French Phrase
Ça coûte combien le trajet ?
Meaning
Literally, ‘How much does the trip cost?’ It is an informal way to ask the price of a specific journey, whether by bus, train, taxi, or shared ride.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are already talking about a particular trip and want to know the fare. It works well in casual settings – at a ticket counter, with a driver, or when comparing options with friends.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Çacoûtecombienletrajet?
Ça (informal demonstrative pronoun)
‘Ça’ is the informal contraction of ‘cela’, used here as the subject meaning ‘it’.
coûter (verb)
The verb ‘coûter’ means ‘to cost’; it is conjugated in the present third‑person singular (coûte).
combien (interrogative adverb)
‘Combien’ asks for a quantity or price and is placed after the verb in informal spoken French.
le trajet (noun phrase)
‘Le trajet’ means ‘the journey/ride’; the definite article signals a specific trip already understood by both speakers.
Question mark placement
In French, the question mark follows the whole sentence, just as in English.
🗨In Conversation
Ça coûte combien le trajet ?
How much does the trip cost?
C’est 12 €, tout compris.
It’s €12, all‑included.
✕Common Mistakes
C’est combien le trajet ?
‘C’est’ is acceptable but less natural in spoken French; ‘Ça coûte’ directly links the verb ‘to cost’ with the price.
Combien ça coûte le trajet ?
The word order sounds awkward; place ‘combien’ right after the verb: ‘Ça coûte combien le trajet ?’ or ‘Combien coûte le trajet ?’
Ça coûte combien le trajet
Missing the question mark can make the sentence read as a statement rather than a question.
↔Alternatives
Quel est le prix du trajet ?
What is the price of the trip?
Combien coûte le trajet ?
How much does the trip cost?
C’est combien le trajet ?
How much is the trip?
Cultural Tip
In France, fares are often quoted inclusive of taxes, but some services (e.g., regional trains) may have extra fees for luggage or seat reservations. When speaking to a driver or ticket clerk, adding a polite ‘s’il vous plaît’ before the question (e.g., ‘S’il vous plaît, ça coûte combien le trajet ?’) is appreciated in more formal contexts.