Spanish Phrase
¿Cuánto cuesta el pasaje?
Meaning
The sentence asks for the price of a ticket, typically for a bus, train, or other public transport. It literally means “How much does the ticket cost?” and is a polite way to inquire about fare before purchasing.
When to use
Use this phrase at ticket counters, kiosks, or when speaking with a driver or conductor. It works in airports, bus stations, train stations, and even when asking a local about the cost of a museum entry ticket.
✦Grammar Breakdown
¿Cuántocuestaelpasaje?
Cuánto (interrogative adjective)
Cuánto, with an accent, is used to ask about quantity or price. It agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies (e.g., cuánta, cuántos, cuántas).
Cuesta (verb costar)
Cuesta is the third‑person singular present of costar, meaning “to cost.” It is used when the subject is an inanimate thing like a ticket.
El pasaje (noun)
Pasaje means “ticket” or “fare.” In many Latin American countries it refers specifically to bus or train tickets; in Spain “billete” is more common for train/plane.
Question marks
Spanish uses an opening (¿) and closing (?) question mark. Never omit the opening mark.
🗨In Conversation
¿Cuánto cuesta el pasaje?
How much does the ticket cost?
Cuesta diez euros, por favor.
It costs ten euros, please.
✕Common Mistakes
¿Cuanto cuesta el pasaje?
Missing accent; the interrogative form always carries an accent.
¿Cuánto costo el pasaje?
"costo" is a noun (the cost), not the verb form needed here.
¿Cuánto cuesta pasaje?
Leaving out the article changes the phrasing; the natural question includes the definite article.
↔Alternatives
¿Cuál es el precio del pasaje?
What is the price of the ticket?
¿Cuánto vale el billete?
How much is the ticket?
¿Cuánto me cobra por el pasaje?
How much do you charge me for the ticket?
Cultural Tip
In Spain people usually say “billete” for train or plane tickets, while “pasaje” is common in most Latin American countries for bus and metro fares. Adding “por favor” after the question makes it sound more courteous. If you’re in a tourist area, staff may switch to English, but using the Spanish phrase shows respect and often earns a friendlier response.