24 Essential Japanese Phrases for Train, Bus & Taxi Travel

Traveling around Japan by train, bus, or taxi is a wonderful experience, but sometimes the language barrier can make it a bit tricky.

Don’t worry — learning a handful of essential phrases can make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. These phrases will help you ask questions, get directions, and communicate basic needs with ease.

Imagine confidently hopping on a train or flagging down a taxi without stress. That’s exactly what these 24 essential Japanese phrases will help you achieve.

From casual conversations to polite requests, this list covers all the basics you’ll want at your fingertips. It’s like having a friendly local with you in your pocket!

Plus, knowing these phrases can open up opportunities to connect with people and discover hidden gems during your travels.

So, let’s dive into these handy expressions and get you ready for your next adventure on wheels in Japan!

Getting Started with Travel Japanese

Before we jump into the phrases, it’s good to understand a few basics about Japanese travel etiquette.

Politeness is key, and even a simple “please” or “thank you” goes a long way. These phrases are designed to be easy to remember and practical for everyday travel situations.

When you’re ready, you can build on these basics to sound even more natural.

Sometimes, using a great beginner phrasebook can give you a perfect starting point for a cohesive understanding.

Keep a pocket-sized phrasebook or app handy during your travels; it’s like having a language buddy.

Practice makes perfect, and these phrases are simple enough to start using immediately.

Part 1: Casual Suggestions

1. これ、どこで乗りますか？ (Kore, doko de norimasu ka?) — “Where do I get on this?”

This phrase helps you ask exactly where to board your train or bus.

It’s straightforward: これ (kore) means “this,” どこで (doko de) means “where,” and 乗りますか (norimasu ka) means “do I get on?”

Asking directly like this can save you time and frustration.

It’s a polite question, perfect for beginners to use confidently.

When combined with a friendly tone, locals are usually happy to assist you.

Try this phrase next time you’re at a crowded station and need quick guidance.

2. 次の駅はどこですか？ (Tsugi no eki wa doko desu ka?) — “What is the next station?”

Use this to check if you’re on the right train or bus.

次の (tsugi no) means “next,” 駅 (eki) is “station,” and どこですか (doko desu ka) is “where is it?”

It’s easy to remember and can be practiced by repeating it aloud before your trip.

A common mistake is mixing up どこ (doko) with いつ (itsu, “when”), so focus on pronouncing “doko” clearly.

For example, say this to a bus driver to confirm upcoming stops.

Knowing your stops helps avoid missing your destination and adds confidence to your travels.

3. このバスは＿＿＿へ行きますか？ (Kono basu wa ____ e ikimasu ka?) — “Does this bus go to ____?”

This phrase lets you confirm the bus route before boarding.

このバス (kono basu) means “this bus,” へ行きますか (e ikimasu ka) means “does it go to?”

Fill in the blank with your destination’s name, like 東京 (Tokyo) or 新宿 (Shinjuku).

It’s a polite way to avoid mistakes and get where you want.

Be sure to pronounce the destination clearly to avoid confusion.

Practice this phrase by naming popular stops near your hotel or landmarks.

4. タクシーを呼んでもらえますか？ (Takushii o yonde moraemasu ka?) — “Can you call a taxi for me?”

This phrase is handy when you need a taxi but aren’t sure how to get one.

タクシー (takushii) means “taxi,” 呼んでもらえますか (yonde moraemasu ka) means “can you call (for me)?”

It’s polite and shows appreciation for the help.

Avoid just saying “taxi” alone; adding the polite request makes a big difference.

Use it in hotels, restaurants, or anywhere staff might assist you.

It’s a great phrase to practice when checking into your accommodation.

5. 料金はいくらですか？ (Ryōkin wa ikura desu ka?) — “How much is the fare?”

Knowing the cost upfront is always smart.

料金 (ryōkin) means “fare” or “charge,” and いくらですか (ikura desu ka) means “how much is it?”

This phrase is simple but very useful in taxis and some buses.

Some travelers forget to ask and get surprised by the cost.

For example, say this before you start your ride to avoid surprises.

It also helps you budget your daily travel expenses better.

6. ここで降ります。 (Koko de orimasu.) — “I’m getting off here.”

Use this phrase to let the driver know your stop.

ここで (koko de) means “here,” 降ります (orimasu) means “I get off.”

It’s polite and clear, perfect for bus or taxi rides.

A common mistake is not informing the driver, which can lead to missed stops.

Practice by visualizing your stop and saying it out loud in advance.

This phrase keeps your journey smooth and stress-free.

7. 次のバスは何時ですか？ (Tsugi no basu wa nanji desu ka?) — “What time is the next bus?”

This lets you plan your wait time better.

次の (tsugi no) means “next,” バス (basu) is “bus,” 何時ですか (nanji desu ka) means “what time is it?”

Simple to remember and super helpful at bus stops.

Don’t confuse 何時 (nanji) with 何日 (nannichi, “what day”).

For example, ask this if you just missed a bus and want to know when the next one comes.

It’s a handy phrase that helps you avoid long waits in the cold or rain.

8. トイレはどこですか？ (Toire wa doko desu ka?) — “Where is the bathroom?”

Essential for every traveler!

トイレ (toire) means “toilet” or “bathroom,” and どこですか (doko desu ka) means “where is it?”

Very easy to remember and frequently used.

Avoid using slang or informal words for bathroom to keep it polite.

Example: Ask this in stations, buses, or any public place.

Knowing this phrase reduces stress on long travel days.

Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions

9. すみません、駅までお願いします。 (Sumimasen, eki made onegaishimasu.) — “Excuse me, to the station please.”

A polite way to tell a taxi driver your destination.

すみません (sumimasen) means “excuse me,” 駅まで (eki made) means “to the station,” and お願いします (onegaishimasu) means “please.”

This phrase is respectful and clear.

Don’t skip the すみません; it shows good manners.

For example, say this when you hop into a taxi and want to be polite.

Use this phrase to make a great impression and get smooth service.

10. 時刻表を見せていただけますか？ (Jikokuhyō o misete itadakemasu ka?) — “Could you show me the timetable?”

This is a formal way to ask for schedules.

時刻表 (jikokuhyō) means “timetable,” 見せていただけますか (misete itadakemasu ka) means “could you show me?”

It’s polite and respectful, especially useful at information desks.

Avoid using casual forms in professional or official settings.

Example: Ask this when planning your day at a station or bus terminal.

Using formal phrases opens up more helpful responses.

11. 申し訳ありませんが、少しゆっくり行ってください。 (Mōshiwake arimasen ga, sukoshi yukkuri itte kudasai.) — “I’m sorry, but please go a little slower.”

Great for taxi rides when you want extra care.

申し訳ありません (mōshiwake arimasen) means “I’m sorry,” 少しゆっくり (sukoshi yukkuri) means “a little slower,” 行ってください (itte kudasai) means “please go.”

It sounds very polite and considerate.

Avoid abrupt commands; always add a polite ending.

Use this if you’re feeling uneasy with the driving speed.

It shows respect and helps maintain a good atmosphere.

12. この切符はどこで買えますか？ (Kono kippu wa doko de kaemasu ka?) — “Where can I buy this ticket?”

This phrase is practical for buying tickets you see but don’t know how to purchase.

この切符 (kono kippu) means “this ticket,” どこで買えますか (doko de kaemasu ka) means “where can I buy (it)?”

It’s polite and direct.

Don’t confuse 買えます (kaemasu) with 売ります (urimasu, “to sell”) — you want to ask where to buy, not sell.

Example: Ask this at information desks or kiosks.

Knowing this helps you avoid buying the wrong ticket or missing out.

13. バスの乗り換えはどこですか？ (Basu no norikae wa doko desu ka?) — “Where is the bus transfer point?”

Use this to find where to switch buses if your route requires it.

バスの乗り換え (basu no norikae) means “bus transfer,” どこですか (doko desu ka) means “where is it?”

This phrase is useful for longer trips.

Don’t assume transfers are obvious; asking saves confusion.

Example: Ask this at bus stops or terminals.

It helps you plan your route and avoid getting lost.

14. 遅れてすみません。 (Okurete sumimasen.) — “Sorry for being late.”

A polite apology if you’re late catching a bus or train.

遅れて (okurete) means “being late,” すみません (sumimasen) means “sorry.”

Short and effective.

Use it even if it’s not your fault; it shows respect.

Example: Say this when you rush onto a bus just before it leaves.

It’s a small phrase that keeps relationships smooth.

15. お手洗いを使ってもよろしいですか？ (Otearai o tsukatte mo yoroshii desu ka?) — “May I use the restroom?”

This is a very polite way to ask for restroom use.

お手洗い (otearai) means “restroom,” 使ってもよろしいですか (tsukatte mo yoroshii desu ka) means “may I use?”

Perfect for formal settings like restaurants or offices.

Avoid blunt phrases; this shows good manners.

Example: Ask a shop clerk or station staff.

It’s a phrase that reflects your respect for others’ space.

16. もう一度お願いします。 (Mō ichido onegaishimasu.) — “One more time, please.”

Use this when you didn’t catch what was said.

もう一度 (mō ichido) means “one more time,” お願いします (onegaishimasu) means “please.”

It’s polite and easy to remember.

Don’t pretend to understand; asking again helps you learn.

Example: Ask this when someone gives directions or instructions.

This phrase encourages clear communication and friendly exchanges.

Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions

17. ここで降りるよ。 (Koko de oriru yo.) — “I’m getting off here.” (casual)

This is a casual way to tell a friend or driver you’re getting off.

ここで (koko de) means “here,” 降りる (oriru) means “get off,” and よ (yo) adds emphasis informally.

Use with friends or in relaxed settings.

Avoid in formal situations to keep respect.

Example: Talking to a friend while traveling together.

It’s a natural phrase that makes you sound like a local.

18. これ、乗っていい？ (Kore, notte ii?) — “Can I ride this?” (casual)

A simple, casual way to ask if you can board.

これ (kore) means “this,” 乗っていい (notte ii) means “can I ride?”

It’s easy to say and understand.

Not for formal use; stick to polite phrases in official settings.

Example: Asking a friend or a local informally.

This phrase helps you sound friendly and relaxed.

19. バス、まだ来ない？ (Basu, mada konai?) — “Has the bus not come yet?” (casual)

This is a casual way to check arrival times.

バス (basu) means “bus,” まだ (mada) means “still/not yet,” 来ない (konai) means “not coming.”

Great for chatting with friends while waiting.

Don’t use in polite or formal conversations to avoid sounding rude.

Example: Talking with travel companions.

It captures everyday conversation style.

20. どこ乗ればいい？ (Doko noreba ii?) — “Where should I get on?” (casual)

This casual phrase is perfect for quick questions among friends.

どこ (doko) means “where,” 乗ればいい (noreba ii) means “should get on.”

Very natural and easy to use.

Not suitable for formal contexts.

Example: Asking a local friend for advice.

It helps you sound like a native speaker in informal settings.

21. タクシー呼んでくれる？ (Takushii yonde kureru?) — “Can you call a taxi for me?” (casual)

A casual request to a friend or companion.

タクシー (takushii) means “taxi,” 呼んでくれる (yonde kureru) means “can you call (for me).”

Polite enough for friends but informal.

Don’t use this phrase with strangers or in formal places.

Example: Asking your travel buddy at a restaurant or hotel.

It’s friendly and easy to remember.

22. ここで降りたいんだけど。 (Koko de oritai n da kedo.) — “I want to get off here.” (casual)

A casual way to express your stop to a driver or friend.

ここで (koko de) means “here,” 降りたい (oritai) means “want to get off,” んだけど (n da kedo) softens the statement.

Sounds natural but informal.

Use with friends or casual drivers only.

Example: Talking to a taxi driver you know well.

This phrase adds a conversational tone to your speech.

23. あと何分？ (Ato nan-pun?) — “How many minutes left?” (casual)

Short and casual way to ask about remaining time.

あと (ato) means “remaining,” 何分 (nan-pun) means “how many minutes?”

Great for quick chats.

Not suitable for formal or polite contexts.

Example: Asking your travel partner on a bus ride.

It’s a handy phrase to stay relaxed and informed.

24. 乗り換えめんどくさいな。 (Norikae mendokusai na.) — “Transfers are such a hassle.” (casual)

A casual, native-like expression of frustration about transfers.

乗り換え (norikae) means “transfer,” めんどくさい (mendokusai) means “a hassle,” な (na) adds emphasis.

Good for venting to friends.

Avoid this phrase in polite conversation.

Example: Talking with travel companions after a long trip.

It captures everyday humor and real feelings.

Concluding Thought

Learning these essential phrases will make your travel in Japan much more enjoyable and less stressful.

They not only help you get around but also open doors for meaningful interactions with locals.

With a little practice, you’ll feel confident and ready to explore Japan’s amazing transport systems like a pro!