Public Transport: Navigating Buses, Trains, and Subways
8 min read
40+ phrases
Public transportation is often the best way to explore a new city. It is usually cheaper than taxis, gives you a more authentic local experience, and can be faster than driving in traffic. This lesson covers all the vocabulary and phrases you need to use buses, trains, subways, and other forms of public transport confidently.
Whether you are catching the London Underground, the New York Subway, or a local bus in Sydney, the terminology is surprisingly similar. Master these phrases, and you will navigate any transit system with ease.
Types of Public Transport
Different cities have different transit options. Here are the most common types you will encounter:
Bus
Road vehicle following fixed routes
Subway / Metro / Underground
Underground train system
Tram / Streetcar
Electric rail vehicle on streets
Train
Rail transport for longer distances
Ferry
Boat for crossing water
Taxi / Cab
Car service for hire
Buying Tickets
Most public transport requires you to purchase a ticket before boarding. Here are useful phrases for buying tickets:
You
Hello, I need a ticket to Central Station, please.
Clerk
One way or return?
You
Return, please. How much is that?
Clerk
That will be 8.50. Cash or card?
You
Card, please. Which platform do I need?
Clerk
Platform 3. The next train leaves in 15 minutes.
Single / One-way
Ticket for travel in one direction only
Return / Round-trip
Ticket for going and coming back
Day pass
Unlimited travel for one day
Weekly pass
Unlimited travel for one week
Off-peak
Cheaper tickets for non-busy times
Peak hours
Busy commuting times (usually more expensive)
"Is there a discount for students?"
Asking about reduced fares for students.
"Do you sell travel cards here?"
Asking about reloadable transit cards.
At the Bus Stop
Taking the bus requires knowing where to wait and which bus to catch:
Bus stop
Where you wait for the bus
Bus route
The path the bus follows
Timetable / Schedule
List of departure times
Bus number
The identification number of the bus line
"Does this bus go to the city center?"
Confirming the bus goes where you need.
"Could you tell me when we reach Oxford Street?"
Asking the driver to let you know when to get off.
Travel Tip
In many cities, you need to signal the bus to stop by pressing a button or pulling a cord before your stop. Listen for announcements or watch for your stop so you are ready.
Using the Subway or Metro
Subway systems can seem intimidating at first, but they follow logical patterns. Here is the vocabulary you need:
Line
A specific subway route (often color-coded)
Station
Where you board and exit
Platform
Where you wait for the train
Transfer / Change
Switch from one line to another
Entrance / Exit
Ways in and out of the station
Turnstile / Gate
Where you scan your ticket to enter
You
Excuse me, how do I get to Times Square?
Local
Take the red line northbound and transfer to the blue line at 42nd Street.
You
How many stops is it?
Local
About six stops on the red line, then two more after the transfer.
"Which line goes to the airport?"
Asking which subway route you need.
"Is this the right platform for downtown?"
Confirming you are waiting in the correct place.
On Board Announcements
Trains and buses make announcements you need to understand:
"The next stop is Victoria Station." - Announcing the upcoming stop
"Change here for the Northern Line." - Indicating a transfer point
"Mind the gap." - Warning about the space between train and platform
"This train terminates here. All passengers must exit." - The train is ending its route
"Doors closing. Please stand clear of the doors." - Warning before departure
Taking a Taxi
Taxis are convenient when public transport is not available or when you have heavy luggage:
You
Hi, could you take me to the Hilton Hotel on Park Avenue?
Driver
Sure, hop in. Do you have an exact address?
You
It is 335 Park Avenue. How long will it take?
Driver
About 20 minutes, depending on traffic.
You
And roughly how much will it cost?
Driver
Probably around 25 to 30 dollars.
"Could you put the meter on, please?"
Ensuring the taxi uses its official meter.
"Keep the change."
Telling the driver to keep extra money as a tip.
"Could you drop me off at the corner?"
Asking to be let out at a specific spot.
Rideshare Services
Apps like Uber and Lyft are now common worldwide. Here is related vocabulary:
Pickup location
Where the driver will meet you
Drop-off point
Your destination
ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival)
When the driver will arrive
Fare estimate
Approximate cost of the trip
Common Problems and Solutions
Sometimes things do not go as planned. Here are phrases for common situations:
"I think I missed my stop. What should I do?"
Asking for help after passing your destination.
"Is this train running late?"
Asking about delays.
"The ticket machine is not working. Where else can I buy a ticket?"
Finding alternative purchase options.
Safety Tip
Keep your belongings close on public transport, especially in crowded situations. Wear bags in front of you and keep valuables in inside pockets. Be aware of your surroundings, particularly at night.
Useful Station Vocabulary
Departures board
Screen showing leaving trains
Arrivals board
Screen showing incoming trains
Information desk
Where staff can help you
Escalator / Stairs / Lift
Ways to change levels
Lost property
Office for lost items
Waiting room
Area to sit while waiting
With these phrases and vocabulary, you can confidently use public transportation anywhere in the English-speaking world. In our next lesson, we will cover emergency phrases that every traveler should know.