Portuguese Phrase
Quanto custa a passagem?
Meaning
A direct way to ask the price of a ticket. It can refer to any type of travel ticket—bus, train, airplane, or even a museum entry pass.
When to use
Use this phrase at ticket counters, travel agencies, online booking sites, or when a friend is helping you compare fares. It works in both formal and informal contexts.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Quantocustaapassagem?
Quanto
Interrogative adverb meaning 'how much', used to ask about price or quantity.
custa
Third‑person singular present of the verb *custar* ‘to cost’. It agrees with the subject *a passagem* (feminine singular).
a passagem
Feminine noun meaning ‘the ticket’ (for bus, train, plane, etc.). The article *a* matches the gender and number.
Question mark
In Portuguese, the interrogative sentence is closed with a single ‘?’ (the opening ‘¿’ is not used).
🗨In Conversation
Quanto custa a passagem?
How much does the ticket cost?
A passagem de ônibus para São Paulo custa R$ 45,00.
The bus ticket to São Paulo costs R$ 45.00.
✕Common Mistakes
Quanto custa o passagem?
‘Passagem’ is feminine, so the article must be *a*, not *o*.
Quanto custam as passagens?
If you mistakenly use *custa* with a plural subject, it becomes ungrammatical. Use *custam* for plural nouns.
Quanto é a passagem?
While understandable, the most natural way to ask price is with *custa*; *é* is more common for describing identity, not cost.
↔Alternatives
Qual é o preço da passagem?
What is the price of the ticket?
Quanto é a passagem?
How much is the ticket?
Quanto devo pagar pela passagem?
How much should I pay for the ticket?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, ticket prices are usually quoted in reais (R$). When you ask for the price, it’s polite to add a smile and, if you’re buying multiple tickets, say *para duas pessoas* (for two people). In some regions, vendors may offer a small discount if you pay in cash, so you can follow up with *Aceita cartão?* (Do you accept cards?) or *Tem desconto à vista?* (Is there a cash discount?).