54 phrases · Levels: A1A2B1
Dove si trova la metropolitana?
Where is the metro?
Use this when you are on the street and need to find the nearest metro entrance. It works with strangers, police, or hotel staff. Always add 'per favore' to sound polite.
Un biglietto singolo, per favore.
A single ticket, please.
Use this at a ticket machine or ticket window when you only need one ride. In Rome a single ticket is valid for 100 minutes on buses and trams but only one metro ride.
Questa è la linea giusta per andare a…?
Is this the right line to get to…?
Ask this on the platform before boarding to confirm you are on the correct line. Replace the ellipsis with your destination, for example 'Termini' or 'il Colosseo'.
Dove devo scendere per…?
Where do I get off for…?
Use this once you are on the train and want to confirm your exit stop. Fill in the destination after 'per': 'Dove devo scendere per il Duomo?'
Quanto costa un abbonamento mensile?
How much does a monthly pass cost?
Ask this at the ticket office if you plan to stay in a city for a month or more. Monthly passes cover all metro lines and usually buses and trams too.
Devo fare il biglietto prima di salire?
Do I need to buy a ticket before getting on?
Ask this when you are unsure whether to buy before entering or whether there is a conductor on board. On Italian metro systems, you always need a validated ticket before passing the turnstile.
Devo timbrare il biglietto?
Do I need to stamp/validate the ticket?
Ask this when you have a paper ticket and are unsure whether to insert it into the validation machine. On the metro you validate at the turnstile; on buses there are separate orange machines inside.
Qual è la prossima fermata?
What is the next stop?
Use this when announcements are unclear or you lost count of the stops. You can ask a fellow passenger or look at the digital display.
Dove si cambia per la linea B?
Where do I change for line B?
Use this when you need to transfer from one line to another. In Rome the only interchange between lines A and B is at Termini station.
Il treno è in ritardo?
Is the train delayed?
Ask this when you have been waiting on the platform longer than expected. You can ask other waiting passengers or a station employee.
C'è uno sciopero oggi?
Is there a strike today?
Ask this when the metro seems unusually empty or services are disrupted. Strikes in Italy are announced in advance and are a regular feature of public life.
Posso portare la bicicletta sul metro?
Can I bring my bicycle on the metro?
Ask at the ticket window or information desk before trying to take a bike through the turnstile. Rules vary by city and time of day.
Mi sono perso — posso uscire e rientrare?
I got lost — can I exit and come back in?
Ask a station attendant when you have exited through the wrong gate and need to re-enter without paying again. This happens often in large interchange stations.
Attenzione alle porte!
Watch out for the doors!
This is an automated announcement you will hear on every metro departure. You can also use it yourself to warn someone who is blocking the doors.
Posso sedermi qui?
May I sit here?
Use this when a seat appears free but someone has placed a bag on it, or when you want to be polite before sitting next to someone on a crowded train.
Questo treno va verso il centro?
Does this train go towards the centre?
Ask on the platform when the signage is confusing or you cannot read the terminus name. Most Italian cities have the concept of 'verso il centro' (inbound) and 'verso la periferia' (outbound).
Ho perso il portafoglio sul metro — cosa faccio?
I lost my wallet on the metro — what do I do?
Use this urgent phrase with station staff immediately after realising something is missing. The faster you report it, the higher the chance of recovery.
C'è un guasto sulla linea?
Is there a fault on the line?
Ask when service has stopped or become severely irregular. This distinguishes a technical failure from a strike or planned closure.
La stazione è accessibile con la sedia a rotelle?
Is the station accessible by wheelchair?
Ask before arriving at a station, especially in Rome where many older stations lack lifts. Call the transport authority or check online before planning the journey.
Posso vedere la mappa della metro?
Can I see the metro map?
Ask a station attendant or fellow passenger when you cannot find a map. Paper maps are available free at ticket offices in most cities.
Quanto tempo ci vuole per arrivare a…?
How long does it take to get to…?
Use this to plan your journey time. Replace the ellipsis with your destination. Works with any transport type, not just the metro.
C'è un bus sostitutivo?
Is there a replacement bus?
Ask when the metro is not running due to a strike, fault, or maintenance. Replacement buses follow the metro route above ground.
Dov'è l'uscita?
Where is the exit?
Ask this after getting off the train when you cannot find the way out. Large stations like Termini have multiple exits (uscite) leading to different streets.
Questo è il treno diretto?
Is this the direct train?
Ask when you want a non-stop connection, especially at interchange stations where some trains skip stops. More common on suburban rail than metro, but still useful.
Il metro è molto affollato stanotte.
The metro is very crowded tonight.
Use this statement to commiserate with other passengers or warn friends during peak hours, event nights, or during strikes when fewer trains run.
Quando passa l'ultimo metro?
When does the last metro come?
Ask this when out late and not sure whether the metro is still running. Metro closing times in Italian cities are earlier than in cities like London or New York.
Posso ricaricare la tessera qui?
Can I top up my card here?
Ask at a ticket machine or information desk when you need to add credit to a rechargeable transport card. Most machines allow top-ups.
C'è una fermata per l'aeroporto?
Is there a metro stop for the airport?
Ask when planning to travel to or from the airport using public transport. Not all Italian cities have a direct metro link to their airports.
La linea C fa capolinea dove?
Where does line C terminate?
Ask when you need to know the terminus to choose the right platform direction. Knowing the terminus name is how Italians navigate directional signage in stations.
Posso usare il contactless?
Can I use contactless payment?
Ask before tapping your bank card or phone at the gate. Contactless payment directly on the metro turnstile is now available in Milan but not yet in Rome for the standard metro.
Mi serve aiuto con la mappa.
I need help with the map.
Use this simple statement to approach a station attendant or fellow traveller when you are confused by the metro map. It is softer than asking a direct question and invites the other person to help you.
Quanto dura il biglietto?
How long is the ticket valid?
Ask at the ticket window or machine before buying. Different tickets have different validity windows — a BIT in Rome lasts 100 minutes for surface transport after validation.
C'è il wifi in metro?
Is there wifi on the metro?
Ask this when you need to use your phone underground without using mobile data. WiFi availability in metro stations varies greatly by city and line.
Questo posto è riservato.
This seat is reserved.
Use this to inform someone that the seat they are about to take is a priority seat (for the elderly, pregnant, or disabled), or to hold a seat for someone.
Dove compro il biglietto giornaliero?
Where do I buy the day ticket?
Ask when you plan to use the metro and buses multiple times in a single day. Day tickets are usually better value than buying several single tickets.
Questa linea fa scalo a Termini?
Does this line stop at Termini?
Ask when planning a connection at Termini, which is the main rail and metro hub in Rome. You want to confirm your line passes through it.
C'è un controllore a bordo?
Is there a ticket inspector on board?
You might hear locals say this to each other before boarding. However, note that not having a valid ticket is illegal — use this phrase to understand the system, not to evade fares.
Mi puoi dire quando arriviamo?
Can you tell me when we arrive?
Ask a fellow passenger in an informal way to alert you when you reach your stop. This is useful when you are unsure and cannot read the station signs easily.
Ho dimenticato qualcosa sul treno.
I left something on the train.
Say this immediately to a station attendant after realising you have left belongings on board. The faster you report it, the better the chance of recovery.
Dov'è l'ufficio oggetti smarriti?
Where is the lost and found office?
Ask station staff when you have lost an item on the metro or at the station. This office handles recovered items from all metro trains and buses in the city.
Il treno si è fermato — perché?
The train has stopped — why?
Use this when the train stops unexpectedly between stations. You can ask a fellow passenger or wait for an announcement.
Posso aprire la porta manualmente?
Can I open the door manually?
Ask or say this if you are on an older metro train where doors must be opened by pressing a button or pulling a handle. On newer automated trains, doors open automatically.
Che fermata è questa?
What stop is this?
Ask when the train pulls into a station and you cannot see or hear the name. Ask a fellow passenger or look for the station name on the wall tiles.
Scendo alla prossima.
I'm getting off at the next stop.
Say this to people standing near you so they make way for you to reach the door before the train stops. It is a basic courtesy on crowded metro trains.
Tenete le porte libere!
Keep the doors clear!
This is an announcement or instruction you may hear or say when passengers are crowding the doors and preventing them from closing properly.
C'è un ascensore?
Is there a lift?
Ask when you have heavy luggage, a pushchair, or mobility difficulties and cannot use the stairs. Lifts in Italian metro stations are often out of order, so have an alternative plan.
Il metro passa ogni quanto?
How often does the metro come?
Ask this on the platform when there is no display showing the next train time. Very useful early in the morning, late at night, or during disruptions when service is reduced.
Puoi mostrarmi il tragitto su Google Maps?
Can you show me the route on Google Maps?
Ask a helpful bystander or friend to show you the route on a phone when you are lost and do not have mobile data yourself.
Il metro è sicuro di notte?
Is the metro safe at night?
Ask a local or hotel concierge before taking the metro late at night. Safety perceptions vary by city, line, and station.
Dove si trova il binario?
Where is the platform?
Ask in large metro or rail stations when you cannot find the platform number. More common for trains than metro, but useful at interchange stations like Termini.
È questa la direzione giusta?
Is this the right direction?
Ask on the platform when you are unsure which side to board. The direction of travel on Italian metros is indicated by the terminus station name on signs and train fronts.
Mi sono sbagliato di treno.
I got on the wrong train.
Say this when you realise after boarding that you are on the wrong line or direction. You can say this to a fellow passenger while deciding what to do.
Posso portare il cane sul metro?
Can I bring my dog on the metro?
Ask before entering the turnstile with a pet. Rules for dogs on Italian public transport vary by city and company.
Dove posso trovare un taxi?
Where can I find a taxi?
Ask when the metro is not running, when you have heavy luggage, or when you are in a hurry and need an alternative. Most metro stations have taxi ranks at exits.