Italian Phrase
Quanto costa la corsa?
Meaning
Literally, 'How much does the ride cost?'. The sentence is used to ask the fare for a taxi, rideshare, or any short‑distance transport service.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are about to board a taxi, when a driver asks if you want a price estimate, or after a ride to confirm the amount you need to pay. It works in both formal and informal contexts.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Quantocostalacorsa?
Quanto
Interrogative adverb meaning 'how much', used to ask about price or quantity.
costa
Third‑person singular present of the verb *costare* ('to cost'). It agrees with the noun *corsa* (the ride).
la corsa
A feminine noun meaning 'the ride' (e.g., taxi, bus, or any hired transport).
Question mark
In spoken Italian the intonation rises at the end; in writing the question mark signals the interrogative.
🗨In Conversation
Quanto costa la corsa?
How much does the ride cost?
Sono dieci euro, più eventuali supplementi per bagagli.
It's ten euros, plus any extra charges for luggage.
✕Common Mistakes
Quanto costo la corsa?
Use the third‑person form *costa* because the subject (the ride) is third person, not first person.
Quanto è la corsa?
The verb *essere* (è) does not convey cost; you need *costa*.
Quanto la corsa?
When asking about a specific ride you can also say *quanto costa*; omitting *costa* changes the meaning.
↔Alternatives
Quanto devo pagare per la corsa?
How much do I have to pay for the ride?
Qual è il prezzo della corsa?
What is the price of the ride?
Che prezzo ha la corsa?
What price does the ride have?
Cultural Tip
In Italy taxi fares are regulated by the city, but drivers may add extra fees for luggage, night rides, or airport trips. It's polite to ask for an estimate before starting the journey, especially in smaller towns where meters are not always used. The word *corsa* can also refer to a bus or tram ride, so context matters.