Using Buses & the Metro
Use these practical phrases to navigate Italian public transport like a local, from buying your ticket to finding the right stop.
Key Phrases
Un biglietto per l'autobus, per favore.
neutralA bus ticket, please.
In Italy, you often buy bus tickets at a newsstand (edicola) or a tobacco shop (tabaccheria) before boarding.
Dove devo timbrare il biglietto?
neutralWhere must I validate the ticket?
You must stamp (timbrare) paper tickets in the yellow or green machines when you board.
Quale linea devo prendere per la stazione?
neutralWhich line must I take for the station?
A clear, standard question for station staff or locals.
Questo va in centro?
casualDoes this go to the city center?
A quick question for a fellow passenger as you step onto the bus.
Scusi, questo autobus va in centro?
politeExcuse me, does this bus go to the city center?
The safest polite way to ask the driver.
Quante fermate mancano?
casualHow many stops are left?
The verb 'mancare' (to be missing / left) is the most natural way to ask what's remaining.
Scusi, quante fermate ci sono per il museo?
politeExcuse me, how many stops are there to the museum?
Polite form to use with someone you do not know well.
Cambio qui per la linea rossa?
casualDo I change here for the red line?
Quick confirmation while looking at the metro map.
Mi scusi, dove devo cambiare per la linea rossa?
politeExcuse me, where must I change for the red line?
Use this when asking station staff for directions.
Scendi alla prossima?
casualAre you getting off at the next stop?
Crucial phrase to ask someone blocking the doors if they are moving out.
Scusi, scende alla prossima?
politeExcuse me, are you getting off at the next stop?
The polite version. Essential for navigating crowded Italian buses.
Può dirmi quando devo scendere?
politeCan you tell me when I must get off?
A polite request to the driver or a friendly local to alert you.