Is the bus always this crowded at this time?
'Affollato' — 'af-fol-LA-to'. Double 'l' and double 'f'; stress on the third syllable.
Use to make conversation with other waiting passengers and get insider advice on less busy times to travel.
'Affollato' means crowded/packed. 'A quest'ora' means 'at this hour'. The adverb 'sempre' (always) makes this a general question about routine rather than a one-off observation.
A che ora è meno affollato?
What time is it less crowded?
Follow-up to get practical advice.
Il prossimo bus sarà meno pieno?
Will the next bus be less full?
Asks about the next service.
È l'ora di punta?
Is it rush hour?
'Ora di punta' is the Italian equivalent of rush hour.
Italian rush hour ('ora di punta') is typically 7:30–9:00 AM and 5:00–7:30 PM on weekdays. Midday ('pausa pranzo') often sees a second, smaller peak as many businesses still close for lunch.