How to Ask for and Give Directions in English!

When you’re travelling abroad, knowing how to ask for directions in English can save you a lot of stress — and even help you find the best coffee shops on the way! ☕

In this post, we’ll cover useful phrases for asking directions, common vocabulary for giving directions, and a sample conversation you can practice.

👉 Don’t forget to check out our YouTube video on this topic for listening practice!

🚶 Asking for Directions

Here are some polite and useful ways to ask for directions in English:

• Excuse me, could you tell me where the nearest station is?
  　すみません、一番近い駅を教えていただけますか？

• How do I get to the city center?
  　市の中心部へはどうやって行けますか？

• Is there a bus stop around here?
  　この近くにバス停はありますか？

• Do you know where the post office is?
  　郵便局はどこにあるかご存じですか？

💡 Tip: Always start with “Excuse me” — it’s polite and makes people more willing to help!

🗺️ Giving Directions: useful Vocabulary

When someone answers you, here are the most common words and phrases you’ll hear:

• Turn left / right → 左に曲がる / 右に曲がる

• Go straight → まっすぐ行く

• It’s on the left / right → 左側です / 右側です

• At the corner → 角に

• Next to… → …の隣に

• Across from… → …の向かいに

👉 These phrases are short but powerful. Once you know them, you’ll understand most directions people give you.

💬 Example Conversation

• Traveller: Excuse me, could you tell me where the nearest station is?
  　すみません、一番近い駅を教えていただけますか？

Local: Oh, of course! The station is just two blocks that way. You’ll see it on the left.
　あ、もちろんですよ！駅はあちらに２ブロック行ったところにあります。左側に見えてきますよ。

• Traveller: Thank you! I need to get to the city centre.
  　ありがとうございます！市の中心部に行きたいんです。

Local: No problem. From that station, you can take the red line directly to the city centre. It’s about 10 minutes.
　大丈夫ですよ。その駅から赤い線に乗れば、市の中心部まで直通です。だいたい10分くらいです。

• Traveller: That’s really helpful. Um, also, do you know any good coffee around here?
  　本当に助かります。あの、あと、この辺りでおすすめのカフェってご存じですか？

Local: Yes! There’s a really good coffee shop right on the corner near the station. They have great lattes.
　はい！駅の近くの角にとてもいいカフェがあります。ラテがすごく美味しいですよ。

• Traveller: Perfect! Thanks so much.
  　最高ですね！ありがとうございます。

Local: You’re welcome. Have a great day!
　どういたしまして。良い一日を！

🎧 Practice Time!

✔️ Repeat the phrases out loud — this will help you sound more natural.
✔️ Try role-playing with a friend: one person is the traveller, the other is the local.
✔️ Watch our YouTube video on this topic for listening practice.

🌸 Final Tip

Learning how to ask for directions isn’t just about finding your way — it’s also a great way to start small conversations and connect with people while travelling.