How to ask and give directions in English

1. Useful phrases: Asking for directions

• Could you tell me how to get to…?

• How do I find…?

• Pardon me, I’m lost, how do I get to…?

• Which is the best way to…?

• Could you direct me to…?

• How do I get to…?

• What’s the best way to…?

• Where is…?

• Excuse me, How can I go to…?

• Can you tell me the way to…?

• Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to the bus station

• Excuse me, do you know where the post office?

• Are you from around here?

• I’m looking for this address

• Are we on the right road for…?

• Is this the right way for…

• Do you have a map?

• Can you show me on the map?

2. Useful phrases: Giving directions

• The easiest way is to…

• The quickest way is to…

• The best way is to…

• Turn back/ Go back

• Turn left/ right (into…-street/at the end of…)

• Go along…

• Cross…

• Take the first/ second road on the left/right

• It’s on the left/right.

• Go up/down

• It’s about 50 meters from here

• It’s on you right/left

• It’s in the middle of the block

• It’s on the corner

• It’s next to/ across/ between/ in front of…

• Drive to… street and turn left/right

• Go straight ahead…

• It’s this way/that way

• You’re going the wrong way

• You’re going the wrong direction

• Take this road

• Go down there

• Take the first on the left

• Take the second on the right

• Turn right at the crossroads

• Continue straight ahead for about a mile

• Continue past the fire station

• You’ll pass a supermarket on your left

• It’ll be on your left/right

3. Useful phrases: How far is it?

Is it far (From here)?

• Is it a long way?

• How far is it to the airport?

• It’s not far (From here).

• It’s just around the corner.

• It’s quite close.

• It’s quite a long way.

• It takes a while.

• It’s a long way on foot.

• It’s a long way to walk.

• It’s about a five-minute walk.

• It’s about a ten-minute walk.

• It’s about a twenty-minute bus ride.

• It’s about a mile from here.

4. Useful phrases: If you can’t help

I’m sorry, I don’t know.

• Sorry, I’m not from around here.

• I’m afraid I can’t help you.

• You could ask the bus driver.

5. Useful phrases: Offer warnings

Stay in the right lane

• It’s a very busy road.

• It’s a big hill (if they are walking or on a bike)

• There might be construction.

• If you pass the…you went too far.

• There’s no parking.

6. Useful phrases: Offer another solution

• You could ask the bus driver.

• Ask the front desk clerk.

• Follow me. I’ll show you the way.

• Do you want me to draw you a map?