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PhrasesTaking a TaxiQuanto tempo ci vuole per arrivare?
A2

Quanto tempo ci vuole per arrivare?

How long does it take to get there?

Pronunciation

'Vuole' — 'VWO-le'. The 'uo' is a diphthong; do not separate into two distinct syllables.

When to use it

Ask at the start of the journey to plan ahead, or to decide if a taxi is worthwhile compared to public transport.

What it means

'Ci vuole' is an impersonal expression meaning 'it takes'. 'Per arrivare' means 'to arrive'. This phrase is extremely versatile — add any destination or activity after 'per'.

Variations

Con questo traffico quanto ci vuole?

With this traffic, how long does it take?

Adds traffic as a variable — realistic in Italian cities.

Arriviamo prima delle tre?

Will we arrive before three o'clock?

Asks against a specific deadline.

C'è molto traffico a quest'ora?

Is there a lot of traffic at this hour?

Indirectly asks about journey time by checking traffic.

Mini Dialogue

— Quanto tempo ci vuole per arrivare alla stazione? — Normalmente quindici minuti, ma ora c'è il traffico. — Facciamo in tempo per le dieci? — Dovremmo farcela.

— How long does it take to get to the station? — Normally fifteen minutes, but there's traffic now. — Will we make it by ten o'clock? — We should manage.

Cultural Note

Italian traffic, especially in Rome, Naples, and Milan, is notoriously unpredictable. Experienced taxi drivers know their city's traffic patterns and will proactively suggest faster routes.