Despite Padova being comparative close to Bologna, there are multiple options to consider when taking the train on this route; despite the fact all of the trains travel along the same 'classic' railway line between these two cities.
The variances in speed are due to the number of intermediate station calls made by each group of services.
If you're going to be booking tickets last minute at the station, the the typically best option is to hop on board the Regionale Veloce (RGV) trains.
They'll be (much) cheaper and the lack of the availability of seat reservations won't be a problem, as they commence their journeys in Bologna.
If you can book ahead and won't being committed to a specific departure, you can travel in style on the Frecce or Italo trains despite the lack of a high speed line on this route.
The cheapest advance tickets can be good value for money, though the Italo trains tend to be cheaper than Frecce trains.
1 x train per hour
Book early and save: No
Tickets will cost the same price if purchased at the station immediately before departure.
So if you will be buying tickets at the station just before departure these Regionale Veloce (RGV/RV) trains will be around 50% of the price of the faster Frecce and Italo trains.
However, if you can book at least a couple of days ahead and the departure times of the afternoon/evening Frecciabianca trains suit, they can be cheaper; and you will have a complimentary seat reservation on those trains
Rail pass users can take these trains and avoid the €10 rail pass reservation fee on the Frecce trains.
Ticket Provider | Approximate Cost | |
---|---|---|
Trenitalia | * |
If you want to make a spontaneous day trip by train from Bologna to Padua/Padova then taking these trains is the best option.
They'll be at least €7 cheaper than the alternative services and the journey time isn't much slower.
These Regionale Veloce (RV) trains also commence their journeys in Bologna, so despite reservations not being available, finding spare seats won't be a problem.
This is a scenically uninteresting journey across flat farm land, so having with you to watch or read is recommended.
Final Destination: Venezia or Trieste or Udine
Nearly all of these faster 'Frecce' services are non-stop between Bologna and Padova, it's why they are quicker than the alternative Frecciabianca and Regionale Veloce (RGV) services.
These trains now depart from the binari (platforms/tracks) in the AV station, even though there is no high speed line between Bologna and Padova/Padua.
So if you will be taking a taxi to Bologna Centrale, ask the driver to drop you there.
1 - 2 x trains per hour
Book early and save: Yes
Online bookings open: up to 6 months ahead of the travel date
The express train service between Bologna and Padova/Padua is provided by;
Booking ahead
Taking these trains on this route can be good value if you are able to book a couple of months in advance and are therefore able to obtain the cheapest possible price; and are happy to commit to taking a specific departure.
Tickets for the Trenitalia Frecce trains are placed on sale 4 months in advance, but the Italo train tickets are made available 5 months ahead.
Trenitalia does not sell tickets for the Italo trains and Italo does not sell tickets for the Frecce trains.
If you're booking no more than 4 months ahead and have no particular preference for the train that you will be taking, the price and departure times of the Frecce and Italo trains can be directly compared on Trainline or Omio; though look out for the fact that both of these services will charge a booking fee.
These Italo trains tend to be slightly cheaper than the Frecce trains on this route.
Ticket Provider | Approximate Cost | |
---|---|---|
Italia Rail | from €14.90 | |
Trenitalia | from €14.90 | |
Save A Train | from €14.90 | |
Omio | from €14.90 | |
Trainline | from €14.90 |
There are also two departures per day by Frecciabianca trains, they're slower than these Frecce trains, because they make more station calls, but they're also cheaper.
They typically depart daily from the main part of the station at 14:18 and 20:18.
Final Destination: Venezia or Trieste or Udine
These trains will make only one intermediate station call in either Ferrara or Rovigo
7 x trains per day
Online bookings open: around 3 months ahead of the travel date
Booking ahead
Taking these trains on this route can be good value if you are able to book a couple of months in advance and are therefore able to obtain the cheapest possible price; and are happy to commit to taking a specific departure.
Tickets for the Trenitalia Frecce trains are placed on sale 4 months in advance, but the Italo train tickets are made available 5 months ahead.
Trenitalia does not sell tickets for the Italo trains and Italo does not sell tickets for the Frecce trains.
If you're booking no more than 4 months ahead and have no particular preference for the train that you will be taking, the price and departure times of the Frecce and Italo trains can be directly compared on Trainline or Omio; though look out for the fact that both of these services will charge a booking fee.
Trains departing at different times can be cheaper than others leaving on the same day, so you may need to look through the day's departures to find the cheapest fares.
Ticket Provider | Approximate Cost | |
---|---|---|
Italo | * | |
Trainline | * | |
Omio | * |
These trains now depart from the binari (platforms/tracks) in the AV station, even though there is no high speed line between Bologna and Padova/Padua.
So if you will be taking a taxi to Bologna Centrale, ask the driver to drop you there.
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