Asking for Directions

Practice asking strangers for directions, understanding the answer, and confirming you've got it right.

Dialogue Sample

A: Excuse me, sorry to bother you — do you know how to get to the central museum from here?

B: Of course! Go straight down this road for about two blocks, then turn left at the traffic lights.

A: Turn left at the traffic lights — got it. And then?

B: You'll pass a big park on your right. Keep going and the museum will be just ahead — you can't miss it.

A: And roughly how far is it? Is it walkable?

B: Yes, very walkable — maybe ten minutes on foot.

A: Perfect, thank you so much!

B: No problem at all — enjoy your visit!

Natural Phrases to Know

Asking for directions

Excuse me, could you tell me how to get to...? I'm looking for [place] — am I going the right way? Is it far from here? Is it walkable, or should I take a bus? Could you point me in the right direction?

Giving directions

Go straight ahead for about [distance]. Turn left / right at the [landmark]. You'll pass a [building] on your left / right. It's just around the corner. You can't miss it.

Checking understanding

Sorry, could you repeat that? So I go left at the lights — is that right? Just to confirm, it's about ten minutes on foot? And it's on which side of the street? Thank you — that's really helpful!

When you're lost

I think I'm a bit lost. I took a wrong turn somewhere. Could you show me on the map? Is there a taxi rank nearby? Sorry to bother you again, but...

Your Turn — Fill in the Blanks

You are Speaker A (asking for directions). Read B's lines and type what you would say.

B: Hi there — can I help you? You look a little lost!

B: Sure! Head down this street, take the second right, and it's the tall building on the corner.

B: About five minutes walking — it's very close. And yes, on the left side.

B: You're welcome — enjoy your day!