You have just arrived in Italy and need to move around town or travel to another city. At the ticket counter, you must quickly ask for the right ticket, specify your destination, and understand the price. This page helps you practise those exact conversations using phrases from three beginner lessons: buying a one-way ticket, buying a round-trip ticket, and asking how much a ticket costs. You will rehearse realistic scenarios so that when you step up to the counter, you can speak clearly and confidently.
Specific useful preparation
Before you approach the ticket window, decide exactly what you need: one ticket or two, one-way or round-trip, and your destination. The core phrase for any request is 'Un biglietto per il centro, per favore.' For a round-trip, say 'Un biglietto andata e ritorno per l'aeroporto, per favore.' If you need two tickets, change to 'Due biglietti, per favore.' To ask the price, use 'Quanto costa?' for one ticket or 'Quanto costano?' for multiple. Practise saying these aloud until they feel natural. Also prepare for the clerk's likely questions: 'Solo andata o andata e ritorno?' (One way or return?) and 'Quando vuole tornare?' (When would you like to return?). Have your answer ready: 'Solo andata' or 'Andata e ritorno', and for the return date, 'Vorrei tornare domenica alle sei di sera.' Knowing these patterns in advance reduces hesitation at the counter.
A specific way to handle the harder turn
The trickiest moment is when the clerk gives you information you did not expect, such as a different price, a question about your return time, or a fast reply you do not catch. If you miss the price, politely say 'Scusi, può ripetere?' (Excuse me, can you repeat?). If the clerk asks 'Quando vuole tornare?' and you are not sure, you can say 'Non lo so ancora' (I don't know yet) or give a general time like 'Vorrei tornare domenica alle sei di sera.' If you need to change your request, for example from one-way to round-trip, say 'Vorrei aggiungere il ritorno' (I would like to add the return). Stay calm and use the phrases you have practised; the clerk will understand the standard ticket-office phrases from the lessons.
Listen once, then say the phrase yourself. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Checking available voices…
Un biglietto per il centro, per favore.
One ticket to the city centre, please.
oon bee-LYET-toh pehr eel CHEN-troh, pehr fah-VOH-reh
Solo andata, per favore.
One way, please.
SOH-loh ahn-DAH-tah, pehr fah-VOH-reh
Vorrei un biglietto per la stazione.
I would like a ticket to the station.
vor-RAY oon bee-LYET-toh pehr lah stah-TSYOH-neh
Quanto costa?
How much does it cost?
KWAHN-toh KOH-stah
Un biglietto andata e ritorno per l'aeroporto, per favore.
A round-trip ticket to the airport, please.
oon bee-LYET-toh an-DA-ta eh ree-TOR-no per leh-roh-POR-toh, per fah-VOH-reh
Vorrei un biglietto di andata e ritorno per Roma.
I would like a round-trip ticket to Rome.
vor-RAY oon bee-LYET-toh dee an-DA-ta eh ree-TOR-no per ROH-mah
Quando vuole tornare?
When would you like to return?
KWAN-doh VWOH-leh tor-NAH-reh
Vorrei tornare domenica alle sei di sera.
I would like to return on Sunday at six in the evening.
vor-RAY tor-NAH-reh doh-meh-NEE-kah AL-leh SAY dee SEH-rah
Read one side aloud, then answer in your own words. The goal is to make the exchange yours.
Buongiorno, vorrei un biglietto per il centro, per favore.
Good morning, I would like one ticket to the city centre, please.Solo andata o andata e ritorno?
One way or return?Solo andata. Quanto costa?
One way. How much does it cost?Un euro e cinquanta. Ecco il biglietto.
One euro fifty. Here is the ticket.Your turn
Try each prompt out loud. Choose a guided start, the full sequence, or a challenge pass after your first attempt.
Buying a one-way ticket at the train station
You are at the ticket office in Florence. You need to get to the city centre. There is a queue behind you, so you want to be quick and clear.
Your task: Say aloud: 'Buongiorno, vorrei un biglietto per il centro, per favore.' Then, when the clerk asks 'Solo andata o andata e ritorno?', answer 'Solo andata.' Finally, ask 'Quanto costa?' and listen for the price.
Buying a round-trip ticket to the airport
You are at the bus terminal in Rome and need to go to the airport tomorrow. You want a round-trip ticket because you will return the same day. The clerk speaks quickly.
Your task: Say: 'Vorrei un biglietto andata e ritorno per l'aeroporto, per favore.' When the clerk asks 'Quando vuole tornare?', answer with a specific time: 'Vorrei tornare domenica alle sei di sera.' Then confirm the price by asking 'Quanto costa?'
Asking for the price of multiple tickets
You are at a ticket counter with a friend. You need two tickets to the centre. You are not sure of the price and want to ask before committing.
Your task: Say: 'Buongiorno, quanto costano due biglietti per il centro?' Then, after hearing the price, if it is acceptable, say 'Due biglietti, per favore.' If you did not catch the price, say 'Scusi, può ripetere?'
Common questions
What if the clerk speaks too fast and I don't understand?
Politely say 'Scusi, può ripetere?' Most clerks will repeat. You can also ask 'Può ripetere il prezzo, per favore?' if you specifically missed the price.
How do I say 'I would like to add a return ticket' if I already bought a one-way?
Say 'Vorrei aggiungere il ritorno.' This clearly expresses that you want to add the return portion, and it matches the phrase used in the round-trip lesson.
Sources and further reading
- italian: buy a single ticketChecked September 2026
- italian: buy a return ticketChecked September 2026
- italian: ask for the price of a ticketChecked September 2026
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