Greetings,
I have received the PDF tickets for everything I've booked through Trenitalia. I am not sure if ticket verification happens prior to boarding, or on the train itself. When I arrive at the train station, do I just board the train directly, or do I need to check in or have the ticket scanned in advance?
The ticket does say "Please show your PNR code to the on-board staff." I'm guessing that's what is printed here on the ticket (the image), but want to be sure.
Thank you in advance!
All you need to do is print the PDF and take it with you or have it sent to your Smartphone. When the conductor comes around just show him the printed document containing the PNR code or the document on your Smartphone. You do not need to validate anything because this is already done when you buy online. Simply go to the station, find your train/car/seat and relax.
As a rule, we always print the document just to have a hardcopy.
Buon viaggio,
RB has you on the right track, especially with the advice of a back-up copy. Also, there's no specific amount of time that you need to allow to navigate the train station. After the first trip, you're likely to be returning through stations that you already saw on the way in, so you'll know their layouts.
Great! I do have paper copies printed already (just in case).
Thank you very much for your quick replies.
The previous answers are correct. Just remember if you happen to purchase a ticket for a day trip, etc. to validate it before boarding the train. If the ticket doesn't have an assigned seat listed on it, always validate! And enjoy your trip to Italy!
Can someone clarify the validation for day trips? Is this done at the machine, and would it only be for tickets purchased there at the station?
You only need to validate Regional or Intercity train tickets that you purchase at the train station.
Once you validate the ticket, it's good for 6 hours. If you forget to validate, you may incur hefty fines on the spot.
If you purchase high speed (freccia) train tickets at the station, you do not need to validate.
Thanks. I googled it and it looks like for these tickets I'll be looking for a green and white validation machine.
Where will you be traveling?
Be aware that sometimes the validating machines do not work so you have to find another.
I always validated our tickets a few minutes before our departure so I wouldn't forget.
Milan - Verona - Venice - Florence - Sorrento - Rome. For most legs, I already have my tickets from Trenitalia, with an assigned seat. I think the day-of tickets will only be applicable for me if I take a trip from Florence to Lucca... and probably from Naples to Sorrento, too (if the Circumvesuviana requires validation, which I assume it does based on this information).
The validation machines look like this: Trenitalia Validation. If there's a subterranean tunnel connecting the various tracks, you'll likely find them in the tunnel. (They used to be up on the platforms, but no more.)
Very helpful Michael, thank you. That would not have been what I was looking for!
It sounds like you are all set for your trip!
I seem to remember that some of the train stations still had the "old" yellow validating machines.
Safe travels!
My rule of thumb is that if the ticket fits in the validation machine (printed tickets will not), validate it. Check the top of the ticket for "Convalidare", which means you must validate the ticket.
Thanks again, Macy. :)
Is anyone familiar with the tram/bus system in Milan? In Amsterdam, I recall purchasing my ticket right on the tram, but from what I'm reading it appears that in Milan (and perhaps elsewhere in Italy) I will also be purchasing and validating a ticket before boarding. Does that sound accurate as of 2014?
Hi Stacy,
If you will be in Milan for more than a day, you may want to buy the 2-day pass & save $.
If you buy the one day or 2-day pass, you need to validate it the
first time you use it.
Here is a thread you may want to read: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/milan-bus-pass
Safe travels!
Thanks so much! Hopefully they run late, since my Germany-Italy flight was cancelled, and I'll now be going through Portugal and not arriving in Milan until around 11pm. Either way, I will figure it out since the Malpensa Express does seem to run into the early morning.
This board is such a nice resource. Thanks again to everyone who helped me out. :)
Stacy,
Check this web-site here for planning your journey in Milan.
Hope this helps :)
Enjoy your trip!!!
Stacy,
Just a thought...
Since you will be arriving at such a late hour (& probably exhausted from the long trip), it may be easier & more convenient to take a taxi to your hotel from Milano Centrale.
Safe travels!
My airbnb host suggested that, too. Are you concerned about safety at that hour, or just convenience?
Taking a taxi to your hotel would depend on where your hotel is: if it is near the train station, for example Hotel Garda or Berna, it would be within a few minutes' walk. Lots of foot traffic on the street until late, I've dragged my suitcase to my hotel (Garda) many times late at night, no worries.
Ticket validation is easily understood, Rick explains it well, but also go to http://www.roninrome.com/transportation/train-travel-italy as he has lots of pictures and some great info about train travel.
In addition to this check youtube there are dozens of videos about train travel tips in Italy and you get to watch someone actually validate a ticket - it is simple - you just have to remember to do it for regional trains.
Zoe's advise is sound since she has visited Milan numerous times & she is a very savvy traveler.
I have only traveled to Milan with my elderly mother & we often return to the hotel early in the evening mainly because
she feels tired. The few times that we've been out late, we felt safe because others were out & about as well.
