Directions and transport in English: asking the way

To ask the way in English, “Excuse me, where is…?” is enough, and a few words like left, right, and straight on help you follow the answer. Add the names of transport and phrases for buying tickets, and you can get around a city with ease.

Asking for directions

“Excuse me, where is the station?” / “How do I get to the museum?” / “Is it far from here?” / “Can I walk there?”

Understanding directions

Turn left / turn right, go straight on, take the second street on the left, it's next to the bank, it's opposite the park, at the traffic lights.

Transport

bus, train, underground / metro, taxi, tram, ferry. Travelling by vehicle uses “by”: “I go to work by bus.” Walking uses “on foot”: “I go to school on foot.”

Buying tickets

“A single to London, please.” / “A return ticket, please.” / “What time is the next train?” / “Which platform is it?” / “Does this bus go to the city centre?”

If you didn't follow the directions, “Sorry, could you show me on the map?” always helps.

To keep going, see English at the shop and the café: ready-made dialogues and English at the airport: from check-in to the gate.

Frequently asked questions

What can I say if I don't follow the directions? “Sorry, could you show me on the map?” or “Could you say that again, please?” always helps.

“By bus” or “on the bus”? Use “by bus” for the way you travel and “on the bus” when you are inside it: “I go by bus.”, “I'm on the bus.”