Getting around in China efficiently often means using public transportation (公共交通, gōnggòng jiāotōng). Buses, subways, and trains are widely available, but speaking the language will make your travel experience smoother and less stressful.
This guide will help you learn the essential sentences, ask questions confidently, and navigate stations like a local.
Asking About Routes and Tickets
Before boarding, it’s important to ask about the correct route (路线, lùxiàn) and ticket (车票, chēpiào) options.
Example sentences:
请问去天安门的地铁怎么坐？ (Qǐngwèn qù Tiān’ānmén de dìtiě zěnme zuò?) – Excuse me, how do I take the subway to Tiananmen?
从这里到火车站要多少钱？ (Cóng zhèlǐ dào huǒchē zhàn yào duōshǎo qián?) – How much is it from here to the train station?
我想买一张单程票。 (Wǒ xiǎng mǎi yī zhāng dānchéng piào.) – I want to buy a one-way ticket.
有到机场的公交车吗？ (Yǒu dào jīchǎng de gōngjiāo chē ma?) – Is there a bus to the airport?
Knowing how to specify your destination clearly (目的地, mùdìdì) will save you time.
请问最近的地铁站在哪里？ (Qǐngwèn zuìjìn de dìtiě zhàn zài nǎlǐ?) – Where is the nearest subway station?
我需要到人民广场站下车。 (Wǒ xūyào dào Rénmín Guǎngchǎng zhàn xià chē.) – I need to get off at People’s Square station.
Buying Tickets
Buying tickets in China can be done at ticket counters, machines, or via mobile apps. It’s helpful to know the right phrases.
Example sentences:
请给我两张往返票。 (Qǐng gěi wǒ liǎng zhāng wǎngfǎn piào.) – Please give me two round-trip tickets.
我可以刷卡吗？ (Wǒ kěyǐ shuākǎ ma?) – Can I pay with a card?
我想买学生票。 (Wǒ xiǎng mǎi xuéshēng piào.) – I want to buy a student ticket.
什么时候发车？ (Shénme shíhòu fāchē?) – When does the bus/train depart?
Asking for Directions Inside Stations
Stations (车站, chēzhàn) can be large and confusing. Asking for directions politely ensures you reach your platform or exit without trouble.
Example sentences:
请问去2号线的入口在哪里？ (Qǐngwèn qù èr hào xiàn de rùkǒu zài nǎlǐ?) – Excuse me, where is the entrance to Line 2?
洗手间在哪里？ (Xǐshǒujiān zài nǎlǐ?) – Where is the restroom?
我要去出口A。 (Wǒ yào qù chūkǒu A.) – I want to go to Exit A.
请问站台在哪边？ (Qǐngwèn zhàntái zài nǎ biān?) – Which side is the platform?
It’s useful to know simple phrases for emergencies or unexpected delays.
我的包丢了，可以帮我找吗？ (Wǒ de bāo diū le, kěyǐ bāng wǒ zhǎo ma?) – I lost my bag, can you help me find it?
列车晚点了吗？ (Lièchē wǎndiǎn le ma?) – Is the train delayed?
Talking About Transportation Schedules
Understanding schedules (时间表, shíjiānbiǎo) is important to plan your trip efficiently.
Example sentences:
下一班地铁什么时候来？ (Xià yī bān dìtiě shénme shíhòu lái?) – When is the next subway coming?
请问首班车几点？ (Qǐngwèn shǒu bān chē jǐ diǎn?) – What time is the first bus/train?
末班车是几点？ (Mò bān chē shì jǐ diǎn?) – What time is the last bus/train?
我需要提前多久到车站？ (Wǒ xūyào tíqián duōjiǔ dào chēzhàn?) – How early should I arrive at the station?
Boarding and Exiting Vehicles
Knowing how to communicate while getting on or off helps you avoid confusion.
Example sentences:
请让我过去，我要下车。 (Qǐng ràng wǒ guòqù, wǒ yào xià chē.) – Please let me pass, I want to get off.
这站是我下车的地方吗？ (Zhè zhàn shì wǒ xià chē de dìfāng ma?) – Is this my stop?
我可以坐这里吗？ (Wǒ kěyǐ zuò zhèlǐ ma?) – Can I sit here?
请注意地铁门。 (Qǐng zhùyì dìtiě mén.) – Please watch the subway doors.
Handling Issues During Travel
Sometimes you may need assistance with tickets, directions, or luggage. Knowing the right phrases makes it easier to get help.
Example sentences:
我的票找不到了，可以帮我吗？ (Wǒ de piào zhǎo bù dào le, kěyǐ bāng wǒ ma?) – I can’t find my ticket, can you help me?
请问失物招领在哪里？ (Qǐngwèn shīwù zhāolǐng zài nǎlǐ?) – Where is the lost and found?
我需要换乘去浦东机场。 (Wǒ xūyào huànchéng qù Pǔdōng Jīchǎng.) – I need to transfer to go to Pudong Airport (浦东机场, Pǔdōng Jīchǎng).
可以告诉我怎么去市中心吗？ (Kěyǐ gàosù wǒ zěnme qù shì zhōngxīn ma?) – Can you tell me how to get to downtown?
Practical Tips
When using public transportation in China:
- Keep small change ready for buses or taxis (零钱, língqián).
- Pay attention to announcements (广播, guǎngbò) on trains and buses.
- Use navigation apps in Chinese like 高德地图 (Gāodé Dìtú) to find routes.
- Always have your ticket or transport card (交通卡, jiāotōng kǎ) accessible.
- Be polite and patient, especially during rush hours.
New Words
- 公共交通 (gōnggòng jiāotōng) – public transportation
- 车票 (chēpiào) – ticket
- 路线 (lùxiàn) – route
- 车站 (chēzhàn) – station
- 入口 (rùkǒu) – entrance
- 出口 (chūkǒu) – exit
- 失物招领 (shīwù zhāolǐng) – lost and found
- 广播 (guǎngbò) – announcement
- 交通卡 (jiāotōng kǎ) – transportation card
- 目的地 (mùdìdì) – destination