At the Train Station – Buying a Ticket
Welcome to Hello English! Whether you’re commuting in a US city or traveling between states by train, knowing how to buy a ticket in English will help you move smoothly through the station. This lesson gives you a realistic conversation and essential vocabulary for one of the most common travel tasks.
Watch this short, realistic conversation between a traveler and a ticket agent. Perfect for listening practice!
Train Station Conversation
Characters:
• Leo – the traveler
• Maria – the ticket agent
Leo: Hi!
Maria: Hello! Where are you headed?
Leo: To Boston, please.
Maria: One-way or round trip?
Leo: Round trip.
Maria: What time would you like to leave?
Leo: Around 10 AM.
Maria: There’s a train at 10:15.
Leo: Perfect.
Maria: That’ll be $84.
Leo: Do you take card?
Maria: Yes, we do.
Leo: Great.
Maria: Here’s your ticket and receipt.
Leo: Thank you!
💡 This dialogue is perfect for audio or video practice! It’s set at a busy US train station counter and uses short, clear sentences with practical travel terms like “round trip,” “10:15,” and “ticket and receipt.” The pacing is calm and natural—ideal for beginners to repeat and internalize.
Essential Train Station Vocabulary
Learn these key terms to buy tickets with confidence:
- One-way – ticket to go only (no return)
- Round trip – ticket to go and come back
- Headed – where you’re going (“I’m headed to Boston”)
- Leave / Depart – when your train goes
- Train at 10:15 – specific departure time
- Ticket – your pass to board the train
- Receipt – proof of payment (keep it!)
Other Useful Phrases
- “Is this train on time?”
- “Where’s the platform for Boston?”
- “Do I need to reserve a seat?”
- “Can I get a senior or student discount?”
Practice Tip
Practice saying “Where are you headed?” and “Round trip to Boston, please”—these are the two most common exchanges at US train station counters!
Why This Matters
Whether you’re:
• Taking Amtrak between cities
• Using commuter rail in Chicago, NYC, or DC
• Traveling without a car and relying on public transit
…this conversation helps you buy your ticket quickly and correctly.
Now you’re ready to buy a train ticket in English—confidently and without confusion! Bookmark this guide, or try our interactive quiz to test your travel vocabulary.
All aboard and happy learning! 🚆
