Italian · Travel & Getting Around
"Subway (metro)" in Italian: metropolitana
la metropolitana
Note: everyday: la metro
Subway / metro in Italian is la metropolitana (meh-troh-po-lee-TAH-nah). Everyday speech shortens it to la metro, but the full headword is metropolitana.
Rush hour
Prendo la metropolitana per andare in centro.Speak with an AI partner · 7 days free
How to pronounce metropolitana
Say it
meh-troh-po-lee-TAH-nah
/me.tro.po.liˈta.na/
Metropolitana stresses TAH: meh-troh-po-lee-TAH-nah.
"Subway (metro)" in Italian: quick reference
| Italian | English | When to use |
|---|---|---|
| la metropolitana | the subway / metro Full formal word. | Full formal word. |
| la metro | the metro Everyday short form. | Everyday short form. |
| prendere la metropolitana | to take the subway Travel plan. | Travel plan. |
| fermata della metropolitana | metro stop Station stop. | Station stop. |
How to use metropolitana in real life
- 1Rush hour
Prendo la metropolitana per andare in centro.
I'm taking the subway to go downtown.
La metropolitana.
- 2Asking directions
Dov'è l'ingresso della metropolitana?
Where is the subway entrance?
Della metropolitana.
- 3Late night
L'ultima corsa della metropolitana è a mezzanotte.
The last subway run is at midnight.
Della metropolitana.
Mistakes English speakers make with metropolitana
Incorrect: Il metropolitana.
Correct: La metropolitana.
Metropolitana is feminine.
Incorrect: Prendo il subway.
Correct: Prendo la metropolitana.
Use metropolitana (or metro).
Good to know
Rome, Milan, Naples and other cities call it la metro in casual talk, but signs and announcements say Metropolitana. Buy a biglietto or use a contactless card before boarding.
Try it in a ChatPal conversation
Choosing how to cross town
ChatPal
Andiamo in taxi o con la metropolitana?
Shall we go by taxi or by subway?
You
Con la metropolitana: è più veloce.
By subway: it's faster.
ChatPal
Ok. La metropolitana ci lascia vicino al museo.
Ok. The subway drops us near the museum.
You
Perfetto. Compro due biglietti della metropolitana.
Perfect. I'll buy two subway tickets.
This is a sample. In ChatPal you have this conversation out loud and get feedback on what you say.
Practice this conversation in ChatPal"Subway (metro)" in other languages
FAQ
Common questions about "Subway (metro)" in Italian
Metro or metropolitana?
Both; metro is the everyday short form.
Gender?
Feminine: la metropolitana.
How do I say take the subway?
Prendere la metropolitana.
Underground train?
Same word; Italy uses metropolitana for that system.
Learn a word, then use it out loud
- Step 1: See it in context
- Step 2: Say it out loud
- Step 3: Get feedback
- Step 4: Use it in real scenarios
Keep reading
- How to Learn Italian Fast and Speak with ConfidenceLearn how to learn Italian with a clear roadmap, speaking-first tactics and daily habits that turn basics into real conversation confidence.
- Translate Hello in Italian with ConfidenceLearn how to translate hello in Italian with context, pronunciation, and practice prompts. Master ciao, buongiorno, buonasera, and salve for real conversations.
