Where do I buy a bus ticket?
'Compro' — 'COM-pro'. First-person present of 'comprare'; stress on the first syllable.
The essential first question for any new arrival in an Italian city who does not know the local ticket-buying system.
'Dove compro' is a direct question in the first person: 'where do I buy'. Italian bus tickets cannot usually be bought on board — they must be purchased in advance at designated points.
Si può comprare il biglietto a bordo?
Can you buy the ticket on board?
Checks the (usually false) possibility of buying on the bus.
C'è un'edicola qui vicino?
Is there a newsstand nearby?
'Edicola' (newsstand) also sells bus tickets in many cities.
C'è una biglietteria automatica?
Is there an automatic ticket machine?
Asks about a vending machine option.
The 'tabaccheria' (tobacconist) is the backbone of the Italian ticket-selling network. Identified by a black 'T' sign, they sell bus tickets, top-up transport cards, lottery tickets, and stamps all under one roof.