English for taxis and Uber: 15 phrases for the ride
With an app most of the ride is automatic – until the driver calls because they can't find you, or you need to stop somewhere on the way. These are the phrases for those moments, and for an ordinary taxi from the street.
When you'll need to speak
There are four moments: finding each other (the driver calls or texts), the destination, changes on the way and paying. In a street taxi add one more: agreeing that the meter is on or the price before you start.
15 phrases for taxis
| Phrase | When to use it |
|---|---|
| “Hi, I'm outside the main entrance, in a red jacket.” | When the driver can't find you |
| “I'm at the pick-up point, by door 4.” | At an airport or station |
| “Are you here for Ana?” | Checking it's your car |
| “To this address, please.” (show the phone) | The destination |
| “Could you take me to the Hilton on Oxford Street?” | The destination by name |
| “How much will it be, roughly?” | Street taxi, before you start |
| “Could you turn on the meter, please?” | Street taxi |
| “How long will it take?” | Time |
| “Could you turn the air conditioning up / down?” | Comfort |
| “Could we stop at a cash machine on the way?” | A stop on the way |
| “Could you drop me off here?” | Stopping a bit early |
| “It's the next left / just after the traffic lights.” | Directions at the end |
| “Could you help me with my suitcase?” | Luggage |
| “Can I pay by card?” | Street taxi |
| “I think I left my phone in the car.” | Lost item – calling back |
A sample ride
Driver: (on the phone) Hi, I'm at the pick-up point but I can't see you.
You: I'm by door 4, next to the coffee shop. I've got a big black suitcase.
Driver: OK, I see you. Grey Toyota.
You: (in the car) Hi, are you here for Ana?
Driver: Yes. The Park Hotel, right?
You: That's right. How long will it take?
Driver: About 30 minutes with this traffic.
You: OK. Could we stop at a pharmacy on the way? Just two minutes.
Driver: Sure, there's one near the hotel.
You: Great. And could you help me with the suitcase at the end?
Driver: No problem.
Common mistakes
- “Bring me to the hotel.” In English a taxi takes you somewhere: “Could you take me to…”.
- “Stop here, please” in the middle of the road. Give the driver a moment: “Could you drop me off just after the lights?”
- “How much it costs?” The question needs the helper verb: “How much does it cost?” – or simply “How much will it be?”
How to practise
- Describe where you're standing and what you're wearing in two sentences – that's the call you'll get from the driver.
- Say the destination three ways: by address, by name, by showing the phone.
- Rehearse the ride with someone who adds a surprise: traffic, a closed road, a wrong entrance.
Related: English at the airport and English at the hotel.
Practising it with Ling
Ling AI is an iPhone and iPad app for spoken English. Each lesson is a live 3–4 minute voice scene with Sophia, an AI speaking partner, chosen for your goal and level. Tap Hint when you don't know what to say, switch to your language for a moment if it gets too hard, and finish with your one main mistake and a better way to say it.
About 5 minutes of voice every day are free. iPhone and iPad with iOS 17 or later; no Android version yet.