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Ticketless train travel in Italy

I bought my tickets online, have the email printouts and many have the PNR code that I'm told I should show on the train. Other legs of my journey do not have a PNR, instead a "Ticket Code." Do I still just hop on the train and show that number? Or do I need to get an actual ticket by presenting the number at a ticket counter? If so, can I instead use a ticket machine? I don't want to risk showing the # on board and being told I'm illegal, must pay that hefty fine. I'm heading out next week, so appreciate any prompt advice.
Doug

Posted by
6898 posts

Doug, are you within 7 days of travel for the ticket you purchased? If yes, is this a ticket for a Regionale train? If yes, you will not see a PNR number because the Regionale ticket you receive online will not have one. Instead, you will most likely see a 8-digit ticket code. If you are not sure if you are or are not on a Regionale train, look under Journey Details on the ticket. If a Regionale train, you will see Regionale XXXXX under TRAIN. If still not sure, let us know your departure and destination and we can tell you. If you will be on a fast train, we have a problem that needs a different resolve. You must have a PNR number for these trains.

Posted by
23573 posts

I think I have always had a PNR number so am not familiar with just a Ticket code. But, does each ticket specify a date, time, a train number, car number, and seat number? If it does, you should be good to go. If it doesn't then it is possible that you have a Regional train tickets. Buying a Regional ticket on line is never recommended because they come with some restrictions. If you think it is a Regional ticket then I would stop at a ticket office and ask some questions unless you get better answer later. Good luck

Posted by
23573 posts

Larry, I agree. I assume one of his other legs is a Regional train since he says "other legs." My concern is I don't know how to validate a Regional ticket purchased over the internet since it is too big for the validation machines. I would never buy a Regional ticket on the web.

Posted by
2 posts

Yes, they are regionals. I booked them more than 7 days out, but they were legs tied to a Freccia/PNR leg, so I assume maybe the 7-day rule doesn't apply if tied to a non-7-day-rule leg. And the regionals all have the 8-digit ticket code as well as QR box code. If no one has experience with my circumstance, I hope to find a live rep at Fiumicino and get every non-PNR receipt ticketed and punch the box each time. My credit card shows all legs were paid for.

Posted by
6898 posts

Frank and Doug, you can indeed buy a Regionale ticket coupled with a Fast train way beyond 7 days. Doug, you did not explain above that this ticket was associated with a fast train ticket on your journey from point A to point B. You will receive one piece of paper for each train that you will be on. The fast train ticket will have a PNR code. The Regionale train ticket will not. The Regonale ticket will have an 8-digit ticket code. Also, unlike buying a Regionale ticket in Italy, the Regionale train ticket you buy online with your fast train is pre-validated and does show a specific train and departure time. But, if you read the Regionale ticket carefully, is says that you have up to 4 hours to use the ticket.