🚆 German phrase guide
How to buy a train ticket in German
Train stations are busy, announcements are fast, and the ticket office queue doesn't wait. These phrases get you the right ticket, the right platform and the right train.
Practice this conversation out loud, free →Key German phrases
| German | English | Listen |
|---|---|---|
| Eine Fahrkarte zum Flughafen, bitte. | A ticket to the airport, please. | |
| Einfach / hin und zurück | One way / return (round trip) | |
| Wann fährt der nächste Zug? | When does the next train leave? | |
| Von welchem Gleis? | Which platform? | |
| Muss ich umsteigen? | Do I have to change trains? | |
| Wie lange dauert die Fahrt? | How long does the trip take? | |
| Einen Fensterplatz, bitte. | A window seat, please. | |
| Gibt es eine Ermäßigung für Studenten? | Is there a student discount? | |
| Der Zug hat Verspätung. | The train is delayed. | |
| Ist der Platz noch frei? | Is this seat free? |
Example conversation
Ticket clerk
Der Nächste, bitte!
Next, please!
You
Eine Fahrkarte zum Flughafen, hin und zurück, bitte.
A return ticket to the airport, please.
Ticket clerk
Das macht zwölf Euro. Der nächste Zug fährt um zehn Uhr fünfzehn.
That's twelve euros. The next train leaves at 10:15.
You
Von welchem Gleis fährt er?
Which platform does it leave from?
Ticket clerk
Von Gleis drei.
Platform three.
You
Super, danke!
Great, thank you!
Good to know
💡 "Umsteigen" (to change trains) is the word to listen for. The "Gleis" number is on the departure board, and so is any "Verspätung" (delay).
Reading phrases isn't the same as saying them.
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Practice "Buy a train ticket" in German →More German situations
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