We are going to be arriving at Malpensa at noon and really hope to get a 2pm train from the central station. What is the fastest way to get a rail pass validated? Can we do it at the train station in Malpensa and would this be faster than Centrale? What would happen if we got on the train without validating the pass? Would there be a fine? Would we have to buy a ticket plus fine? To validate, can we get in any ticket line? What about one of the travel agencies where the Malpensa bus stops? Thanks for any tips.

You get it validated at any ticket window. Verify the date before you leave the window. It will be written in the European system, dd.mm.yy.

Do not get on the train until your pass is validated or you will have to buy a ticket from the conductor and pay a fine. If you run out of time and can't get the pass validated before boarding, walk through the train and find the conductor to explain your situation. It may make it easier on your wallet if you find him before he finds you.

It would probably be faster at Malpensa, particularly if the lines there at the window aren't oong.

Have your passport(s) at the ready and hand them to the window attendant at the same time you hand over the passes. Let THEM fill in both the dates and the passport numbers.

"Conductors" often will not/cannot validate passes because they don't have the stamp that is required and what they will do is sell you a ticket for that portion of the trip, at a higher price (including the so-called "fine&quot and you may STILL have to get off somewhere to getb the passes validated.

It isn't worth the hassle..slow down, you're in Italy and there'll be another train to your destination soon afterward I suspect.

Have a great trip.

Isn't the line from Malpensa a private one?

If so I don't think you would be able to get it validated there.

You would have to do it at Milano Centrale.

Hope this helps ...

Steve

this happend to me once there.i got on the train without validating the ticket.in a fit of panic i rushed through the whole length of the train (phew!) in search of a conductor.i found none.at one end however there were some trenitalia staff in dark blue sweaters.i got hold of one in the corridor.when i went to reach behind my back to get the ticket he appeared alarmed and then relieved that i had a ticket in my hands.i told him i forgot to obliterate and he looked at it and said its ok.He didnt even bother to write the date on it.
I think in the past you could write the date on it in ink to validate it yourself but to my knowldege this is now forbidden.

Sam

Whether you write in the date or the ticket clerk does it I believe depends on what type of pass you have.

Thanks everyone for your input. It was very helpful. I think I will stop trying to micromanage this and we'll just have to do the best we can.