How to change the name on a train ticket
In most cases, you cannot change the name on a ticket after it has been booked and paid for. However, whether you can still use the ticket depends on the type of ticket you have.
Nominative tickets (Name-specific tickets)
A nominative ticket is a ticket that has the passenger’s name printed on it. This ticket can only be used by the person whose name is on the ticket, and they may be asked to show a valid ID during the journey to confirm their identity.
These tickets cannot be transferred to another person. If the name on the ticket is incorrect, you usually cannot change it. In most cases, you will need to refund the ticket (if the fare allows it) and book a new ticket with the correct name.
Some train operators may allow limited name changes, but this depends on the fare conditions. For example, Italo may allow name changes for certain tickets.
Non-nominative tickets (Flexible tickets)
A non-nominative ticket does not have a passenger name on it. This means anyone can use the ticket, as long as they are allowed to travel on that type of ticket.
For example, an adult ticket can be used by an adult, senior, or child, but an adult cannot travel on a child or senior ticket.
| Train Operator | Is the passenger’s name required? | Can the name be changed? | Can someone else use the ticket? |
| UK Trains | No | No | Yes |
| SNCF (Collect at station) | Yes | No | No |
| SNCF (Print-at-home / Mobile) | Yes | No | No |
| Eurostar | Yes | Yes, under certain conditions | No |
| Renfe | Yes | Only for higher fare types (not allowed for Básico fares) | No |
| Deutsche Bahn | Yes | No | No |
| ÖBB | Yes | No | No |
| Trenitalia | Yes | Regional trains: No. High-speed trains: depends on ticket type | No |
| Italo | Yes | Yes, depending on the fare conditions | No |
| SNCB | Yes | No | No |
| Ouigo | Yes | Yes | Only after the name is changed |
| Iryo | Yes | Yes | Only after the name is changed |
| RegioJet | Yes | No | No |
Note: Not all Italo tickets allow name changes. Please check the fare conditions for your ticket.
Also, some tickets (such as those from Deutsche Bahn) may show only one passenger’s name on the ticket, even if there are multiple passengers in the booking.
What if I made a small spelling mistake?
Small mistakes such as the following:
- A typo
- shortened names
- minor spelling differences
Usually, small spelling mistakes are not a problem. Train staff understand that these things can happen. Just make sure you carry a valid ID during your journey.
