I will be flying back to the US out of Marco Polo airport in Venice with a departure of 12:10pm. I'm staying at the Hotel Casa del Pellegrino in Padova. What time do you suggest I leave Padova to ensure I get to the airport in time? What time should I get there?
As always....thank you!
The train doesn't go directly to the airport, so you will have to take a bus or taxi to the airport at the end, perhaps from Mestre train station. Could be easier to get a direct shuttle from your hotel in Padova to the airport.
I think most people would recommend arriving three hours early, maybe slightly less if you aren't checking luggage.
There is a direct bus (#15) from Padova to Marco Polo (aka Tessera Aeroporto), leaving from the bus station near the railway station, taking around 1 hour. In the mornings it has half-hourly departures (at .25 and .55). The 8.25 gets you at the airport at 9.30, which should be early enough, but better check it at the bus office to be sure.
Added:
Having stayed myself at the Casa del Pellegrino I know it's quite a walk to the station. They'll be glad to order you a taxi.
When we were there last year, we took a bus from Marco Polo to Padova. I'm assuming it runs the other way as well. That would keep you from having to change from the train to a local bus.
Edit to add:
Oops, Ton beat me to it, and with better information.
In that sort of situation I would always plan to take the bus prior to the one that would get me to the airport on time. I might leave even earlier. The penalty for missing a transatlantic flight is very painful.
