Simplified Chinese - Public Transport

去___坐哪路公交车？

qù ___ zuò nǎ lù gōng jiāo chē?

Which bus goes to ___?

Meaning: Which bus goes to ___?

When to use: Ask this at a bus stop or to someone waiting when you need to know the correct bus number for a place.

这趟车到___吗？

zhè tàng chē dào ___ ma?

Does this train go to ___?

Meaning: Does this train (or scheduled vehicle) go to ___?

When to use: Ask on a platform or boarding area when you’re unsure if the current train/bus reaches your destination.

Tip: Beginners sometimes say 这辆车到___吗？ (zhè liàng chē) — that’s fine for buses, but 这趟车 is better for scheduled services.

我应该在哪儿下车？

wǒ yīng gāi zài nǎr xià chē?

Where should I get off?

Meaning: Where should I get off?

When to use: Ask the bus driver, a conductor, or a fellow passenger when you want to know your stop.

Tip: Some learners drop 在 or the r-suffix and say 哪下车 — include 在 and 哪儿 (nǎr) for natural speech.

下一站是哪儿

xià yí zhàn shì nǎr?

What is the next stop?

Meaning: What is the next stop?

When to use: Ask on board when you want to know the upcoming stop, especially if you’re not familiar with the route.

___几点发车？

___ jǐ diǎn fā chē?

What time does the ___ leave?

Meaning: What time does the ___ leave?

When to use: Ask at a station or over the phone about departure times for a bus, train, or scheduled vehicle.

什么时候到

shén me shí hòu dào?

When does it arrive?

Meaning: When does it arrive?

When to use: Ask about arrival time when you want to know when the vehicle will reach the destination.

去___的票多少钱？

qù ___ de piào duō shǎo qián?

How much is a ticket to ___?

Meaning: How much is a ticket to ___?

When to use: Ask at ticket windows, machines, or when talking to staff about fares to a specific destination.

请给我一张去___的票。

qǐng gěi wǒ yì zhāng qù ___ de piào.

I'd like a ticket to ___, please.

Meaning: I'd like a ticket to ___, please.

When to use: Use this politely at a ticket counter or automated desk to request a single ticket.

我需要换车吗

wǒ xū yào huàn chē ma?

Do I need to change trains?

Meaning: Do I need to change trains/buses?

When to use: Ask when planning a route or while on the way if a transfer is required to reach your destination.

Tip: Learners sometimes confuse 换车 and 下车 — 换车 means transfer (change vehicles).

公交车晚点了

gōng jiāo chē wǎn diǎn le.

The bus is late.

Meaning: The bus is late.

When to use: Report or comment on a delay while waiting or when talking to someone who might be affected.

这辆公交到___吗？

Zhè liàng gōngjiāo dào ___ ma?

Is this the right bus for ___?

Meaning: Is this the right bus for ___?

When to use: Stand by a boarding bus and ask the driver or passengers to confirm the bus goes to your destination.

去___在哪个站台上车？

Qù ___ zài nǎge zhàntái shàngchē?

Which platform do I need for ___?

Meaning: Which platform do I need for ___?

When to use: Use this at a station to ask which platform or track to board for a specific destination.

到___还有几站？

Dào ___ hái yǒu jǐ zhàn?

How many stops is it to ___?

Meaning: How many stops is it to ___?

When to use: Ask while on board to estimate travel time or know when to get ready to leave.