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Italy - regional train ticket - can you board at a later staion?

Posted by (Kingston, ON Canada) on

Intuitively, I believe the answer to this question is a resounding "yes, you can do this", but I'm hoping for a confirmation.

If I purchase an on-line, pre-validated (valid for 4 hrs from the time of the specified train), regional train ticket in advance (for convenience), and then I choose to board that train at a station that is en route, instead of my specified station, is there any problem with doing that?

I know it sounds daft, but since I will be arriving in Civitavecchia via cruise ship, for a 1-day port-of-call, I want to minimize my standing in line at the train station (with the hoards of other cruise passengers) to go into Rome and back. I intend to use a regional train (not IC), and I don't want to line up at the window (or a shop) to buy a BIRG ticket. It appears that on the Trenitalia site I can buy a pre-validated ticket for the regional trains (good for 4 hrs from the time of the train first specified)-- so all I would have to do is go to the station, figure out which track the next train will be on, and board it (with my home-printed ticket and ID).

However, we're not sure if we are going to get off at S Pietro, Trastevere, or Ostiense... and likewise, we're not sure which Rome station we will return from... it will depend on our walking route, the weather, etc. We've been to Rome a few times, and used the metro and train, so we know what our options are in this regard.

So... my QUESTION is... if I pre-purchase my return tickets to/from Civitavecchia - Termini, is there any problem with 1) jumping off the train at an earlier station (probably S Pietro), and 2) actually BOARDING the train at a later, en route station... i.e. Ostiense as opposed to Termini.

I cannot fathom why it WOULD be a problem, as when/if they check your ticket on board they won't have known where you boarded, and we'll have essentially over-paid for our trips, but I just thought I'd make sure... just in case.

Thanks very much!
Cheers,
Vivian
Kingston, Ontario, Canada -- where we do NOT have regional train service

Posted by
23319 posts

That works. Just be sure the R train stops at the stop you want Not all regional train stop at every stop and, of course, with in the time window. We have always bought a Brig ticket at the Tobacco shop and there has never been a line because so few people know about it.

Posted by
208 posts

Thank you, Frank. I had printed off the R train schedule, so I have a list of which ones (on that specific date), in each direction, will work for me.

I'm not sure where the Tobacco shops are that are near the station (except for the one inside the train station, which I assume will be busy). It is possible we will be arriving by bus from the cruise port, so we may not be walking to the station -- and thus not passing any tobacco shops that sell train (and BIRG) tickets.

Again, many thanks.

Vivian

Posted by
32885 posts

I'd be surprised - although I have no direct knowledge as I avoid cruises - if you could get a BIRG in Civitavecchia as it is not part of Rome.

Posted by
208 posts

Nigel - many, many sources state you can get the BIRG ticket from Civitavecchia (including Rick Steves Cruise Ports guide book). I think it's intended for cruise passengers. Although it is actually not a Trenitalia product, it is good for any regional train between Civitavecchia and Rome, as well as any metro, bus, tram use within Rome. For 24 hours.

But, because it is not a Trenitalia product, you cannot purchase it from a machine. I believe the current price is 12E, so if I only use it for one or two metro/bus rides in Rome, it is not much of a savings. Just convenient to use.

Cheers,
Vivian

Posted by
19109 posts

Well, certainly, no one is going to complain if you get off the train early.

As far as boarding at a station later than where the ticket stops, I can't imagine that would be a problem. Sometimes the conductor doesn't get to everyone between stations, particularly if they are close. At worst the conductor will just scratch his head and wonder how he missed you. if he asks how he missed you, just shrug you shoulders and say, "that's a good question, but I should be asking."

Posted by
11613 posts

It will not be a problem to shorten your journey at the beginning or the end.

About not knowing where you boarded: the station validation machines imprint a code, which I think includes the station's identification; but since your ticket is pre-validated, it won't have that id anyway.

EDIT: even a pre-validated ticket may have station codes, but it won't matter on a shortened journey.

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