French Phrases for Travelers

Here's a situation that just is not fun in France: you're lost or running late for your train, and you can't even really ask for assistance. Before visiting France, don't count on locals even in touristy areas like stations to know enough English to help. Make sure you know at least the basic French phrases for transportation and getting around.

• the train – le train
• the train station - la gare
• the airport - l'aeroport
• the bus - le bus/l’autobus
• the bus station - la gare routière
• departure - le départ
• arrival - une arrivée
• car rental - location de voitures
• parking - le stationnement/le parking
• Do you have… - Avez-vous...
  • …a map… - ...un plan...
  • ...a guidebook - ...un guide touristique..
  • …in English? - ...en anglais?
• near - près
• far - loin
• right - driote
• left - gauche
• straight ahead - tout droit
• exit - sortie
• high – haute
• low – basse
• north - nord
• south - sud
• east - est
• west - ouest