Asking for Directions/Help on a Train/Bus
A passenger is lost, needs to know their stop, or has a question about the route or connections while on a bus, train, or subway, and asks a fellow passenger or staff member for assistance.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
excuse me
A polite way to get someone's attention when you want to ask a question, like starting a conversation on public transport.
towards
Means in the direction of a place; use it when asking if something is heading to a certain area, like 'going towards the city center.'
express
A type of train or bus that goes faster and skips some stops; common in public transportation to describe quicker routes.
stops
The places where a bus or train pauses to let people on or off; useful for asking 'how many more stops' to your destination.
getting off
Means leaving the bus or train at a stop; say 'getting off at the next stop' when you plan to exit soon.
appreciate
To feel grateful for someone's help; use it in polite thanks like 'I appreciate your help' after getting directions.
no problem
A casual way to say 'you're welcome' or 'it's okay'; respond with this when someone thanks you for assistance.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Excuse me, I hope you don't mind me asking. Is this train going towards the city center?
This is a polite way to start asking for directions on public transport. 'Don't mind me asking' softens the request, making it courteous. Use it when interrupting someone.
This is the downtown express. Are you looking to get to a specific station?
Here, 'downtown express' describes a fast route to the city center. The question uses 'looking to get to' for inquiring about destinations, helpful for offering help.
How many more stops is that from here?
A practical question for checking distance on a route. 'How many more stops' is a common pattern in transportation; 'from here' specifies the current location.
Grand Central is actually the next stop, so you'll be getting off pretty soon.
This gives clear directions using 'next stop' for immediacy and 'getting off' for exiting. 'Pretty soon' means very shortly; useful for reassuring someone.
Thank you so much, I really appreciate your help.
A strong expression of thanks. 'Thank you so much' emphasizes gratitude, and 'appreciate your help' shows politeness. Use after receiving assistance.
No problem at all! Glad I could help.
A friendly response to thanks. 'No problem at all' is casual for 'you're welcome,' and 'glad I could help' expresses pleasure in assisting. Common in everyday interactions.