Hello everyone-
My husband and I are looking forward to the Rick Steves Village Italy tour this Spring. We've finalized all of our pre- and post-tour activities, except for the actual train tickets at the front and back end of the tour, and would like your advice. The tour begins in Padua, and we're going a few days early and staying in Venice. The morning that the tour starts, we just need to take the train from Venice to Padua. Our working assumption is that it should not be an issue to walk up and buy 2 tickets that morning (it will be a Monday, if that makes a difference). Would you recommend booking ahead instead?
On the back end, the tour ends in Lake Orta, and we are spending some time in Milan afterwards. We chose a hotel that is very close to the Cadorna train station. Our flight leaves at 9 am, so we will need to be on a fairly early Malpensa Express. Again, we had thought to walk up the morning of, but are we better off pre-booking?
I appreciate everyone's advice! This is our fifth RS Tour and we couldn't be more excited!
Best,
Peggy
Posted by
Spokane, WA
469 posts
Correct on the Venice to Padua train. Just get your tickets at the station the morning you are leaving. It is a quick ride to Padua.
Posted by
California 🦋
5202 posts
Peggy,
I usually buy my Malpensa Express tickets (at least) the day before I plan to go to the airport. I also like to check the train station so I know exactly which platform I need to go to the following morning (usually platform 1 or 2)
The Malpensa Express train runs every 30 minutes. You can check train schedules here: Trenord.it
Have a wonderful trip!
Edited to add:
Your departure station will be “Milano Cadorna”
For Venice to Padua you'll need to remember the Italian names for the respective stations:
- Venice = Venezia Santa Lucia
- Padua = Padova (same as city)
You can check train schedules here: Trenitalia.com
There are several trains running this route, but the most economical (and as fast as the freccias) is the Regionale Veloce train.
Don't forget to validate your Regionale and Malpensa Express tickets before boarding the train to avoid hefty fines!