Taking a Train or Metro

Learn how to use basic English to travel by train or metro. This lesson covers buying a ticket, asking for directions, and understanding announcements, helping you navigate your journey with confidence and ease.

SpeakItGo• POPULAR• 5 min

BEGINNER

You:

Hello, one ticket to the city center, please.

Clerk:

That will be five dollars. Do you have a card?

You:

Yes, I do. Here you are.

Clerk:

Thank you. Here's your ticket. The train is on platform 3.

You:

Excuse me, where is platform 3?

Stranger:

Go straight and turn left. It's at the end of the hall.

You:

Thank you so much!

Stranger:

You're welcome.

You:

Have a nice day!

Stranger:

You too. Goodbye.

Vocabulary

train

A series of connected railroad cars or carriages, pulled or pushed by a locomotive.

I'm taking the train to the city center.
The train is always on time.
I need to buy a train ticket.

metro

An underground railway system in a city.

I'm taking the metro to the airport.
The metro is a fast way to travel.
I need a metro ticket.

Grammar Tip: Using 'Do you have...?'

The phrase 'Do you have...?' is a polite way to ask for a request. It shows respect to the person you are speaking with. It's a common phrase in a public setting and shows that you are a polite and respectful person.

Common Mistakes

❌ Using 'I want to go to the city center.'

✅ The correct form is 'One ticket to the city center, please.' or 'I would like to go to the city center.'

In English, we often use 'please' or 'I would like' to make a request. This is a key part of polite conversation and is more respectful.

❌ Not stating your destination clearly.

✅ Always state your destination clearly and concisely. For example, say 'I want to go to the main library.'

This is a simple social cue. It shows that you are being polite and respectful when you speak to a stranger.

Notes for Learners

Be ready to make a simple request in a formal setting.
Practice using phrases like 'Hello' and 'Thank you.'
Listen for the person's answers and respond with a simple 'Thank you.'
Remember to give a reason for your request to show that you are being honest and respectful.

INTERMEDIATE

You:

Hello. I'd like to get to the downtown market. Do you know which train I should take?

Clerk:

That would be the number 14 train. It departs from platform 4. The fare is four dollars.

You:

That's a huge help. I appreciate the information. Is the fare paid with cash or card?

Clerk:

We accept both. Just be sure you have the exact fare if you're paying with cash.

You:

Perfect. Thank you for your guidance. I was a bit lost.

Clerk:

No problem at all. Happy to assist.

You:

Thanks again. Have a good day.

Clerk:

You too. Goodbye.

You:

I'm glad we talked.

Clerk:

Me too.

Vocabulary

depart

To leave a place, especially a station or airport.

The train departs from platform 4.
Our flight departs at 9 AM.
The bus departs in ten minutes.

platform

A raised area, typically in a train station, from which passengers get on and off a train.

The train is on platform 3.
I need to find the correct platform.
The train is departing from platform 4.

Grammar Tip: Using 'Do you know...?'

The phrase 'Do you know...?' is a very polite and indirect way to ask a question. It's a great way to make a request without sounding demanding.

Common Mistakes

❌ Just saying 'Help.'

✅ Add more detail to your sentence, like 'I'd like to get to the downtown market. Do you know which train I should take?' This is more polite and shows respect.

Adding more information makes your speech sound more natural and engaging. It's a key part of an intermediate-level conversation.

❌ Not providing a reason.

✅ Give a more valid reason like 'I was a bit lost.'

This shows you are an engaged student and makes the conversation more personal and practical. A good excuse shows that you are responsible.

Notes for Learners

Be ready to make a polite request with more detail.
Practice using a conversational tag like 'Do you know...?'
Listen for more specific questions and be prepared to give a detailed answer.
Remember to use more descriptive words like 'depart' and 'platform.'

ADVANCED

You:

Good morning. I was hoping to travel to the city center via this route. Is that an option?

Clerk:

Yes, it is. The city center is our final stop. The fare is five dollars, and we kindly ask for exact change.

You:

Thank you for the clarification. I have my travel card ready for the transaction.

Clerk:

Much appreciated. Your service has been most efficient.

You:

I was also hoping you could let me know when we approach the final stop. I'm not familiar with the city's landmarks.

Clerk:

Not at all. I'll make an announcement on the loudspeaker.

You:

That's a fantastic idea. The morning light is perfect for photography.

Clerk:

It is indeed. Have a pleasant journey.

You:

You too. Thank you again.

Clerk:

You're most welcome.

Vocabulary

via

By way of; through.

I was hoping to travel to the city center via this route.
The train goes to London via Paris.
I sent the package via airmail.

landmarks

An object or feature that is easily recognized and used to find your way.

I'm not familiar with the city's landmarks.
The Eiffel Tower is a famous landmark in Paris.
We passed many famous landmarks on our tour.

Grammar Tip: Using the phrase 'I was hoping...'

This phrase is a formal and very polite way to begin a request. It is more sophisticated and less demanding than 'Can you...?' and is perfect for professional or more detailed conversations, especially when you are ordering a specific or unusual item.

Common Mistakes

❌ Using simple language like 'I want to go to the city center.'

✅ Use more descriptive and formal phrases like 'I was hoping to travel to the city center via this route.'

Advanced English is about choosing the right tone and vocabulary. Using words like 'via' and 'efficient' shows a high level of fluency and a precise understanding of the situation.

❌ Not providing a clear and specific plan.

✅ Provide a clear and specific plan, e.g., 'I will be sure to be more mindful in the future. Good luck with your examination.'

This shows you are an informed person and helps the other person understand your goals more quickly and professionally. It's a key part of advanced communication.

Notes for Learners

Open the conversation with a formal phrase like 'Good morning.'
Be ready to use and understand specific terms like 'via,' 'landmarks,' and 'efficient.'
Acknowledge the employee's help with a phrase like 'Your service has been most efficient' and end the conversation professionally.
Remember that maintaining a calm and respectful demeanor is key, even when you are frustrated.