Not sure what to say to taxi drivers while traveling? Let us help you out! In the English-speaking world, it is very common to take a taxi to different places while in the city. They're quick and convenient, and your taxi driver can give you useful details and tips about the city you're in.
In this article, you'll learn helpful phrases and questions to use while taking a taxi. Take a look at the tables below and get ready for the next time you're in the city!
Questions and Statements: Passenger
Here we've collected useful phrases and questions that you can use when talking to a taxi driver. Use them to tell your driver where you want to go, to find out how much your trip will cost, and more.
I need to get to the airport. |
Can you take me to the library on Rose Street? |
Can you drop me off in the city center? |
How long do you think it will take to get there? |
Do you think we can make it there in 20 minutes? |
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Could you please drive a bit slower? |
Could you turn on the AC? |
Could you wait for me here? |
Do you know of any good pizza places in town? |
You can tell a taxi driver where you want to go by using the sentence pattern
I need to get to + PLACE. The taxi driver might then respond by telling you how long it will take to reach your destination,
It should take us about 30 minutes to get there.
You can ask a taxi driver to take you somewhere by forming questions with the sentence pattern
Can you take me to + PLACE?. In response, the taxi driver might ask a question to clarify where you want to go. A response to our example sentence might be something like
That's the public library, right?.
Use the sentence pattern
Can you drop me off + PLACE? to ask a taxi driver if they can bring you somewhere. They might respond with something like
Sure, anywhere specific?.
Questions and Statements: Taxi Driver
The following phrases and questions are ones that a taxi driver might say to you. Take a look and get prepared for the next time you're in a taxi so that you can better understand the driver.
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From here to the airport it'll cost about $50. |
It shouldn't take longer than 15 minutes. |
If traffic isn't bad then I can get you there in 10 minutes. |
I can wait around outside for you, but the meter's running. |
What brings you to the city? |
The Italian restaurant on Main Street has some great food. |
This is the short version of
Where are you heading?. In English, it can be quite common to simplify questions by shortening them. In response to this question, you would simply say where you'd like to go. For example, like this
The mall in the city center, please.
Taxi drivers are often great sources when you want to get to know a city more. They might be able to point you in the direction of good local restaurants or where the best sights in town are!
Relax while Listening to the Phrases
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Practice & Record a Dialogue
Take the next step and use what you’ve learned! Check out this topic’s dialogue unit and practice the phrases in a variety of exercises. Test your knowledge and get ready for real life conversations!
Good evening. Where are you heading?enGood evening. Where are you heading?
Do you know where the Astoria Hotel is?enDo you know where the Astoria Hotel is?
You mean the one in the city center?enYou mean the one in the city center?
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most essential English phrases to know when taking a taxi? Can you take me to the library on Rose Street? Can you drop me off in the city center? How long do you think it will take to get there? Could you wait for me here? What brings you to the city?
How common are taxis in English-speaking countries?Taxis are most common in major cities. They are, however, often pretty expensive. So, most people will take public transportation, drive their own car, or bike to wherever they need to go. Taxis are not common if you live outside of a city. There are private taxi companies that you can call if you live in the countryside, but these are very expensive.
What do taxis in English-speaking countries look like?The color of taxis varies from city to city. For example, taxis in New York City are famously yellow, while those in London are usually black. Most taxis however have a sign attached to their roofs or decals that advertise their taxi company. So, they're not hard to spot.
How much do you tip a taxi driver in the English-speaking world?It's very common and polite to tip taxi drivers if they deserve it. Maybe they helped you with your luggage, or found an extra speedy route to your destination? Tips are usually 10-15% of what your fare costs.
How do I tell a taxi driver where I want to go?There are a couple of different ways to tell a taxi driver where you want to go, including:
I need to get to + PLACE.- I need to get to the airport.
- I need to get to the university.
- I need to get to this address.
Can you take me to + PLACE?- Can you take me to the library on Rose Street?
- Can you take me to this address?
- Can you take me to the café on Oak Street?
Can you drop me off + PLACE?- Can you drop me off in the city center?
- Can you drop me off at the university campus?
- Can you drop me off at the corner of Main Street?
