Spanish for Travel
Travel is incredible and life-changing, but it can also be stressful at the best of times without throwing in the need to communicate in another language. While English has become the language of international travel, especially air travel, knowing some key terms and questions in Spanish can be very useful if you are looking to travel to Mexico, the rest of Latin America or Spain. While this travel Spanish guide focuses on terms used in Mexico, they will mostly be the same in all Spanish-speaking countries, and even when they are not, they will usually be understood. So, fasten your cinturones de seguridad (seat belts) and let’s take a tour of the terms you need to know.
At the Airport – En el Aeropuerto
Airports can be exciting places, but they can also feel a little overwhelming at times. While you will often find signs in airports that have English as well as Spanish, this is not always the case. It can be useful to know some key terms, especially if you have to ask someone for directions.
During the Flight – Durante el Vuelo
Once you have safely navigated the airport, and are on your plane, there are a few common words that can be helpful for communicating with the cabin crew, or even your immediate neighbors.
Some other useful air travel terms and phrases include:
Aerolínea – Airline
Tiene que abrochar su cinturón de seguridad. - You have to fasten your seatbelt.
Turbulencia – Turbulence (Hopefully you won't need this one)
Tengo mareos – I feel airsick/carsick/dizzy (Or this!)
Azafata - Flight attendant
Aeromozo/a, or Sobrecargo/a – Other common terms used for cabin crew. ( Cabin crew terms can be modified to match gender, although male cabin crew are still very much in the minority in large parts of Latin America)
¿Por cuánto tiempo está atrasado el vuelo? - How long is the delay for the flight?
¿Cuánto tiempo dura el vuelo? - How long is the flight?
¿Cómo puedo llegar a la puerta cinco? - How do I get to gate five?
¿Son disponibles los baños? - Are the toilets available?
Language Tips for General Travel
After landing at your destination, chances are you will be looking for other ways to get around. Here are the Spanish terms for some of the most common modes of transport you might encounter as well as some useful general travel terms and handy phrases.
¿Cuánto tarda el viaje [del camión/van/ tren]? - How long is the bus/van/train ride? (Don’t be too surprised if the estimated time is a little optimistic when it comes to buses and combis!)
¿Por cuánto tiempo está atrasado el vuelo/camión/tren? -How long is the delay (for the flight/bus/train)?
¿Son asientos asignados? -Are there assigned seats?
¿Dónde se encuentra la parada del camión a ….? -Where can I find the bus stop for buses going to …?
¿Sabe dónde se encuentra el andén nueve? - Do you know where platform nine is?
¿Cuánto cuesta un boleto redondo? - How much does a return ticket cost?
¿Cuánto cuesta un boleto de ida? - How much does a one-way ticket cost?
¿Es un viaje directo? - Is it a direct flight/bus/train?
¿A qué hora va a abrir la taquilla? - When will the ticket office open?
¿Puedo comprar mi boleto en el camión/combi/tren? - Can I buy my ticket on the bus/van/train? (This will vary depending on the operator.)
¿Necesito el cambio exacto? - Do I need exact change to pay [for the bus/combi]? (In Mexico, change can be hard to come by, so always plan ahead!)
¿Estoy perdido/a, me puede ayudar? -I am lost, can you help me?
¿Dónde puedo rentar un coche? - Where can I rent a car?
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