Effortless English Podcasts
Effortless English Learning
Learn real English for real transport situations.
Will: Hello, everyone.
Will: Welcome back to Effortless English Podcasts.
Alison: And welcome to our series, Effortless English Learning.
Will: Remember to hit subscribe, so you never miss an episode.
Alison: And don’t forget, we offer subtitles in many languages.
Will: Just turn on CC if you need them.
Alison: Today, we’re diving into everyday travel.
Will: Yes, the words and phrases for public transport.
Alison: Bus, subway, train, taxi—let’s cover them all.
Will: Whether you’re new in town or just visiting.
Alison: These expressions will help you get around easily.
Will: Have you ever stood at a bus stop confused?
Alison: Or missed a train because you asked the wrong question?
Will: We’ve both been there, haven’t we?
Alison: Oh yes, I once ended up in the wrong part of the city!
Will: I asked for “the tube” in New York…
Will: …and the guy just looked at me like I was lost.
Alison: Classic! In the U.S., we say “subway.”
Will: In the U.K., it’s “underground” or “the tube.”
Alison: These small differences can be big problems when you travel.
Will: So today, we’ll guide you through the key phrases.
Alison: And not just in English, but in American and British English.
Will: That’s right! So you’ll sound local no matter where you go.
Alison: Want to ask where the next train is?
Will: Or how much a ticket costs?
Alison: Maybe how to stop a taxi safely?
Will: We’ve got you covered.
Alison: We’ll even teach you what to say in an emergency.
Will: Because getting help should never be hard.
Alison: And if English isn’t your first language—
Will: —Don’t worry, we’ll keep it simple and slow.
Alison: We use words from the top 1200 in English.
Will: You can learn fast and speak confidently.
Alison: Plus, we’ll show you real phrases used by locals.
Will: Not textbook English, but everyday English.
Alison: So grab your earphones or turn up your speaker.
Will: Get ready to learn with us today.
Alison: Let’s help you ride, ask, and go like a pro.
Will: And maybe have some fun on the way.
Alison: Because learning English doesn’t need to be boring.
Will: It can be fast, useful, and even fun.
Alison: So let’s get started with our first stop…
Will: Asking for directions on public transport!
Alison: Alright, let’s start with a classic.
Alison: You’re on a bus and not sure where to get off.
Will: That happens all the time, doesn’t it?
Alison: Yes, so you ask: “Which stop is best for the museum?”
Will: Or “Should I get off at Main Street?”
Alison: That’s a good one. Simple and clear.
Will: In Britain, we might ask, “Do I get off at the next stop for the museum?”
Alison: Sounds polite but still direct.
Will: Exactly. Polite doesn’t mean long or hard.
Alison: You could also say, “How many stops until the park?”
Will: Or “Is this the stop for the train station?”
Alison: These help you avoid getting lost.
Will: Or missing your stop and walking back for ten minutes!
Alison: True story?
Will: More than once.
Alison: Now, what if you’re not even sure the bus goes there?
Will: Then say, “Does this bus go to Central Station?”
Alison: Or “Is this the right line for downtown?”
Will: In the U.K., “Is this bus heading to Oxford Street?”
Alison: You might hear the driver say “Yes, it stops there” or “You need another bus.”
Will: It’s helpful to know where to switch too.
Alison: You can ask, “Where should I change buses?”
Will: Or “Which line should I take for the airport?”
Alison: Always better to ask early, not late.
Will: That’s right, saves time and stress.
Alison: Let’s go back to the basics.
Alison: You’re standing at a station and totally lost.
Will: Like when signs are all in another language?
Alison: Yes! You can say, “Where is the bus stop?”
Will: Or “Can you show me the subway station?”
Alison: In American English, we say “subway.”
Will: But Brits say “underground” or “tube.”
Alison: Same place, different names.
Will: Or even “metro” in some cities.
Alison: If you want to find the right direction, try: “Which way to the red line?”
Will: Or “How do I get to the city center?”
Alison: Be ready to hear left, right, upstairs, downstairs.
Will: Maybe even “Take the lift” if you’re in London.
Alison: Or “Take the elevator” in the U.S.
Will: I love how one language can have so many flavors.
Alison: And you’ll sound more natural using the local style.
Will: A little change can make people more open to help.
Alison: You might even get a smile.
Will: Or a free tip on the fastest way.
Alison: Okay, time to test a few examples.
Will: Let’s say I’m going to the zoo.
Alison: I’d ask, “Excuse me, does this train stop at the zoo?”
Will: Or “How many stops until the zoo?”
Alison: Great! Now you try one.
Will: Alright. “Hi, where’s the underground station?”
Alison: Perfect! And for U.S. listeners: “Where is the subway station?”
Will: We’re building travel confidence one line at a time.
Alison: Next up, let’s talk about buying tickets.
Will: And not overpaying for a simple ride.
Will: Now that you know where to go—
Alison: —Let’s figure out how to pay for it.
Will: Because getting on the bus is not free.
Alison: First question: “How much is a ticket?”
Will: Or “What’s the fare to downtown?”
Alison: In the U.S., we often say “fare.”
Will: In the U.K., people say “ticket price” more often.
Alison: You could also ask, “Is it one price for all stops?”
Will: Or “Do I pay more for long rides?”
Alison: These help you know before you board.
Will: Yes, and avoid that awkward moment at the gate.
Alison: Now, what if you need to buy the ticket?
Will: You can ask, “Where do I buy a ticket?”
Alison: Or “Is there a ticket machine nearby?”
Will: In big cities, machines are common.
Alison: But some places still use ticket windows.
Will: In the U.K., people might say, “Can I get a ticket at the counter?”
Alison: In the U.S., we might ask, “Do you sell tickets here?”
Will: If you’re on a bus, try: “Do I pay the driver?”
Alison: Or “Can I pay on board?”
Will: Good to know before you get on.
Alison: Because some buses only take cards.
Will: Or exact change only.
Alison: So it’s smart to ask: “Do you have change for a five?”
Will: Or “Do I need exact coins?”
Alison: In the U.K., “Do you take cash or card?” works well.
Will: And in the U.S., “Can I pay with a card?” is common.
Alison: Now here’s something important—special fares.
Will: Yes, not everyone pays the same.
Alison: Students often get discounts.
Will: Seniors and kids too.
Alison: You might say, “Is there a student fare?”
Will: Or “Do you have child tickets?”
Alison: In Britain, “Do you offer a concession fare?”
Will: That means a cheaper ticket for some people.
Alison: You might also ask, “Is ID needed for the discount?”
Will: Or “What do I show for a student fare?”
Alison: It’s good to be prepared.
Will: Also, ask if the ticket works for both ways.
Alison: Like, “Is this a return ticket?”
Will: Or “Can I use this for the way back?”
Alison: In some places, a round trip is cheaper.
Will: Yes, always ask: “Is there a day pass?”
Alison: A day pass lets you ride many times.
Will: Great for tourists or long city days.
Alison: So many little things can help save money.
Will: And reduce stress at the gate or bus stop.
Alison: Let’s try a quick example.
Will: Okay, I’m at the subway station.
Alison: I’d say, “How much is a ticket to the museum?”
Will: Or “Can I pay with a credit card?”
Alison: What if you’re a student?
Will: I’d ask, “Do you offer student prices?”
Alison: Good! Now, ready for the next part?
Will: Let’s see what to say on the ride.
Alison: Okay, you’ve bought the ticket and found the seat.
Will: But how do you know you’re on the right train?
Alison: That’s a big one. You can ask: “Is this the train to Chicago?”
Will: Or “Does this go to the airport?”
Alison: Don’t be shy to double-check.
Will: It’s better than ending up in the wrong city.
Alison: True! You can also ask another passenger.
Will: “Hi, is this the right bus for the stadium?”
Alison: That works well and is friendly.
Will: In the U.K., “Is this coach going to London?”
Alison: Or simply, “This goes to London, right?”
Will: Now, once you’re on board, the next worry—
Alison: —When do I get off?
Will: You can ask, “How many stops until Central Station?”
Alison: Or “Can you tell me when we reach City Hall?”
Will: In the U.K., some say, “Could you let me know when we get to Oxford Street?”
Alison: Or even just, “Please tell me when to get off.”
Will: Many people are happy to help.
Alison: And drivers often make announcements.
Will: But sometimes those are hard to hear.
Alison: So it’s smart to ask early.
Will: That way you’re ready when your stop comes.
Alison: Now let’s talk about being polite on board.
Will: What if you want to change your seat?
Alison: Try, “Excuse me, is this seat taken?”
Will: Or “May I sit here?”
Alison: If someone is in your seat, say, “I think this is my seat.”
Will: And always with a smile.
Alison: Always!
Will: What if it’s hot or stuffy?
Alison: Ask, “Is it okay if I open the window?”
Will: Or “Would you mind if I open it?”
Alison: Most people will say yes—or ask to keep it closed.
Will: It’s all about being polite and clear.
Alison: If you need to get by, say, “Excuse me, I need to get off.”
Will: Or “Can I squeeze past?”
Alison: Don’t push or rush.
Will: A little English can make things smooth.
Alison: Want to listen to music? Ask, “Can I use headphones here?”
Will: Or just make sure the volume is low.
Alison: If your bag is in the way, someone might say, “Can you move your bag?”
Will: Or “Mind if I sit here?”
Alison: It’s good to know both sides.
Will: Yes, what you say—and what others may say to you.
Alison: Here’s a quick practice round.
Will: I’ll start. “Is this the bus to the mall?”
Alison: “Yes, but it stops there last.”
Will: “Okay. Could you tell me when we get there?”
Alison: “Sure, I’ll let you know.”
Will: “Thanks! Is it alright if I open this window?”
Alison: “No problem, go ahead.”
Will: See? Smooth and friendly.
Alison: Good phrases help you stay calm.
Will: And enjoy the ride, even in a busy city.
Alison: Up next, what to say in a taxi.
Will: And how to avoid going in circles!
Alison: Alright, now it’s taxi time.
Will: Or cab time, as we say in the U.S.
Alison: Yes, and “taxi” works in both places.
Will: First, you need to tell the driver where to go.
Alison: Try, “I’d like to go to the Hilton Hotel.”
Will: Or “Can you take me to the airport?”
Alison: You can also say, “Please take me to this address.”
Will: Then show the address on your phone or paper.
Alison: That helps avoid any mix-up.
Will: In the U.K., we might say, “Could you drive me to Baker Street?”
Alison: Sounds very polite!
Will: You can also say, “How long will it take?”
Alison: Or “Is this the fastest way?”
Will: Always useful if you’re in a hurry.
Alison: Before starting the ride, ask about the cost.
Will: “How much will it be to City Center?”
Alison: Or “Is there a flat rate to the airport?”
Will: In the U.K., “What’s the fare like at this time?”
Alison: You might also ask, “Do you use the meter?”
Will: Some drivers might give you a set price.
Alison: Others just say, “We go by the meter.”
Will: Be sure to ask, “Do you take card?”
Alison: Or “Is it cash only?”
Will: That saves you from trouble later.
Alison: Now what if your plan changes mid-ride?
Will: You can say, “Can we stop at a shop on the way?”
Alison: Or “Actually, can you take a different route?”
Will: In the U.K., “Mind taking a quicker way?”
Alison: Or “I need to stop here for a minute.”
Will: It’s okay to ask, but say it kindly.
Alison: If you're not sure where you are, ask, “Are we near the museum?”
Will: Or “How far are we from Main Street?”
Alison: It helps to stay informed.
Will: Sometimes drivers may take a long way.
Alison: If that happens, ask, “Is this the shortest route?”
Will: Or “I think we passed my hotel.”
Alison: Most drivers are honest, but asking shows you’re alert.
Will: Let’s try a quick example.
Alison: Okay. I’ll be the rider.
Alison: “Hi, can you take me to Green Park Hotel?”
Will: “Sure. Do you have the address?”
Alison: “Yes, here it is. About how much will it cost?”
Will: “It’s about fifteen dollars with traffic.”
Alison: “Great. Can I pay with a card?”
Will: “Yes, that’s fine.”
Alison: “Also, can we stop at a store on the way?”
Will: “No problem.”
Alison: Easy and smooth.
Will: If you’re calm and clear, most rides go well.
Alison: And you get there without stress.
Will: Now, let’s see what to do when things go wrong.
Will: Alright, now let’s talk about things that don’t go as planned.
Alison: Because, let’s face it, travel isn’t always smooth.
Will: First up—what if you got on the wrong bus?
Alison: You can say, “I think I’m on the wrong bus.”
Will: Or “Is this going to Riverside?”
Alison: If not, ask, “Where should I get off to go back?”
Will: Or “How can I get to the right bus?”
Alison: In the U.K., “Could you help me find the correct line?”
Will: People will help if you ask clearly.
Alison: Another issue—what if you miss your stop?
Will: Say, “I missed my stop. Can I get off here?”
Alison: Or “How do I get back to City Mall?”
Will: You could also ask, “What’s the best way to return?”
Alison: Stay calm, even if you feel lost.
Will: Now let’s say you leave something behind.
Alison: Oh no, not the phone!
Will: Or worse—the passport.
Alison: You can say, “I left my bag on the bus.”
Will: Or “I forgot my phone in the taxi.”
Alison: Try “Who should I call?” or “Where’s lost and found?”
Will: In the U.K., “I believe I left something on board.”
Alison: And “How can I report a lost item?”
Will: Always keep your receipt or ticket if you can.
Alison: It helps find your ride later.
Will: Now what if you feel sick during the trip?
Alison: Say, “I feel sick. Can you stop the bus?”
Will: Or “I need air. Can I open a window?”
Alison: In the U.K., “I’m not feeling well. Could we stop?”
Will: If it’s bad, ask, “Can you call for help?”
Alison: Or “Is there a first aid kit on board?”
Will: Drivers are trained for this.
Alison: Now let’s talk about safety.
Will: If you feel unsafe, say, “I want to get off now.”
Alison: Or “Please stop the car. I don’t feel safe.”
Will: In the U.K., “I’d like to leave here, please.”
Alison: Or “This doesn’t feel right. Let me out.”
Will: Always trust your feeling.
Alison: And don’t worry about being polite in danger.
Will: Here’s a role-play to practice.
Alison: “Excuse me, I think I got on the wrong train.”
Will: “Where are you going?”
Alison: “To North Station, but this says South.”
Will: “You’ll need to get off at the next stop.”
Alison: “Thanks. Also, I left my bag. Who can I talk to?”
Will: “Go to the help desk near exit two.”
Alison: “Got it. Thank you so much.”
Will: Simple words can help a lot.
Alison: Even when things go wrong.
Will: So always speak up.
Alison: And stay calm.
Will: Up next, we’ll explore what travelers often ask—especially from non-English-speaking places.
Alison: Let’s face it—not everyone speaks English well.
Will: And that’s totally okay.
Alison: So what can you say if you don’t understand?
Will: You can start with, “Sorry, I don’t speak English well.”
Alison: Or “Could you help me, please?”
Will: People often slow down when they hear that.
Alison: You can ask, “Can you speak slowly?”
Will: Or “Please use simple words.”
Alison: These are great for travel situations.
Will: In the U.K., we also say, “Could you say that again, more slowly?”
Alison: Or “I don’t understand. Can you repeat that?”
Will: If it’s too fast, say, “I didn’t catch that.”
Alison: It shows you're trying, and that helps.
Will: Another tip: use body language.
Alison: Pointing or showing your phone can really help.
Will: You can also type what you want to say.
Alison: Then show the text to the driver or helper.
Will: Translation apps work too.
Alison: But short, easy English is often faster.
Will: What if your friend doesn’t speak English at all?
Alison: You can speak for them.
Will: Like, “My friend doesn’t speak English. Can I explain for them?”
Alison: Or “Can I help translate for my friend?”
Will: You can also ask the other person to wait a bit.
Alison: Say, “Can you wait? I’ll help my friend.”
Will: If your friend needs help, say, “She needs help with the bus.”
Alison: Or “He doesn’t understand the ticket machine.”
Will: People usually try to be patient.
Alison: Especially if you explain kindly.
Will: What if no one understands you?
Alison: Try using names of places.
Will: Or show pictures or a map on your phone.
Alison: You can say, “I want to go here” and point.
Will: That often works without many words.
Alison: One more useful phrase—“Do you speak my language?”
Will: In the U.K., people sometimes say, “Is there someone who speaks Spanish?”
Alison: Or “Anyone here speak Chinese?”
Will: Just be polite and clear.
Alison: Let’s do a practice run.
Will: “Excuse me, I don’t speak English well.”
Alison: “No problem. How can I help you?”
Will: “I want to go to the science museum.”
Alison: “Okay. Take Bus 45 from that stop.”
Will: “Can you write that down, please?”
Alison: “Sure, here you go.”
Will: Simple, kind, and clear.
Alison: English doesn't have to be perfect.
Will: Just enough to get where you need to go.
Alison: And that’s what we’re here for.
Will: Helping you speak better, step by step.
Alison: And more confidently every day.
Alison: And that wraps up today’s episode.
Will: We hope these phrases help you travel with ease.
Alison: Whether you’re taking a bus, train, or taxi...
Will: Or just asking for help on the street.
Alison: Remember, it’s okay if your English isn’t perfect.
Will: What matters is trying and staying calm.
Alison: The more you use these words, the easier it gets.
Will: And you’ll feel more confident each time.
Alison: Do you have a funny travel story?
Will: Or maybe you used English in a real situation?
Alison: Tell us in the comments below.
Will: We’d love to hear from you.
Alison: What phrases helped you the most?
Will: Or is there a new one you plan to try?
Alison: Let’s learn from each other.
Will: And build a kind and helpful space.
Alison: If you liked today’s episode...
Will: Please don’t forget to subscribe.
Alison: We’ve got more useful lessons coming.
Will: And your support helps us grow.
Alison: Also, if you need subtitles...
Will: We have multi-language captions ready.
Alison: Just tap “CC” to turn them on.
Will: That way, everyone can follow along.
Alison: English is for everyone.
Will: No matter where you’re from.
Alison: And we’re here to make it easier.
Will: Thanks again for learning with us.
Alison: See you next time on Effortless English Podcasts.
Will: Where learning English is fun, simple, and stress-free.
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