Asking and Giving Directions

Asking and Giving Directions is an important ability to practice in everyday life. In the military and in trades like firefighting, the ability to instinctively follow directions saves lives. 

Map – Direction is the most important thing you need to know when you’re lost in the rain-forest. Direction is the way that you have to travel to get from one place or object to another place or object. It’s usually measured in terms of compass directions: north, south, east, and west.

Learn how to ask for directions and how to give directions in English – so you never feel lost even if your phone is dead!

Remember: Always use the magic words, excuse me, please and thank you.

Asking for Directions

1. How can I get to …?
2. Where is the …?
3. How far is the stadium from the station?
4. Is it walking distance? Can I walk there?
5. Is there a restaurant around here?
6. Could you tell me how to get to the train station?
7. How do I find the nearest hostel?
8. Pardon me, I’m lost. how do I get to …?
9. Which is the best way to the airport?
10. Could you direct me to …?
11. Which way do I go to get to …?
12. What’s the best way to …?
13. Excuse me, do you know where the … is?
14. Is this the right way for …?
15. Can you give me directions to the nearest hospital?
16. Are we on the right road for London?
17. How do you get to the bus stop?
18. Where is the carnival?
19. Where can I find the nearest car park?
20. How do I get to library?
21. Is there a pet shop near here?
22. Where is the nearest post office?
23. Do you know where the shopping center is?
24. Is there a sports shop around here?
25. Can you tell me how to get to train station from here?
26. How can I get to the pub?
27. What’s the best way to get to the amusement park from here?
28. What’s the quickest way to get to the airport from here?
29. What’s the easiest way to get to the nearest drugstore from here?
30. Could you tell me where the nearest grocery store is?
31. How do you get to the supermarket from here?
32. I am looking for this address, am I in the right place / how can I get there?
33. Can you tell me the way to the Nature Hotel?
34. Is this the right way for the campground?
35. Do you have a map?
36. I am trying to find an exchange office. Could you tell me how to get there?
37. I am trying to get to the police station, Can you show me on the map?
38. Could you help me, please? I’m looking for the bank.
39. Does this bus go to the center?
40. Do you know le mer cafe?

Giving Directions

1. Go straight ahead.
2. Over there
3. Far away
4. Turn back./Go back/Turn around
5. Turn left/right.
6. Go along the river there are …
7. You gotta cross the bridge.
8. Take the first/second road on the left/right.
9. It’s on the left/right.
10. Go past.
11. The easiest way is to get downtown is by train.
12. The best way is to get to the station in on foot.
13. It’s on the corner of 5th and 8th street.
14. It’s in the middle of the block.
15. Go past the cinema. (Pass the cinema.)
16. Go straight on/ahead. (Stay on this road – don’t turn.)
17. Go through the tunnel.
18. At the roundabout, take the first exit.
19. Turn left at the crossroads…
20. You need to take 95…

Asking for repetition:

• Sorry, I didn’t catch that.
• Could you say that again please?
• Please, speak slowly.
• Could you repeat that please?
• What did you say the street’s name was?
• Could you speak up please?
• Could you speak a little louder?
• Could you show me please?

Finishing Conversation:

• Thanks for the help. Bye .
• Thank you for your help. Good bye.
• Thank you for your time. Have a nice day!