Is it far on foot?
lon-TA-no — stress on second syllable. A PIE-di — stress on 'pie'.
After getting directions, to gauge whether walking is practical or another mode of transport is needed.
'A piedi' (on foot) is a fixed Italian expression. 'È lontano' (is it far) uses 'lontano' (far/distant). This question helps decide between walking, taking a bus, or getting a taxi. Italians generally overestimate walking distances for tourists.
Posso andarci a piedi o è meglio il bus?
Can I walk there or is the bus better?
Asking for a recommendation on transport mode
Quanto ci vuole a piedi?
How long does it take on foot?
Asking for time rather than just 'far or not'
È lontano in macchina?
Is it far by car?
Same question for car rather than walking
Italians have different thresholds for 'lontano' (far) depending on the city. In Rome, 20-minute walks are considered normal. In a small Tuscan village, 5 minutes might already be 'un po' lontano'. Many Italian historic centres are very walkable — trust your feet more than you might expect.