What time does the ferry leave?
'Traghetto' — tra-GET-to. The 'gh' before 'e' is hard, like 'g' in 'get'. Double 't' held briefly.
Ask this at the ticket office or information desk as soon as you arrive at the port. Ferries in Italy often depart strictly on time and boarding closes 30–60 minutes before departure.
'A che ora' means at what time — one of the first question phrases Italian learners need. 'Parte' is the third-person singular of 'partire' (to leave/depart). 'Partire' is used for vehicles and people departing; 'andare via' is more casual for people.
Quando parte la nave?
When does the ship leave?
'Nave' (ship) is more formal than 'traghetto' (ferry).
Il prossimo traghetto è a che ora?
What time is the next ferry?
Use when you have missed a departure and need the next one.
C'è un traghetto di sera?
Is there an evening ferry?
Useful for planning a day trip with a return.
Italian ports can be chaotic, especially in summer. Ferries to popular islands like Capri, Ischia, and Sicily fill up quickly. For car ferries to Sardinia or Sicily, reservations weeks in advance are essential in July and August.