I will be buying a regional ticket on line for Milan to Varenna and wondered if I could use the ticket on different trains on a given day. For example, if I buy a ticket for the 14:20 train, can I use the ticket for any train between 14:20 and 18:20 as long as it is on the same day and from Milan to Varenna? The Trenitalia website noted the following: Ticket reference, thet begin within 4 hours from the departure of the train indicated on the receipt / ticket. Change Ticket, change reservation and refunds are not allowed.
Given the above, it looks like I can but wondered if anyone has had a problem doing so. Thanks.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16235 posts
Why can't you buy when you get there at the station? I see no reason for buying regional train tickets in advance. The price is the same and reservations aren't necessary. Just validate your ticket before boarding, get on board and sit down. Regionale trains are nothing but suburban commuter trains. Buying a Regionale ticket online in advance is equivalent to buying a ticket in advance online for the L train to the Chicago Loop.
Posted by
OP
Southwest, Florida
325 posts
That's a fair point as long as there isn't a long line to purchase tickets. I've never been to Milan so I don't know what to expect in terms of lines for manned ticket counters or machines.
Posted by
Minneapolis
1277 posts
Hi Tom. Suggest you wait and buy ticket in Italy. You don't have to buy it in Milan or on day of travel - buy at any station in Italy at your convenience; it's good for 60 days. Then just validate (stamp) it in the machine in Milan trackside before you board. Enjoy your trip!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32402 posts
Tom, Buying a ticket for a particular time (ie: 14:20) is not the most important factor. The ticket will be effective for a specific time based on the time you validated it. If I remember correctly, the period of validity varies according to the distance of the route, with perhaps 4 hours allowed on shorter routes and 6 hours allowed on longer routes (my memory is a bit foggy on the details, so I'd have to check that). It probably wouldn't be a good idea to validate a ticket at 14:20 and then board the 18:20 train on a short route, as by the time your ticket was checked, the validity period of the ticket may be over. Cheers!