asking and giving direction

If you're in a new town or city and you want to know where a place or building is, these are useful phrases to ask for (and get) directions.
Here is some useful vocabulary for asking directions in English.

Asking for directions

• How do I get to …?
• What’s the best way to …?
• What’s the quickest way of getting to your office?
• Where is …?
• Where are you exactly
• Can you tell me the best way of getting to your office?

Some Phrases to Show Direction

• Go straight on (until you come to …).
• Turn back./Go back.
• Turn left/right (into …-street).
• Go along ….
• Cross …
• signpost
• Opposite
• Near
• Between
• Next to …
• at the end (of)
• on/at the corner (of)
• across from
• traffic lights
• behind
• in front of, in back of, in the middle of
• Take the first/second road on the left/right
• It’s on the left/right.. / (to) (on) the right/left of
• To be (is) located/situated
• (just) around the corner
• "It's about five minutes from here."
• "It's about a ten-minute walk."
• "It's easier if I can show you on the map…"

Getting information

“Will you be coming by car or by train?”
“It’s much easier if you take the train.”
“Which hotel are you staying at?”

General information in English

“We’re not far from…” or “We’re quite close to…”
“It’s about a mile / kilometre / two blocks from…”
“We’re opposite / next to / in front of / across the road from / round the corner from the supermarket.”

Giving directions in English

“Come off the motorway / highway at Junction / Exit 12.”
“It’s signposted ‘Manchester’.”
“Follow the signs to …”
“There’s a one-way system in the centre of town.”
“Take the ‘A12′ to ‘Chelmsford’.”
“Go straight on / left / right at the lights / at the roundabout /at the junction of … and …”
“Go past the supermarket.”
“You’ll come to / see …”
“It’s the first turning on the right after the bank.”

Use landmarks to help

“You’ll see a large sign / roundabout.”
“On your left you’ll see an industrial centre / a hospital / the police station.”
“Just after the level crossing / shopping centre (or mall).”
“Go past the petrol station / the garage.”

tips

If you're giving directions over the phone, remember to speak slowly to allow the other person to write things down.
Check that the other person has understood.
If you're speaking face-to-face with someone, use your hands to show left, right, or straight on.
Use "please" when you ask someone to give you directions. It's polite, and will normally get you what you want!

Typical English conversation

A       : "Excuse me. I'm looking for the post office."
B       : "OK. Go straight on, then turn left at the crossroads. It's about 100 metres on your left.
              You can't miss it!"
A       : "Thanks!"
B       : "You're welcome."