Taking a Taxi in English
Take a taxi in English. Kiora and Ethan show you how to tell the driver where to go, ask the price, and pay, with simple phrases for the ride.
The lesson
Getting a Taxi
There are three common ways to get a taxi. You can hail one on the street by raising your arm when an empty taxi comes near. You can also walk to a taxi stand, which is a special place where taxis wait for passengers. Today, many people use an app on their phone to order a taxi or a ride, so they do not have to wait outside.
Telling the Driver Where to Go
When you get in the taxi, the driver will usually say hello and ask where you are going. You can answer with a polite question like 'Can you take me to the airport, please?' or 'Can you take me to this address?' It is helpful to give the full address, including the street name and number. If you have it written down or saved on your phone, you can show it to the driver.
Asking About Price and Traffic
Before or during the ride, it is normal to ask 'How much will it cost?' so you know what to expect. Sometimes there is heavy traffic, and the trip can take longer than usual. If you are in a hurry, you can politely say 'I am in a hurry, is there a faster way?' Many drivers enjoy a little small talk, so you might chat about the weather or the city. Keep it short and friendly.
Paying and Getting a Receipt
At the end of the ride, the driver will tell you the price shown on the meter. In the United States, it is polite to add a tip of about 15 to 20 percent. If the change is small, you can say 'Keep the change.' If you need proof of payment, ask 'Can I have a receipt, please?' Tip: Always check that you have all your bags before you close the door and say thank you.
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Key vocabulary
to hail a taxi
/tə heɪl ə ˈtæksi/to wave your hand or arm to stop a taxi on the street
“She stepped to the curb and hailed a taxi.”
Traduction
héler un taxi
taxi stand
/ˈtæksi stænd/a place where taxis wait in line for passengers
“There is a taxi stand right in front of the hotel.”
Traduction
station de taxis
destination
/ˌdɛstəˈneɪʃən/the place where you want to go
“Please tell the driver your destination.”
Traduction
destination
address
/ˈædrɛs/the details of where a place is, like the street name and number
“I showed the driver the address on my phone.”
Traduction
adresse
meter
/ˈmiːtər/the device in a taxi that shows how much the ride costs
“The meter showed eighteen dollars at the end of the trip.”
Traduction
compteur
tip
/tɪp/extra money you give the driver to thank them for good service
“I gave the driver a five-dollar tip.”
Traduction
pourboire
receipt
/rɪˈsiːt/a paper or message that shows you have paid for something
“Can I have a receipt, please?”
Traduction
reçu
Test yourself
1. What does it mean to 'hail a taxi'?
2. Which sentence is the best way to tell the driver where you want to go?
3. You want to know the price of the ride. What do you ask?
4. What does the meter in a taxi show?
5. The fare is 9 dollars and 20 cents and you give the driver 10 dollars. What can you say to let them keep the extra money?