Using Buses & the Metro

Does this bus go by the central train station?

A standard, direct way to check the route with the driver or a waiting passenger.

Does this one go to the center or do I have to take the other one?

Very common when quickly confirming the direction with a fellow passenger.

Good morning, I would like to top up the card with ten euros, please.

Using 'quería' (I would like) makes the request softer and more polite at the ticket window.

A single ticket for line five, please.

A standard, direct way to buy a ticket without extra pleasantries.

Excuse me, can you let me know when we get to the museum stop?

Helpful and polite when asking the driver or a stranger to alert you.

Excuse me, will you let me know when we're close to the stadium?

Uses the informal 'tú', appropriate when asking someone closer to your age.

Excuse me, can you let me past, please? It's just that I'm getting off at the next one.

Polite and standard when navigating through a crowded bus or train to the exit.

Excuse me, I'm going to get off here. Can I get past?

A more direct way to clear a path to the exit, used with peers.

Excuse me, is it down this hall to take the green line?

Useful for checking you are navigating the metro station correctly.

Am I going the right way in this direction to go to the airport?

Good to use when you're on the platform but unsure of the train's direction.

You can sit here, I'm getting off very soon.

Using 'usted' is respectful when offering a seat to an older person.

Do you want to sit? I prefer to stand for a bit.

More common when offering a seat to someone of a similar age.

Look, it's the next stop now. Let's move closer to the door.

Maintains a helpful and respectful formal tone when guiding a stranger.

The machine isn't reading my transit card, what can I do?

A clear way to ask station staff for help with a turnstile or ticket machine.