We just found out that the train station we are departing from today is unstaffed-how do we validate the Rail Passes for the first day of use so we're not fined?
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11834 posts
I am unfamiliar with rail passes in Italy. Is there a spot to write the date in? That's what we did in Switzerland to show each day of use. Then the conductor on the train checked that we filled in the proper date and (sometimes) punched the pass to show it had been verified.
Posted by
OP
77 posts
There is a spot for that but there is a place that has to be stamped by a person before the first trip.
Posted by
Kamloops, BC, Canada
483 posts
As soon as you board the train, search for a member of the train personnel and explain your issue. Don't board and wait for the ticket checker to come to you. This is what I have done in the past and I didn't get fined.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
34215 posts
I think you said you were starting from Florence? Can you get to Firenze SMN before the trip? It is right in town. If you are starting from Campo di Marte you can validate at the windows at SMN and there are frequent trains to Campo di Marte where you might make your connection. Most trains between the two stations don't need reservations.
But for your long distance trains you will need reservations, even with a railpass. Is that all taken care of?
Posted by
USA
423 posts
There is a machine to validate tickets at all stations even those that are not staffed- just put your ticket in and it will date and time stamp- then once you board find the conductor.
Happy Travels✨💫
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
34215 posts
Unfortunately a Eurailpass won't fit in a validating machine. It needs to be started by a staff person who has a large date stamp for the space on the form.
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
12033 posts
So, how did you solve the issue?