Getting Around (Airport, Taxi, Bus, Directions)
Airport Essentials
| Spanish | Meaning |
|---|---|
| el equipaje | baggage/luggage |
| la maleta | suitcase |
| el reclamo de equipaje | baggage claim |
| inmigración | immigration |
| aduana | customs |
| ¿Dónde está la salida? | Where is the exit? |
| ¿Dónde puedo tomar un taxi? | Where can I catch a taxi? |
| ¿Dónde está la parada de autobús? | Where is the bus stop? |
Immigration officers may ask "¿Cuál es el motivo de su viaje?" (What's the purpose of your trip?) — a simple "Turismo" (tourism) or "Vacaciones" (vacation) is a complete answer.
Taxi Phrases and Confirming Destination/Price
Always confirm the price before getting in, especially where taxis don't use meters.
| Spanish | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ¿Está libre? | Are you available? (to a taxi) |
| Al [place], por favor | To [place], please |
| ¿Cuánto cuesta al/a la...? | How much does it cost to...? |
| ¿Puede usar el taxímetro? | Can you use the meter? |
| ¿Cuánto le debo? | How much do I owe you? |
| Aquí está bien, gracias | Here is fine, thanks (to stop) |
Example:
¿Está libre?
Sí, ¿a dónde va?
Al hotel Plaza, por favor. ¿Cuánto cuesta?
Son cien pesos.
Perfecto, vamos.
Asking for and Giving Simple Directions
| Spanish | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ¿Cómo llego a...? | How do I get to...? |
| ¿Está cerca? | Is it close? |
| ¿Está lejos? | Is it far? |
| Siga derecho | Go straight |
| Doble a la derecha | Turn right |
| Doble a la izquierda | Turn left |
| Está a dos cuadras | It's two blocks away |
| Está enfrente de... | It's in front of... |
| Está al lado de... | It's next to... |
Key Location Words
| Spanish | Meaning |
|---|---|
| aquí | here |
| allí | there |
| cerca | near |
| lejos | far |
| derecha | right |
| izquierda | left |
| derecho | straight ahead |
Note the overlap between derecha (right, direction) and derecho (straight ahead) — they look similar but mean different things; mixing them up is a very common beginner mistake worth double-checking.
Buses — Regional Name Variations
The word for "bus" changes significantly by country, and using the local term makes you much easier to understand:
| Region | Common word(s) for "bus" |
|---|---|
| Mexico | camión, autobús |
| Central America | camioneta, bus |
| Caribbean (Cuba, Dominican Republic) | guagua |
| Argentina, Uruguay | colectivo |
| Most of South America | autobús, bus |
If you're unsure which local term applies, "autobús" is understood almost everywhere as a safe default, and pointing while saying "¿Este autobús va a...?" (Does this bus go to...?) works in a pinch.
Practice Suggestion
Before a trip, look up the specific local word for "bus" and any relevant transit app names for your destination. Practice the full taxi mini-dialogue above out loud, substituting your actual hotel or destination name.
Next: Hotels & Accommodations