Asking Directions: Trains & Metros

In this post, we will learn how to ask and give directions for train and metro systems. There will be times when you can't use your smartphone, or a visitor to your city will ask you for directions.





Today, we will use Vancouver's Sky Train map (right-click to see larger image).

Place: Vancouver International Airport Information desk.


Tourist: Excuse me. Could you tell me how to get to Main Street Station, please?

Woman: Certainly. There's a Sky Train Station here. First, you take the Canada Line train bound for Waterfront  Station.

Tourist: Okay. Canada line bound for Waterfront.

Woman: Yes. Then get off at Granville Station, and transfer to an Expo Line Train bound for King George.

Tourist: I see. At Granville Station change to the Expo Line bound for King George.

Woman: That's right. There are signs in the station that you can follow. Finally, take the Expo Line to Main Street Station.

Tourist: Is Main Street far from Granville?

Woman: No, it's only two stops from Granville Station.

Tourist: It's the second stop? Great. Thank you.

Woman: You're welcome. Have a nice journey.


See how the tourist used an indirect question? Again, indirect questions should be used when you're asking strangers for help, or making requests.

When you give directions, speak clearly, divide your talk into parts using words, first, then, after that, finally. This will make it easier for the listener to understand your directions. 

When you're listening to directions, repeat the main points. This will show the speaker you understand, and help you remember the directions.

Vocabulary

Get off = leave (a train or bus) 

Get on = enter (a train or bus) 

Take = use (a train or bus)

Bound for = going toward the last stop (on a train line or bus route). For example, the last stops on the Expo Line are Waterfront and King George. Bound for is the direction the train is going in. 

Transfer to = change to (a different train line).

Remember: sometimes people may talk too fast. Remember to use an indirect question to slow them down.

                     (I'm sorry. Could you speak more slowly, please?)

Exercise 1

 From: Surrey Central Station (on the Expo Line)

Tourist: Excuse me. Could you tell me how to get to Lake City Station from here?

Use the map above to help the tourist. You can use the comments section to write your answers.

No problem, first, take...to....

Exercise 2 

Advanced exercise: Using the map of the Montreal Metro System below (right-click for large image), practice with a partner asking for/giving directions. The station names for the Montreal metro aren't always English, just like in cities like Paris, Singapore, Shanghai, etc.