Airports and train stations are important places to know vocabulary for any kind of travel. This page covers common words you will see on signs, hear from announcements, and use in conversations in these busy places.
Common Vocabulary
Start with these basic words that are found in both airports and train stations.
| English | English Definition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| ticket | A piece of paper or electronic record that allows you to travel. | I bought a ticket to New York. |
| platform | The place where you board a train. | Our train leaves from platform 5. |
| gate | The area where you board a plane. | We boarded the plane at gate 12. |
| departure | When a plane or train leaves. | The departure is at 3 p.m. |
| arrival | When a plane or train comes in. | The arrival was delayed by 30 minutes. |
| passport | An official document for international travel. | Don’t forget your passport! |
| luggage | Bags and suitcases you carry while traveling. | She has two pieces of luggage. |
| reservation | A booking for a seat or ticket. | I made a reservation for a window seat. |
| delay | When a departure or arrival is late. | There is a delay due to bad weather. |
| schedule | A plan of departure and arrival times. | Check the schedule before you leave. |
Airport Vocabulary
Here are some words and phrases specific to airports that will help you get through check-in, security, and boarding.
| English | English Definition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| check-in | The process of confirming your flight and getting a boarding pass. | We arrived early to check in. |
| boarding pass | A card or mobile pass that lets you board the plane. | Show your boarding pass at the gate. |
| security check | Screening process before entering the departure area. | Remove your laptop at the security check. |
| customs | The place where officials check your luggage and documents. | We went through customs quickly. |
| baggage claim | The area to pick up your checked bags. | Our luggage was waiting at baggage claim. |
| terminal | A building where passengers check in and board. | The airport has three terminals. |
| carry-on | Small luggage you take on the plane with you. | My carry-on fits in the overhead bin. |
| immigration | The process of showing your passport when entering a country. | We waited in line at immigration. |
| duty-free | Shops where you can buy goods without taxes. | I bought chocolate at the duty-free shop. |
| boarding | The process of getting on the plane. | Boarding starts 30 minutes before departure. |
Train Station Vocabulary
These words will help you buy tickets, find your train, and understand announcements at the station.
| English | English Definition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| ticket counter | The place to buy or pick up tickets. | We waited at the ticket counter. |
| platform | The area where passengers wait for the train. | Our train is on platform 7. |
| conductor | The train employee who checks tickets. | The conductor asked to see our tickets. |
| reservation | Booking a specific seat on the train. | I made a reservation for the night train. |
| express train | A train that travels faster with fewer stops. | The express train leaves at 6 p.m. |
| local train | A train that stops at every station. | Take the local train to Main Street. |
| ticket machine | A machine where you can buy tickets. | I bought my ticket at the machine. |
| departure board | A screen showing train times and platforms. | Check the departure board for updates. |
| last stop | The final destination of the train. | This train’s last stop is Tokyo. |
| transfer | Changing from one train to another. | You need to transfer at Central Station. |
Helpful Phrases
Here are some common questions and sentences that travelers use in airports and train stations.
| English | English Definition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Where is the check-in counter? | Asking for the location to confirm your flight. | Where is the check-in counter for Delta Airlines? |
| What time does the train leave? | Asking for the departure time. | What time does the train leave for Chicago? |
| Can I see your ticket, please? | What a staff member might say when checking. | Can I see your ticket, please? |
| Is this the right platform? | Confirming you are in the correct place. | Is this the right platform for the 5 p.m. train? |
| How long is the flight? | Asking about the duration of a flight. | How long is the flight to London? |
| Where do I pick up my luggage? | Asking where to get checked bags. | Where do I pick up my luggage after the flight? |
| Can I change my seat? | Asking if you can select a different seat. | Can I change my seat to an aisle? |
| Is there a restroom nearby? | Asking for the location of a bathroom. | Excuse me, is there a restroom nearby? |
| Where is gate 12? | Asking for the direction to a boarding gate. | Where is gate 12 for flight 342? |
| How much is a one-way ticket? | Asking the price for a single journey. | How much is a one-way ticket to Boston? |
Now you have the essential vocabulary to help you navigate airports and train stations confidently. Safe travels!
Flashcards (1 of 40)
- Example Sentence: I bought a ticket to New York.
- English: ticket
- English Definition: A piece of paper or electronic record that allows you to travel.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
