French - Transport in France

Le train est en retard.

The train is late.

Meaning: The train is late.

When to use: Say this when a train (or bus/métro/tram) is delayed; announcements or conversations at the station.

Je descends ici.

I'm getting off here.

Meaning: I'm getting off here.

When to use: Use on a bus, train, metro, or tram when you want to tell someone (or the driver) where you'll get off.

Je monte dans le bus.

I'm getting on the bus.

Meaning: I'm getting on the bus.

When to use: Use monter dans + vehicle when you enter a bus, train, tram or métro.

Tip: Don't say "je monte le bus" (transitive); use "monter dans" with the vehicle.

Je prends le métro.

I'm taking the metro.

Meaning: I'm taking the metro.

When to use: Say this to explain your travel mode: Je prends le métro / le bus / le train / le tram.

Quel quai ?

Which platform?

Meaning: Which platform?

When to use: Ask this at a train station to confirm where your train will arrive or depart.

Tip: Don't confuse "quai" (platform) with "arrêt" (stop) — platforms are at stations.

C'est quelle ligne ?

Which line is it?

Meaning: Which line is it?

When to use: Useful for metro, tram, bus, or train lines when you need to know the line number or name.

Je dois changer où ?

Where do I need to change?

Meaning: Where do I need to change?

When to use: Ask this when you need to transfer between lines or trains and want to know the station to change.

Un ticket, s'il vous plaît.

One ticket, please.

Meaning: One ticket, please.

When to use: Use when buying a single ticket at a machine, counter, or bus; polite and short.

Tip: In some places people say "un billet" for longer journeys; "un ticket" is common for métro and short trips.