TravelBeginner
Taking a taxi in English
What to say in a taxi: where you're going, which terminal, and paying.
The textbook way: people will understand, but it isn't what they say
Go to airport!
What people actually say ↓Full script
Lin
Hi! Could you take me to the airport, please?
Them
Sure thing. Which terminal?
Lin
Terminal two, please.
Them
Traffic's a little heavy today.
Lin
No rush. Take your time.
Them
Here we are. That's thirty-five dollars.
Lin
Here's forty. Keep the change!
Them
Thanks! Have a safe flight!
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
Say your destination first
✗ Go to airport!
✓ Could you take me to the airport?Ask politely to go to a place
Use this for any destination
Driver asks: Which terminal?
✓ Terminal two, please.Say the terminal number politely
Just say the number + please
Driver says traffic is heavy today
✓ No rush.No need to hurry.
More polite: Take your time.
Pay at the end
✓ Keep the change!The driver can keep the extra money
change = money back; ask: Can I get a receipt?
Quick answers
Say your destination first: what to say in English
Say “Could you take me to the airport?” — ask politely to go to a place. Use this for any destination.
Driver asks “Which terminal”: what to say in English
Say “Terminal two, please.” — say the terminal number politely. Just say the number + please.
Driver says traffic is heavy today: what to say in English
Say “No rush.” — no need to hurry. More polite: Take your time.
Pay at the end: what to say in English
Say “Keep the change!” — the driver can keep the extra money. change = money back; ask: Can I get a receipt?