I am planning a trip to Italy this Nov. Considering traveling from Florence to Padua spending several hours in Ferrara before going to Padua. Since Rick's book does not touch on Ferrara, I would like to get some suggestion on the following questions.
1. I have no way to gauge how much time I should budget and how I should prioritize my time in Ferrara. I know all the attractions but I am sure I won't be able to see all of them in one day, please suggest what's worth seeing.
2. I checked the DB Bahn site for train ticket, I can buy a ticket from Florence to Padua with several hours of transfer to allow sight seeing, does that mean I can buy one ticket and use the same ticket for the specific train traveling to Padua?
3. Is there luggage storage facility in or near the train station.
4. The train station is not walking distance, what is the best way to get to the town center? I am not sure if I feel comfortable taking taxi as I heard many travelers had bad experience with taxi drivers.
Happy Travel
Posted by
Green Bay
20238 posts
Here is a recent thread on Ferrara with some views of people who have been there, all positive I believe.
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/transport-in-ferrara
Generally the best would be a single ticket from Florence to Ferrara, then a separate ticket Ferrara to Padua.
There is a Regionale Veloce train every hour at 51 past the hour, to Padua and takes 58 minutes (most times). It costs 6.50 EUR 2nd class or 9.75 1st class, is nonreserved so you can buy a ticket at the station when you want to go. Last train is at 9:51 pm, although there is a later Freccia train for more money.Don't know.
There is a scheduled bus from the train station to the center of town. If you can store your bags, it is apparently an easy walk.
Edit - RE luggage storage, probably not, but suggest you email Ferrara Tourist Bureau and they may have solutions. [email protected]
I don't know about Italy, but I was able to leave my bags at the tourist bureau in Triberg, Germany last year.
Posted by
California 🦋
5226 posts
Phil,
Just wondering.... Have you considered visiting Ravenna?
If you have time, I'd recommend staying 1-2 nights in Ravenna, then you can stop in Ferrara (for a few hours) en route to Padua.
We actually traveled in reverse; Padua >> Ravenna (overnight), & had considered stopping in Ferrara, but my mom was too tired, so we skipped it. I'd like to go back some time & spend more time in Ravenna & visit Ferrara ;-)
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
Ferrara is a wonderful place, I think it's worth an overnight, but you do what you can.
I always walk from the train station to my hotel in the historic center (near the Duomo), it's fifteen minutes at most. You can be at the Castello in a few minutes less time.
Great food, atmosphere, people.
Posted by
Columbus, OH, USA
2026 posts
We spent only a day but enjoyed it. I would have thought the walk from the train station to the historical center was longer but maybe my feet weren't warmed up yet that morning. At any rate it is doable, a straight shot down a major street as I recall. The Tourist office (in the Castello?) had lots of information and were friendly and helpful. We used their packets for self guided walking tours..they provide several choices depending upon area of interest. We found the medieval area especially interesting. There is a long Jewish historical presence in Ferrara if that is of interest. And if you can add Ravenna I would. Have a great trip.