Top 6 Phrases To Arrange Your Transport In Italy

Transport, whether you’re just out of the airport or trying to navigate your way through a confusing network of trains, trams, and buses, can be a hassle at best in Italy.  At worst, it might not happen at all—there is a long history of train employees going on strike in the summer, leaving a lot of holiday travelers stranded.  If you’re planning to go to Italy and wish to get around by any means other than walking, you will have to knuckle up and prepare for a lot of surprises and frustrations.  To ease the process along as much as possible, make sure you have a smattering of Italian phrases at your disposal appropriate for whatever mode of transportation you’re going to attempt.  Here are a few good ones to remember:

1. Dove posso fermare un tassi?  “Where can I hail a taxi?”  Probably your best bet, especially if you’re coming from the airport, taxis in large cities are plentiful and inexpensive.  They’re also a great way to see the grand sites of cities like Rome or Florence all in one drive if you don’t have time for a walking tour.  Official white or yellow taxis are government regulated and have a meter, so you’re best sticking with those.

2. Dove si trova la stazione ferroviara?  “Where is the train station?”  Useful if you’re planning to visit a few cities throughout Italy, as trains are a fast and popular way of travel.  Top companies include Eurostaritalia, Trenitalia, and TBiz.  However, if you’re on a time-sensitive schedule, such as on your way to the airport to catch a flight, Eurostaritalia, the most reliable service, may best fit your needs.

3. Quanto costa un biglietto?  A crucial phrase, whether you’re traveling by bus or train: “How much does a ticket cost?”  In most train or bus stations there should be a placard of prices according to distance, but it never hurts to ask.

4. Vorrei un biglietto di andata i ritorno.  “I would like a round-trip ticket.”  This will save time and keep you from having to finagle your way up to a ticket booth in a strange city to go through it all again.  Round-trip tickets may come with discounts in some cases.

5. Quando parte il treno?  “When does the train leave?”  Another important one for the traveler, especially if your tickets are non-transferable.  Try to get to your platform fifteen minutes early, just to be safe.  But keep in mind time runs at a more relaxed pace in Italy, so trains may be late.

6. Vorrei affitare una macchina.  “I would like to rent a car.”  If you trust your driving skills and your ability to navigate Italian road signs, this may be the best way to independently tour both the cities and the countryside.  Plus, this would be your chance to drive a prime Italian sports car in its native habitat!

These phrases, of course, are only a precursor to the Italian you will need to know to effectively communicate throughout your travels.  Prepare yourself with a course of basic Italian taking our free Italian language learning test, or by sending us an inquiry!