Venice to Padua, bus or train?

Well you could go fast and cheap (train) or slow and cheap (bus).

I'd train. YMMV

I go to Venezia every two years, it's never occurred to me to take a bus to Padova. Trains are frequent, fast and cheap.

There are Regionale Veloce trains at 12 and 42 past the hour that get you there in 26 minutes for 4.05 euro.
Also there are slow Regionale trains that do it in 50 minutes for the same price once or twice an hour.
Don't even bother with the high speed trains that do it in 26 minutes for a lot more money.

Last year, I took the bus from Venice airport to Padua (most direct option), then chose the bus again from Padua to Venice proper, since I had already experienced it and happened to be on time for the bus departure. It worked great, but was really more of an experiment for me. I normally choose trains unless a bus has a clear schedule benefit.

Thanks, everyone...we've taken the bus from the airport to Padua, but thought the train might be fun this time.

If you have the time, the boat would be fun, though pricey.

cathy,

My choice would be the fastest option, in order to maximize touring time. That would be train. As I recall, it's only a very short trip.