Which route are you taking?
'Percorso' — 'per-COR-so'. Three syllables; stress on second syllable.
Ask when you know the city well enough to verify the route is reasonable, or when you want to understand the journey for future reference.
'Prende' is the formal 'Lei' form of 'prendere' (to take). 'Il percorso' means the route or itinerary. Asking this signals to the driver that you are aware and attentive, which can deter unnecessary detours.
Sa già come arrivare?
Do you know how to get there?
Checks the driver's knowledge without sounding suspicious.
Passiamo per il centro?
Do we go through the centre?
Checks a specific part of the route.
C'è un percorso più veloce?
Is there a faster route?
Invites the driver to optimise.
Italy's 'tangenziali' (ring roads) and 'raccordi' (motorway junctions) are key navigation tools in large cities. Experienced taxi drivers use them to bypass traffic-clogged historic centres.