Can you go faster? I'm in a hurry.
'Veloce' — 've-LO-che'. Three syllables; 'ce' at end is soft 'che'.
Use when you are running late for a flight, train, or appointment and need the driver to make up time.
'Può' is the formal 'Lei' form of 'potere' (can). 'Ho fretta' literally means 'I have hurry' and is the standard Italian way to say 'I'm in a hurry'. Adding the reason motivates the driver to help.
Ho un volo tra un'ora.
I have a flight in an hour.
Gives a specific reason that explains the urgency.
Sto perdendo il treno.
I'm missing my train.
Immediate crisis phrasing — very motivating for the driver.
C'è molto traffico?
Is there a lot of traffic?
Checks conditions before asking the driver to speed up.
Italian taxi drivers typically know all the shortcuts in their city. Telling them you are in a rush is often enough — they will automatically choose faster routes without being asked.