At the Bus Stop – Asking for the Schedule
Welcome to Hello English! If you’re using public transportation in a US city, knowing how to ask for the bus schedule in English will help you get where you need to go—without confusion or long waits. This lesson gives you a realistic conversation and essential vocabulary for one of the most common street-level interactions.
Watch this short, realistic conversation between a rider and a local commuter. Perfect for listening practice!
Bus Stop Conversation
Characters:
• Jamal – the rider
• Elena – the local commuter
Jamal: Excuse me!
Elena: Hi! Can I help?
Jamal: Yes, when’s the next bus to downtown?
Elena: Should be here in about 10 minutes.
Jamal: Is it the number 12?
Elena: Yes, the blue bus.
Jamal: How often does it run?
Elena: Every 15 minutes during the day.
Jamal: Great, thanks!
Elena: No problem!
Jamal: Do you know the last stop?
Elena: Union Station.
Jamal: Perfect.
Elena: Just check the screen for updates.
Jamal: Will do—thanks again!
💡 This dialogue is perfect for audio or video practice! It’s set at a typical US city bus stop and uses short, clear sentences with practical terms like “next bus,” “number 12,” and “every 15 minutes.” The rhythm is natural and slow enough for beginners to follow and repeat confidently.
Essential Bus Stop Vocabulary
Learn these key terms to navigate public transit with ease:
- Next bus – the upcoming bus on the route
- Number 12 – the bus route identifier (e.g., Route 12)
- Downtown – the central business area of a city
- Every 15 minutes – how often the bus comes (frequency)
- Last stop – the final destination of the bus route
- Union Station – a common name for major transit hubs
- Check the screen – look at the digital arrival display
Other Useful Phrases
- “Does this bus go to the airport?”
- “Where’s the nearest bus stop?”
- “Is this the right bus for Main Street?”
- “How much is the fare?”
Practice Tip
Practice saying “When’s the next bus to downtown?” and “Is it the number 12?”—these are the two most common questions at US bus stops!
Why This Matters
Whether you’re:
• Navigating a new city without a car
• Using public transit as a student or worker
• Traveling on a budget and relying on buses
…this conversation helps you get accurate schedule info quickly and politely.
Now you’re ready to ask for the bus schedule in English—confidently and clearly! Bookmark this guide, or try our interactive quiz to test your transit vocabulary.
Safe travels and happy learning! 🚌
