How to Ask When a Bus or Train Leaves in Italian
Learn to ask what time the next bus or train leaves in Italian, understand schedule responses, and distinguish departure from arrival questions.
By SofiaGetting around · Yapr Learn
When you need to catch a bus or train in Italy, the key question is not when it arrives, but when it leaves. This lesson teaches you to ask 'A che ora parte il prossimo autobus?' and similar questions, and to understand the answer. You will learn the verb partire (to leave, to depart), how to ask about the next bus or train, and how to recognise common schedule responses. We focus on departure time, not arrival time, so you can plan your journey confidently.
By the end, you can…
- ask what time the next bus or train leaves in Italian.
- understand and respond to departure time information in Italian.
- distinguish between departure and arrival questions.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
A che ora parte il prossimo autobus?
What time does the next bus leave?
ah keh OH-rah PAR-teh eel PROS-see-moh OW-toh-boos
Standard polite question. Use 'parte' for departure. 'Autobus' is masculine.
A che ora parte il prossimo treno?
What time does the next train leave?
ah keh OH-rah PAR-teh eel PROS-see-moh TREH-noh
Same pattern with 'treno' (train). 'Treno' is masculine.
Quando parte il prossimo autobus?
When does the next bus leave?
KWAHN-doh PAR-teh eel PROS-see-moh OW-toh-boos
Alternative using 'quando' (when). Slightly more general, but still asks about departure.
Il prossimo autobus parte alle 8:30.
The next bus leaves at 8:30.
eel PROS-see-moh OW-toh-boos PAR-teh AHL-leh OH-toh eh TREHN-tah
Typical schedule response. 'Alle' is used for clock times.
Parte tra dieci minuti.
It leaves in ten minutes.
PAR-teh trah DYEH-chee mee-NOO-tee
Use 'tra' for 'in' when talking about time from now. 'Minuti' is plural of 'minuto'.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To ask about departure time, use 'A che ora parte...?' followed by the transport. 'Parte' is the third-person singular of 'partire' (to leave). For example: 'A che ora parte il treno?' (What time does the train leave?) or 'A che ora parte il prossimo autobus?' (What time does the next bus leave?). If you want to ask about a specific bus, you can say 'A che ora parte l'autobus per Roma?' (What time does the bus to Rome leave?). Note that 'parte' is used for both buses and trains; it is the standard verb for scheduled departures.
When to use it
Use these questions when you are at a station or bus stop and need to know the departure time. They are perfect for planning your trip. Do not confuse them with arrival questions, which use 'arriva' (arrives). For example, 'A che ora arriva il treno?' means 'What time does the train arrive?' If you want to know when to be at the stop, ask about departure. If you are meeting someone off a train, ask about arrival. In schedules, departure is often marked as 'partenza' and arrival as 'arrivo'.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Scusi, a che ora parte il prossimo autobus per il centro?
Excuse me, what time does the next bus to the centre leave?SKOO-zee, ah keh OH-rah PAR-teh eel PROS-see-moh OW-toh-boos pehr eel CHEN-trohIl prossimo autobus parte alle 9:15.
The next bus leaves at 9:15.eel PROS-see-moh OW-toh-boos PAR-teh AHL-leh NOH-veh eh KWEEN-dee-cheeGrazie. E quanto tempo impiega?
Thank you. And how long does it take?GRAH-tsee-eh. eh KWAHN-toh TEM-poh eem-PYEH-gahCirca venti minuti.
About twenty minutes.CHEER-kah VEN-tee mee-NOO-teeA little context goes a long way
In Italy, public transport schedules can be approximate, especially for buses. Trains are generally more punctual. When asking, it is polite to start with 'Scusi' (Excuse me) if you are approaching a stranger. In larger stations, you may see digital boards with 'Partenze' (Departures) and 'Arrivi' (Arrivals). Regional differences exist: in some areas, people might say 'corriera' for a regional bus, but 'autobus' is understood everywhere. Always confirm the departure time, as platforms can change.
One thing to watch for
Using 'arriva' instead of 'parte' when asking about departure, e.g., 'A che ora arriva il prossimo autobus?'
Try this instead: Use 'parte' for departure: 'A che ora parte il prossimo autobus?' (What time does the next bus leave?). 'Arriva' means 'arrives', so the wrong verb asks about arrival time, not departure.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How do you ask 'What time does the next train leave?' in Italian?
Show a sample answer
A che ora parte il prossimo treno?
This uses 'parte' (leaves) and 'prossimo treno' (next train). You could also say 'Quando parte il prossimo treno?' which is equally correct.
2What does 'Il prossimo autobus parte alle 10:00' mean?
Show a sample answer
The next bus leaves at 10:00.
'Parte alle 10:00' means 'leaves at 10:00'. 'Alle' is used for clock times. If it were 'arriva alle 10:00', it would mean 'arrives at 10:00'.
3How would you say 'It leaves in five minutes' in Italian?
Show a sample answer
Parte tra cinque minuti.
'Tra' means 'in' for future time. 'Cinque minuti' is five minutes. You could also say 'Parte fra cinque minuti' – 'fra' and 'tra' are interchangeable.
To ask about departure time in Italian, use 'A che ora parte...?' with the transport. Remember 'parte' for leaves and 'arriva' for arrives. This will help you catch the right bus or train.
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