Travel and Directions Phrases for English Learners
When traveling or navigating new places, knowing essential travel and direction phrases can be incredibly helpful. This guide provides common phrases, their meanings, examples, and exercises to practice.
1. Asking for Directions
Phrase: “Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to [place]?”
Meaning: A polite way to ask for directions to a specific location.
- Example 1: “Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to the nearest train station?”
- Example 2: “Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to the city center?”
- Example 3: “Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to the museum?”
Phrase: “Is there a [place] around here?”
Meaning: Asking if a specific place is nearby.
- Example 1: “Is there a café around here?”
- Example 2: “Is there a pharmacy around here?”
- Example 3: “Is there a bus stop around here?”
2. Giving Directions
Phrase: “Go straight ahead.”
Meaning: Instructing someone to continue in the same direction.
- Example 1: “Go straight ahead until you see the traffic lights.”
- Example 2: “Go straight ahead for about 200 meters.”
- Example 3: “Go straight ahead and turn left at the corner.”
Phrase: “Turn left/right at [landmark].”
Meaning: Instructing someone to turn at a specific point.
- Example 1: “Turn left at the big red building.”
- Example 2: “Turn right at the second traffic light.”
- Example 3: “Turn left at the park entrance.”
3. Public Transportation Phrases
Phrase: “Which bus/train goes to [destination]?”
Meaning: Asking which public transport route leads to a specific place.
- Example 1: “Which bus goes to the airport?”
- Example 2: “Which train goes to downtown?”
- Example 3: “Which bus goes to the shopping mall?”
Phrase: “How much is the fare to [destination]?”
Meaning: Asking the cost of a ticket to a specific place.
- Example 1: “How much is the fare to the central station?”
- Example 2: “How much is the fare to the beach?”
- Example 3: “How much is the fare to the university?”
4. At the Hotel
Phrase: “Do you have any vacancies?”
Meaning: Asking if the hotel has available rooms.
- Example 1: “Do you have any vacancies for tonight?”
- Example 2: “Do you have any vacancies for the weekend?”
- Example 3: “Do you have any vacancies for a family room?”
Phrase: “What time is check-in/check-out?”
Meaning: Asking about the hotel’s check-in or check-out time.
- Example 1: “What time is check-in?”
- Example 2: “What time is check-out tomorrow?”
- Example 3: “Is early check-in available?”
Exercises
Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with the correct phrase.
- “__________, could you tell me how to get to the post office?”
- “__________ at the traffic lights and go straight.”
- “Which __________ goes to the museum?”
Exercise 2: Match the phrase to its meaning.
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| “Is there a café around here?” | Asking if a café is nearby. |
| “How much is the fare?” | Asking the cost of a ticket. |
| “Do you have any vacancies?” | Asking if rooms are available. |
Answer Key
Exercise 1:
- “Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to the post office?”
- “Turn left/right at the traffic lights and go straight.”
- “Which bus/train goes to the museum?”
Exercise 2:
- “Is there a café around here?” → Asking if a café is nearby.
- “How much is the fare?” → Asking the cost of a ticket.
- “Do you have any vacancies?” → Asking if rooms are available.