Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are essential transportation options for travelers. Whether you need to get from the airport to your hotel, travel to a meeting, or explore a new city, knowing how to communicate effectively with drivers ensures smooth journeys. This lesson covers both traditional taxis and modern rideshare apps.
While rideshare apps handle much of the communication digitally, you still need to verify pickups, give directions, and handle unexpected situations. Traditional taxis require more direct communication, making these phrases even more valuable.
Hailing a Traditional Taxi
In many cities, you can flag down a taxi on the street. Here is a typical interaction:
You
Taxi! Are you available?
Driver
Yes, hop in. Where are you headed?
You
The Hilton Hotel on Park Street, please.
Driver
No problem. Do you have a preferred route?
You
Whatever is fastest, please. How long will it take?
Driver
About 20 minutes depending on traffic.
Taxi stand / Taxi rank
Designated area where taxis wait
Hail a cab
Signal a taxi to stop
Meter
Device that calculates the fare
Fare
The cost of the journey
Flat rate
Fixed price regardless of route
Dispatch
Call center that sends taxis
Giving Directions
Even with GPS, you may need to help the driver find your destination:
"It is on the corner of Main Street and Oak Avenue."
Giving a specific intersection.
"It is next to the big shopping mall."
Using a landmark for reference.
"Could you drop me off at the main entrance?"
Requesting a specific drop-off point.
"Actually, can we make a quick stop on the way?"
Asking to stop somewhere before the final destination.
Using Rideshare Apps
Uber, Lyft, and similar services have changed how we get around. Here is relevant vocabulary:
Request a ride
Book a car through the app
Pickup location
Where the driver will meet you
Driver rating
Star rating for driver quality
Surge pricing
Higher prices during busy times
ETA
Estimated time of arrival
Ride history
Record of your past trips
You
Hi, are you Michael? I ordered an Uber to the airport.
Driver
Yes, that is me. Are you Sarah?
You
Yes! Great. Is the trunk open for my suitcase?
Driver
Let me pop it for you. Which terminal are you flying from?
You
Terminal 3, international departures.
Safety Tip
Always verify your rideshare driver before getting in. Check the car make, model, color, and license plate against what the app shows. Ask the driver who they are picking up rather than giving your name first.
Discussing the Fare
Understanding pricing helps you avoid surprises:
"How much will it cost to get to the city center?"
Asking for a fare estimate.
"Is there a flat rate to the airport?"
Asking about fixed pricing for common routes.
"Please use the meter."
Requesting that the taxi meter be used.
"Does this include the toll?"
Asking if road tolls are included in the quoted price.
During the Ride
These phrases help you communicate during your journey:
"Could you turn up the air conditioning, please?" - Adjusting temperature
"Could you slow down a bit?" - If the driver is going too fast
"Could we take a different route? There might be traffic." - Suggesting alternatives
"Is it okay if I make a phone call?" - Being polite about calls
"How much longer do you think it will be?" - Checking on arrival time
"Could you pull over here, please? This is fine."
Asking the driver to stop at a specific spot.
Payment and Tipping
Handling payment smoothly at the end of your ride:
Driver
Here we are. That will be 23 dollars and 50 cents.
You
Do you accept credit cards?
Driver
Yes, you can tap or insert your card here.
You
Great. Make it 27 dollars, please. Keep the change.
Driver
Thank you very much! Have a great day.
Tipping Guide
In the US, 15-20% tip is standard for taxi and rideshare drivers. In the UK and Australia, tipping is less expected but appreciated. With rideshare apps, you can add a tip through the app after the ride.
Common Problems
Things do not always go smoothly. Here is how to handle issues:
"I think you are going the wrong way."
Politely pointing out a navigation error.
"I left my phone in your car. Can you come back?"
Reporting a lost item.
"The app charged me more than the estimate."
Disputing an incorrect charge.
"I need a receipt, please."
Requesting proof of payment for expense reports.
Airport Taxi Services
Airports often have specific taxi procedures:
Taxi queue
Line of people waiting for taxis
Licensed taxi
Official, authorized taxi service
Taxi dispatcher
Person who assigns taxis to passengers
Rideshare pickup zone
Designated area for app-based rides
"Where is the taxi pickup area?"
Asking for directions at an airport.
"Is there a rideshare pickup zone?"
Finding where Uber/Lyft drivers meet passengers.
Types of Vehicles
Rideshare apps offer different vehicle options:
Standard / Economy
Basic 4-seat vehicle
XL / Large
6+ passenger vehicle
Premium / Black
Luxury vehicle option
Shared ride / Pool
Split the ride with others going the same direction
With these phrases, you can confidently use taxis and rideshare services anywhere in the English-speaking world. This completes our English travel vocabulary series. Explore our other language courses to prepare for travel to Spanish, French, Italian, and German-speaking destinations!