How to Ask for and Give Directions in English

Useful expressions for giving directions and asking for directions when you’re in a new town. Below is the list of how to ask for and give directions in English you should learn.

How to Ask for and Give Directions

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
• It’ll be straight ahead of you

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?

https://bit.ly/3gKNZdS