137 Common Travel Phrases in English

Discover 137 essential travel phrases in English to help you navigate airports, hotels, dining, and more with confidence on your next trip.

When you’re traveling, language can often be a barrier. One way to overcome this is by learning a few key phrases in the local language. You can start simply by learning how to say hello in different languages! It may seem hard to believe, but learning a few simple words can help make your trip much smoother.

However, if you can’t do this or don’t have time, there is another option. Fortunately, English is the most widely spoken language in the world. This means that if all else fails you can always try communicating in English! And, even if you’re not a native English speaker, there are a variety of phrases that you can learn to help you along the way.

So, if you’re traveling to a native English-speaking country, or even if you’re not, here are some common travel phrases in English that you may need.

Travel Phrases & Vocabulary

Below, you’ll find 137 common travel phrases in English to help you communicate better on your travels.

Basic Greetings

Hello

A simple greeting for anyone you meet, hello can be said in a variety of ways but this phrase is universally understood.

Good morning

A polite way to greet someone in the morning.

Good afternoon

Use this greeting in the afternoon.

Good evening

Greet someone during the evening.

Goodbye

Say this when parting ways with someone. There are also other ways to say goodbye if you ever want to mix it up!

Please

A polite way to ask for something.

Thank you

Express gratitude for someone’s help.

You’re welcome

A response when someone thanks you.

Excuse me

Use this to get someone’s attention or to apologize.

I’m sorry

A polite expression of apology.

Asking for Help

Can you help me?

Use this to ask for assistance.

I need help

Say this when you need assistance.

Where is the nearest hospital?

Ask this in case of a medical emergency.

Can you call a taxi for me?

Request someone to get a taxi for you.

Is there a pharmacy nearby?

Ask this if you need medication or first aid.

Asking for Directions

Where is the train station?

Use this to find your way to public transportation.

How do I get to the airport?

Ask this when you need to travel to the airport.

Which way to the city center?

Ask for directions to the center of town.

Is this the right bus to [place]?

Check if the bus you’re on goes to your destination.

How far is it from here?

Use this to ask for the distance to a destination.

Transportation

I need a ticket to [place]

Ask for a ticket to a specific location.

How much is the fare?

Ask this when you want to know the cost of transportation.

When is the next bus/train?

Use this to inquire about the next scheduled transport.

Can I buy a ticket on board?

Ask if you can purchase a ticket on public transportation.

Where can I rent a car?

Use this when you want to rent a vehicle.

Is this seat taken?

Ask this when you need to check if a seat is free.

How long does the journey take?

Ask about the duration of your trip.

Accommodation

Do you have any rooms available?

Use this when looking for a place to stay.

How much is a room per night?

Ask about the cost of a hotel or hostel room.

Is breakfast included?

Check if breakfast is part of your booking.

Can I check in early?

Ask this if you arrive before the standard check-in time.

What time is check-out?

Inquire about when you need to leave your accommodation.

Is Wi-Fi available?

Ask if there is internet access at your accommodation.

Can I have extra towels?

Request additional towels for your room.

Do you offer room service?

Ask if food or other services can be delivered to your room.

Dining and Food

Can I see the menu?

Ask this when you want to view what a restaurant offers.

What do you recommend?

Ask for the server’s suggestion on the best dish.

I’d like to order [food/drink]

Use this to request your meal or drink.

Can I get the bill, please?

Ask for the bill when you’re ready to pay.

Do you accept credit cards?

Check if a restaurant or cafe accepts card payments.

Is this dish vegetarian?

Ask if the food has no meat.

I have a food allergy to [allergen]

Let the server know about any food allergies.

Is the tap water safe to drink?

Ask about the safety of drinking tap water.

Can I have this to go?

Request your meal to be packed for takeout.

Shopping and Souvenirs

How much does this cost?

Ask about the price of an item you’re interested in.

Can I try this on?

Request to try on clothing before buying.

Do you have this in another size?

Check if a store carries your size.

Is there a discount?

Ask if a store is offering any promotions.

Can I pay in cash?

Check if cash payments are accepted.

Do you sell souvenirs?

Inquire if a store has keepsakes from the area.

Emergencies

I need a doctor

Use this in case of a medical emergency.

Call the police

Ask someone to contact law enforcement.

I’ve lost my passport

Let authorities know if you’ve lost your travel documents.

My wallet has been stolen

Report a theft to the police or hotel staff.

Where is the nearest embassy?

Ask for directions to your country’s embassy.

I’m not feeling well

Let someone know if you’re feeling unwell.

Is there a hospital nearby?

Ask this when you need medical attention.

Phrases for Sightseeing

Where is the nearest tourist information center?

Ask for help finding tourist spots or tours.

Can I take a guided tour?

Inquire if there are tours available.

How much is admission?

Ask for the entry fee to a site or attraction.

Are there any local festivals?

Check if there are special events during your stay.

What time does the museum open?

Inquire about the museum’s opening hours.

Where can I buy tickets?

Ask where to purchase admission tickets.

Is this place wheelchair accessible?

Check if an attraction is accessible for individuals with disabilities.

Can I take photos here?

Ask if photography is allowed at a specific site.

Where can I buy souvenirs?

Ask for places that sell keepsakes or local crafts.

What’s the best way to explore the city?

Ask for recommendations on how to navigate a new city.

Language and Communication

Do you speak English?

Ask if someone speaks your language.

I don’t understand

Say this when you can’t follow the conversation.

Can you speak more slowly?

Ask this when someone is speaking too fast.

Can you repeat that, please?

Request for someone to repeat what they said.

How do you say [word] in [language]?

Ask how to say a word in the local language.

What does this word mean?

Inquire about the meaning of a specific word.

I need an interpreter

Request the help of someone who can translate.

Can you write that down?

Ask someone to write down important information for you.

Money and Banking

Where is the nearest ATM?

Ask for the location of an ATM to withdraw cash.

Can I exchange money here?

Check if you can exchange your currency at a particular location.

What is the exchange rate?

Ask about the conversion rate for currency.

Do you accept travelers’ checks?

Check if your travelers’ checks are accepted.

Is there a fee for using credit cards?

Ask if extra charges apply for card payments.

Can I get a receipt?

Request a receipt for your transaction.

What’s the balance on my card?

Ask about the current balance on your credit or debit card.

Airports and Flights

Where is the check-in desk?

Ask for directions to the airline’s check-in area.

What is my flight number?

Confirm the flight details with the staff or on your ticket.

What gate is my flight departing from?

Ask for your flight’s departure gate.

Is my flight on time?

Check if your flight is running according to schedule

Can I have a boarding pass?

Request your boarding pass at the check-in desk

Where is security?

Ask for directions to the security screening area.

What do I need to take out of my bag?

Inquire about which items need to be removed during security checks.

How much luggage can I bring?

Inquire about baggage limits for your flight.

How much is the excess baggage fee?

Check the cost for any additional luggage you plan to bring.

Can I change my seat?

Ask if it’s possible to switch seats on your flight.

Can I upgrade my seat?

Ask if you can upgrade to a better seat.

Can I get a window seat?

Request a specific seat when checking in for your flight

Where is the nearest restroom?

Find out the location of restrooms in the airport.

Is there a lounge for passengers?

Inquire about access to airport lounges for a more comfortable wait.

What time should I arrive for my flight?

Check the recommended arrival time for your flight.

Can I get a taxi from here?

Ask if there is a taxi service available at the airport.

Where can I find baggage claim?

Inquire about the location of the area where you pick up your luggage

What is the boarding time?

Ask when boarding will begin for your flight.

Where can I get currency exchanged?

Find out where you can exchange money at the airport.

Is there free Wi-Fi available?

Inquire if the airport offers complimentary internet access.

Where can I buy snacks or drinks?

Ask for locations of food and beverage shops within the airport.

Can you help me find my gate?

Request assistance in locating your boarding gate.

What should I do if I miss my flight?

Inquire about procedures and options if you miss your departure.

Safety and Security

Where is the emergency exit?

Ask about emergency exits for safety reasons.

Is this area safe to walk around?

Check if an area is safe for pedestrians, especially at night.

Can you recommend a safe hotel?

Ask for recommendations for safe places to stay.

Where is the nearest police station?

Inquire about the location of law enforcement.

What should I avoid here?

Ask locals for advice on dangerous or unsafe places.

Cultural Etiquette

How should I greet people here?

Ask about the local customs for greetings.

What are the tipping customs?

Inquire about tipping practices in the country.

Is it polite to take off my shoes?

Ask this when entering someone’s home or a religious site.

Is this appropriate to wear?

Check if your outfit is acceptable based on local customs.

Should I bow or shake hands?

Ask which gesture is appropriate in formal situations.

Can I drink alcohol here?

Check if drinking alcohol is culturally acceptable or legal.

Are there any local customs I should know?

Ask about general etiquette and important customs to follow.

Wishing Someone a Safe Trip

Have a safe trip

A simple and kind way to wish someone safety while traveling.

Safe travels

A brief yet thoughtful way to wish someone a good journey.

Bon voyage

A French phrase commonly used to wish someone a pleasant trip.

Travel safely

A gentle reminder for someone to be careful during their travels.

Enjoy your journey

Wish someone an enjoyable experience throughout their trip.

Take care and have a great trip

A friendly way to remind someone to stay safe while enjoying their travels.

Wishing you smooth travels

Hope for an easy and trouble-free journey.

Hope you have an amazing trip

Express excitement for their upcoming travel experience.

May your trip be filled with adventure

Wish them excitement and memorable experiences during their journey.

Hope you come back with great stories

Encourage them to have an exciting trip and share their experiences.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Trip!

When traveling, knowing these common travel phrases will help you navigate different situations with ease. Whether you’re asking for directions, ordering food, or checking into a hotel, these expressions will help you communicate confidently. Happy travels!