Can I buy the ticket on the train?
com-PRA-re — stress on second syllable. 'Biglietto' is bi-GLIET-to.
When you have boarded without a ticket and need to regularise your situation immediately.
'Posso comprare' (can I buy) + il biglietto + 'sul treno' (on the train). Buying on board is possible on some regional trains but costs more. More importantly, you must tell the inspector before they find you — otherwise you face a fine even if you intend to pay.
Devo dire subito al controllore che non ho il biglietto.
I must tell the inspector right away that I don't have a ticket.
Always be proactive — approaching the inspector first significantly reduces fines
Ho preso il treno senza biglietto perché la macchinetta era rotta.
I boarded without a ticket because the machine was broken.
Document any broken machines with a photo
Posso pagare il biglietto adesso?
Can I pay for the ticket now?
Direct offer to pay immediately
On Italian regional trains, it is sometimes possible to buy a ticket on board but always at a higher price. On intercity and high-speed trains, boarding without a ticket results in an automatic fine. The key rule: tell the inspector proactively before they check your ticket. This shows good faith and significantly reduces the fine.