Is there a lift?
'Ascensore' — a-shen-SO-re. The 'sc' before 'e' sounds like 'sh'; stress on the third syllable.
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.
'C'è' + noun is the essential existential question. 'Ascensore' means lift (British English) or elevator (American English). The related word 'scala mobile' means escalator. Both are often out of service in older Italian metro stations.
Dov'è la scala mobile?
Where is the escalator?
Ask for the moving staircase if lifts are occupied or broken.
L'ascensore funziona?
Is the lift working?
Check before heading to it — Italian lifts break frequently.
Posso portare il passeggino?
Can I bring the pram?
Asks about accessibility for pushchairs.
Rome is notorious for broken lifts and escalators in its metro stations. The situation is so persistent that it has been the subject of political controversy. Termini and Barberini have been particularly problematic. Always check before arriving if accessibility is critical.