Train Ticket Questions

When I bought tickets and printed them from home, they had a code on them and the conductor was able to scan the code - so that's how it worked for me. Maybe some more frequent train travelers can comment here.

Look at your ticket print out for the specific date/time. You don't need to validate if you're purchasing a specific time - similar to a plane ticket is for a specific plane. If you purchased a generic ticket with no specific train date/time, similar to a Metro ticket, then you need to validate in the machines before boarding.

You'll just walk into the train station, check the electronic reader board for your Train number, and go to the associated Platform. The train cars are numbered, so you can see which number to board. Sometimes there's a posted picture at the platform showing which train car number is usually on the far left vs. the far right. Either way, if it's a tight connection just get on the train, and you can walk to the correct train car number and sit in the seat number on your reservation.

All of this is an easy process. Just arrive at least 15 minutes early, so you can get acclimated to the process.

If you have a smart phone, you don't have to print the ticket, just show the conductor the PDF. You don't need to validate your paper ticket if you are using one. All cars are clearly marked with a 1 or 2 designating which class they are.

Also, if your ticket doesn't have an assigned seat number and just shows 2nd class, then you'll notice for 1st class, it's located either as the first train car(s) or the last. Select a seat in the other cars which are 2nd class.

The ticket is for a specific day/time. I read so many times about how important it is to validate a ticket here, I needed the confirmation/ reassurance that in this instance it isn't necessary. Thank you!

The ONLY ticket in Italy that needs to be validated is a Regionale train and some special trains like the Leonardo Express from the airport. Another test - if you do not have an assigned seat then it has to be validated.

gac,

If you bought the tickets online, you shouldn't have any problems just boarding the train. If the train is an Intercity or Freccia, you'll have assigned coach no. (Carrozza) and seat no's. (Posti), so all you'll need is the PNR code. If the train is a Regionale, the ticket will be pre-validated and can be used within four hours of the scheduled departure time. It would help to know the train number of the train you plan on using.

If in doubt, ask the Conductor when you're boarding the train.

All tickets bought on-line are already validated. There are two choices of train service available to Orvieto from Rome. Intercity, which has assigned seating, for a specific train (date/time) and has first and second class carriages. The other is a regional train, which has no assigned seats and only has 2nd class carriages available.

You must use an on-line regional train ticket within four hours that you selected when you bought the ticket.

No need to show ID, I have bought many tickets on-line and have never had to produce ID. Having a print out of the email attachment with the code is nice to have as backup in case your electronic device is not working.

Orvieto is lovely! have a wonderful time!

It doesn't make sense that tickets bought online need to be validated-- a person could print multiple copies.

Only unreserved seat tickets printed on train company paper stock require validation.

The ticket is for Regionale Veloce. It leaves the Termini Station at 1pm tomorrow (Monday).

Husband has been sick for last 24 hours...there goes the Walks of Italy guided tour of the Borghese today. 😔 Hoping/praying/crossing fingers he gets better soon and is able to travel by tomorrow.

I hope your dear husband feels better soon.

There's no need to validate any tickets purchased online, including Regionale train tickets.

gac,

Sorry to hear about your husband's illness. Hopefully he recovers soon! I can absolutely relate to experiencing medical problems in Italy!

Thanks for the clarification on the train you'll be using. Your ticket for the "fast Regionale" will be pre-validated, and you shouldn't have any trouble with it. With a Regionale train there are no reserved seats so all you'll have to do is look for a Coach with has a large number "2" on the side. That will be the second class coach. You can sit anywhere there's an open seat (I'd suggest on the left when facing forward).