I'm lost. Can you help me?
'Perso' for males, 'persa' for females — gender agreement is important in Italian.
Use this at any bus stop when you are completely disoriented and need the help of a fellow passenger or passerby.
'Mi sono perso/a' is a reflexive past tense construction (passato prossimo). 'Mi aiuta?' uses the formal 'Lei' form of 'aiutare' as a question. Even beginners can use this phrase to open a conversation and get help.
Non trovo la mia strada.
I can't find my way.
Alternative phrasing; literally 'I don't find my road'.
Può aiutarmi?
Can you help me?
Formal and polite; 'può' is the formal 'Lei' form of 'potere'.
Ho bisogno di aiuto.
I need help.
Simple and universally understood; good for emergencies.
Italians are generally very willing to help lost tourists. Even if their English is limited, most will try — using maps, pointing, and gestures. Do not be afraid to ask multiple people.