be a good alternative if a departure suits your plans or the fare is particularly low.
Trains to Padua leave from Venezia Santa Lucia, on the island, which is the most convenient for visitors staying in the historic centre. Venezia Mestre, on the mainland, is another option if you are staying outside the centre. Always check the departure station on your ticket.
Booking ahead is not essential on this short route, as the train starts from €12 and typical fares reach only €13. Still, booking online gives you instant confirmation and saves queuing at the station, which is useful in busy periods or with luggage.
Why visit Padua?
- ✓ Admire Giotto's frescoes in the Scrovegni Chapel, a UNESCO World Heritage masterpiece of early Renaissance art
- ✓ Visit the Basilica of Saint Anthony, a major pilgrimage site topped with domes and rich in Donatello sculptures
- ✓ Wander the daily markets around Piazza delle Erbe and Piazza della Frutta, under the Palazzo della Ragione
- ✓ Stroll through Prato della Valle, one of Europe's largest squares, ringed by a canal and 78 statues
- ✓ Explore the Orto Botanico, the world's oldest university botanical garden, and the historic University of Padua with its anatomical theatre
When to visit Padua?
HUMID SUBTROPICAL CLIMATE
April to June and September to October — mild temperatures, pleasant light, and fewer crowds than in the peak summer heat.
What to do in Padua?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit Padua?
Allow 1 to 2 days in Padua. One day covers the essentials: the Scrovegni Chapel (book your slot well in advance), the Basilica of Saint Anthony, Prato della Valle and the Palazzo della Ragione markets. A second day lets you add the Botanical Garden, the Palazzo del Bo university and a slow aperitivo around Piazza delle Erbe. Padua also works well as a base for day trips to Venice (25 min by train), Vicenza or the Euganean Hills.
Related searches