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Vocabulary related to transportation (e.g., airport, train station)

  1. Study guide
  2. Debutant
  3. Travel and Transportation

When traveling in a French-speaking country, it's essential to familiarize yourself with vocabulary related to transportation. Whether you're navigating airports, train stations, or public transportation, having a solid understanding of transportation terms will help you get around with ease. In this chapter, we'll explore common words and phrases related to transportation.

Airport Vocabulary

Here are some essential words and phrases you should know when traveling through airports:

Word/Phrase English Translation
Aéroport Airport
Terminal Terminal
Vol Flight
Billet d'avion Plane ticket
Douane Customs
Bagages Luggage
Enregistrement Check-in
Départ Departure
Arrivée Arrival
Guichet Ticket counter
Porte d'embarquement Boarding gate

For example:

  • Je dois me rendre au terminal 2 de l'aéroport. (I need to go to Terminal 2 of the airport.)
  • Où est le guichet pour l'enregistrement des bagages ? (Where is the luggage check-in counter?)

Train Station Vocabulary

If you're planning to travel by train, these words and phrases will come in handy at the train station:

Word/Phrase English Translation
Gare Train station
Train Train
Billet de train Train ticket
Quai Platform
Départ Departure
Arrivée Arrival
Réservation Reservation
Horaires Timetable
Guichet Ticket office
Voie Track

For example:

  • Où puis-je acheter un billet de train ? (Where can I buy a train ticket?)
  • Le train en direction de Paris part du quai numéro 3. (The train to Paris departs from Platform 3.)

Public Transportation Vocabulary

When using public transportation, it's useful to know these common words and phrases:

Word/Phrase English Translation
Bus Bus
Métro Subway/Metro
Tramway Tram
Station Station
Ticket Ticket
Arrêt Stop
Itinéraire Route/Itinerary
Correspondance Connection
Horaires Schedule/Timetable
Tarifs Fare/Prices

For example:

  • Je voudrais un ticket aller simple pour le bus, s'il vous plaît. (I would like a one-way ticket for the bus, please.)
  • Où puis-je trouver les horaires des métros ? (Where can I find the subway schedules?)

By familiarizing yourself with transportation vocabulary, you'll be well-prepared to navigate airports, train stations, and public transportation systems in French-speaking countries. Whether you're catching a flight, boarding a train, or using public transit, knowing the relevant terms will make your travel experience more efficient and enjoyable. Bon voyage!