can i ask my friend to do this for me? does it take long and complicated steps?
PNR and name and surname only?
any one have practical experience?

It's five years or so since I have done this, but from memory it is very easy. There are clear instructions available in several languages including English.

I agree completetly with the response directly above my own

I bought train tickets in Italy from the self serve machine in January. I used both the regional machine and the one that sells Eurostar and Intercity also. I don't know what PNR and all that you are referring to. I don't remember it asking my name. I paid with euros, not a charge card.

The first thing you do is pick your language, so that won't be an issue. No identification of any kind is required. There are a few steps, but the instructions are pretty straightforward. The only piece of information that your friend may need is your seat preference (aisle/window), depending on what train you are taking(some trains require reservations).

Are you asking about purchasing online and printing your ticket at a self-service kiosk from the e-mail code you received?

To pick up tickets at the self-service machines, you must have:

the PNR booking code received via e-mail after on-line purchasing
the name and surname used when buying.

On the screen of the self-service teller, select the "Internet" button and follow the simple issuing procedure

Touch the UK flag for English.

Touch the button to collect tickets.

Input PNR and name, out come the tickets.

You've just spent more time asking about it that it will actually take to print the tickets!!

Make sure you can identify the Union Jack.

May I ask what is union jack?

You've just spent more time asking about it that it will actually take to print the tickets!!>

Hopefully though we have read here about folks turning up and the machines not working out for them and had to go to the ticket counter and sort it out - nothing in Italy IME works well all the time.

The Union Jack is the British flag - you need to touch it on the ticket machine screen to get your instructions in English.

genie100, As mentioned, it's quite easy. Look at the link below. You'll see the picture with the Union Jack circled... and since this is a new kiosk, go two pictures down and you'll see the start-up screen where you'll select "COLLECT YOUR TICKET." Hope that helps!

http://tinyurl.com/buy-tickets-2011