Does this train go towards the centre?
'Centro' — CHEN-tro. The 'c' before 'e' sounds like 'ch' in 'cheese'.
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).
'Verso' is a preposition meaning towards. 'Il centro' refers to the city centre, often called 'centro storico' (historic centre). This preposition of direction is different from 'a' (to a specific place) — 'verso' implies direction without specifying an exact destination.
È la direzione centro?
Is this the centre direction?
Shorter, common platform question.
Andiamo verso Duomo?
Are we going towards Duomo?
Use the local landmark as a reference point.
Il capolinea è in centro?
Is the terminus in the centre?
Asks about the endpoint of the line.
In Milan, 'centro' often means the area around the Duomo and Via Montenapoleone. In Rome it means the area inside the ancient Aurelian Walls. In Naples, 'centro' could mean Piazza Garibaldi around the train station.