Top phrases you can use to give directions in English
Essential phrases for giving directions
Giving directions on the street is a useful skill that can help you in everyday situations. Whether you are helping a visitor find a famous spot or showing a friend how to get to a nearby café, knowing how to give clear directions is important. In English, the following phrases are commonly used when giving directions.
- Turn left/right: Turn left at the next corner.
- Go straight: Go straight until you reach the traffic lights.
- Take the first/second/third left/right: Take the second right after the bank.
- Continue along this road: Continue along this road for about a mile.
- Head towards: Head towards the city centre.
- Follow the signs: Follow the signs for the airport.
- Make a U-turn: If you miss the turn, make a U-turn at the next opportunity.
Using landmarks or points of reference
- It's across from: It's across from the post office.
- It's next to: The restaurant is next to the pharmacy.
- It's in front of: The bus stop is in front of the library.
- It's behind: The parking lot is behind the supermarket.
- It's on the corner of: The bank is on the corner of 5th Avenue and Main Street.
- It's near: The hotel is near the train station.
- It's between: The bookstore is between the cafe and the bank.
Talking about distance and time
- It's about [distance] away: It's about five minutes away by car.
- It's [time] from here: It's ten minutes from here by foot.
- It's [distance] ahead: It's about 200 meters ahead on your left.
- It's a short walk: It's a short walk from here.
Getting around with public transportation
- Take the [bus/train]: Take the number 12 bus.
- Get off at: Get off at the second stop.
- Transfer to: Transfer to the red line at the central station.
- Catch a cab: Catch a cab and ask to be taken to Main Street.
More detailed instructions
- Walk down/up the street: Walk down Elm Street until you see the park.
- Go through ...: Go through the tunnel and you'll see the entrance on your left.
- Pass the ...: Pass the gas station and take the next left.
- Take the exit: Take the second exit at the roundabout.
- Head north/south/east/west: Head north on 5th Avenue.
Examine the street map above and follow the directions provided below. Can you determine the final location? .
☞ Proceed straight ahead and turn left onto High Street. Walk past the library, turn left at the crosswalk, and you’ll see the building you’re looking for.
Asking for direction in English
Imagine you are in a foreign country, and you get lost or want to explore new places. How do you ask for directions? Below, you find many examples that you can use in such a situation.
- Could you please give me directions to the nearest bus station?
- Excuse me, can you tell me how to get to the nearest pharmacy?
- I’m looking for the train station. Can you point me in the right direction?
- Can you help me find the City Hall, please?
- Could you give me directions to the post office?
- How do I get to the hospital from here?
- Excuse me, where can I find the nearest ATM?
- Can you tell me the way to the park?
- Could you give me directions to the city centre?
- What’s the best route to the museum?
- I’m trying to find the shopping centre. Can you help me?
- How do I get to the bus stop from here?
- Can you tell me how to get to the library?
- What’s the quickest way to the subway station?
- I’m lost. Can you help me find my way to the hotel?
- Which street should I take to get to the school?
- Do you know where the nearest gas station is?
- Can you give me directions to the city center from here?
Common expressions to give directions
When travelling or exploring new places, tourists often need assistance in finding their way around. To be able to give clear and accurate directions to help them reach their desired destinations, familiarise yourself with the examples below to learn how to give directions in English.
- Go straight ahead.
- Turn right at the next intersection.
- Turn left at the traffic lights.
- Keep going until you reach the roundabout.
- Take the second exit off the roundabout.
- Cross the bridge and continue straight.
- Walk past the school and turn right.
- Follow the road until you see the church on your left.
- It’s just around the corner.
- Head towards the park and it's on your right.
- It’s across the street from the supermarket.
- Walk two blocks and turn left.
- It’s on the opposite side of the street.
- You’ll find it next to the pharmacy.
- Go down the stairs and through the tunnel.
Vocabulary and practice
Look at the street map above and follow the directions provided below.
☞ Go straight ahead and take the second exit off the roundabout. Proceed straight until you find the traffic light and turn left. You’ll see a pedestrian crossing and the library is on your left.
When someone provides directions involving a roundabout and instructs you to take a specific exit (first exit, second exit, etc.), they are referring to the order in which the roads connect to the roundabout as you travel around it. For example, the first exit means, as you enter the roundabout and start to move clockwise (in countries with left-hand traffic) or counterclockwise (in countries with right-hand traffic), the first exit is the first road you encounter. On a 4-exit roundabout like what is shown on the map above, taking the second exit means you will continue straight through the roundabout without making a turn.
Look at the map above and read the directions below.
☞ To go to the hospital, go straight ahead, take the first right then turn right.
☞ To go to the stadium, go straight ahead, take the second right then turn right.
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