Travel Spanish Phrases: The Essential Guide for Your Trip
The travel Spanish phrases you'll actually need: airport, hotel, transport, restaurants, shopping, directions and emergencies, with tips for Mexico and Spain.
By Ayoub Farid · · 3 min read
You don't need to be fluent to travel in Spanish. You need the right phrases for each moment of your trip, and the confidence to say them. This guide follows a trip from landing to leaving.
Before you go: five survival phrases
- Hola, buenos días. — Always greet first.
- ¿Habla inglés? — Do you speak English? (Try Spanish first!)
- No entiendo, ¿puede repetir más despacio?
- ¿Cuánto cuesta?
- Gracias, muy amable.
At the airport
- ¿Dónde recojo mi equipaje? — Where do I pick up my luggage?
- Vengo de vacaciones. — I'm here on vacation.
- Me quedo una semana. — I'm staying a week.
- ¿Dónde puedo tomar un taxi? — Where can I get a taxi?
More in Spanish at the airport.
At the hotel
- Tengo una reservación (Latin America) / reserva (Spain) a nombre de…
- ¿A qué hora es el check-out?
- ¿Está incluido el desayuno?
- No funciona el aire acondicionado.
More in Spanish at the hotel.
Getting around
- ¿Cómo llego a…? — How do I get to…?
- ¿Dónde está la parada de autobús / la estación de metro?
- Un boleto (Latin America) / billete (Spain) para…, por favor.
- ¿Cuánto cuesta ir a…? — How much to go to…? (taxi)
See asking for directions and taxis and public transport.
Eating out
- Una mesa para dos, por favor.
- ¿Qué me recomienda?
- Soy alérgico/a a… — I'm allergic to…
- La cuenta, por favor.
- ¿Está incluida la propina? — Is the tip included?
See ordering food in Spanish and ordering coffee.
Shopping
- Solo estoy mirando. — I'm just looking.
- ¿Tiene otra talla? — Do you have another size?
- ¿Me hace un descuento? — Can you give me a discount? (markets)
See shopping in Spanish.
Health and emergencies
- Necesito un médico. — I need a doctor.
- ¿Dónde hay una farmacia? — Where's a pharmacy?
- Me duele aquí. — It hurts here.
- ¡Ayuda! — Help!
See Spanish at the doctor and emergency Spanish phrases.
Mexico vs Spain: travel words that change
| English | Mexico | Spain |
|---|---|---|
| ticket | boleto | billete |
| car | carro / coche | coche |
| bus | camión (city) / autobús | autobús |
| cell phone | celular | móvil |
| reservation | reservación | reserva |
| to take (bus) | tomar | coger |
How to prepare in two weeks
- Week 1: learn 10 phrases a day by situation, out loud.
- Week 2: rehearse full situations (ordering, directions, doctor) as roleplays.
Rehearse your trip with Lolo
Lolo's situations are travel moments: ordering at a café in Mexico City, finding the metro in Madrid, explaining how you feel at the doctor. You talk out loud, Lolo answers in natural local Spanish and you get gentle fixes after each call. See Mexico City travel Spanish and Madrid travel Spanish.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most important travel phrases in Spanish?
Greetings, ¿cuánto cuesta?, ¿dónde está…?, no entiendo and gracias cover most situations.
Can I travel in Mexico or Spain without speaking Spanish?
In tourist areas, often yes. But even basic Spanish makes travel smoother and people warmer.
How long does it take to learn travel Spanish?
Two to four weeks of daily practice is enough for basic travel situations.
