TravelAdvanced
Taking a long-distance bus in English (advanced)
Advanced English for taking a long-distance bus. Key line: “Hey, is this the direct bus to Hangzhou, or am I guessing?”
Full script
Lin
Hey, is this the direct bus to Hangzhou, or am I guessing?
Them
Yep, you're in the right place; it boards in ten, by that coach.
Lin
Perfect—does it stop anywhere, or is it pretty much straight through?
Them
One quick rest stop halfway, unless traffic decides to pick a fight.
Lin
Good to know. Can I stash my suitcase underneath, or keep it with me?
Them
Big bags go underneath; small ones are fine onboard, if they behave.
Lin
Mine's mostly snacks, so if it rattles, that's just my travel plan.
Them
Then Hangzhou isn't your destination—it's wherever those snacks run out first.
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
direct
✓ the direct bus to HangzhouA bus that goes there direct
Put a place after to
stops
✓ pretty much straight throughAsk if it goes with few stops
More casual than direct
luggage
✓ stash my suitcase underneathAsk about the luggage area
underneath = bus luggage area
noise
✓ if it rattlesIf it makes noise
rattle = move and make noise
Quick answers
direct: what to say in English
Say “the direct bus to Hangzhou” — a bus that goes there direct. Put a place after to.
stops: what to say in English
Say “pretty much straight through” — ask if it goes with few stops. More casual than direct.
luggage: what to say in English
Say “stash my suitcase underneath” — ask about the luggage area. underneath = bus luggage area.
noise: what to say in English
Say “if it rattles” — if it makes noise. rattle = move and make noise.