This dialog is about two travelers buying a train ticket and then finding the correct platform. Make a special note of the British slang for pounds and the difference between British and American English for single and return tickets.
Two travellers, Casey and Mike have just arrived in at Gatwick Airport south of London. They want to get to their hotel in London. They decide to go by train, so they ask an airport employee where they can buy tickets.
C= Casey M= Mike E = Employee
C: Excuse me.
E: Yes sir, how can I help?
C: Where can I buy tickets for the train?
E: The ticket machines are over there sir.
C: Great, thanks. Oh do you know which trains go to Victoria?
E: All trains London trains go to Victoria.
C: Great, thanks.
E: My pleasure.
At the ticket machine
C= Casey M= Mike P= Passerby
C: Here we are. Now how much is a single?
M: Seven fifty I think.
C: On no this machine doesn’t give change and I’ve only got twenties on me. Have you got any pounds Mike?
M: I’ve only got three quid! I haven’t been to the ATM yet.
C: (asking a passerby) Excuse me? Have you got change for twenty pounds?
P: Hang on let me look. Yes, I do. What do you need?
C: Five pound notes.
P: Will one tenner and two fivers do?
C: That’d be great.
P: Here you go.
C: Great thanks.
Looking for the right platform
C= Casey E= Employee 1 E2= Employee 2
C: Excuse me? Could you tell me which platform the train to Victoria goes from?
E: That’ll be platform three, sir. Just go down these stairs, turn left and take the second stairs to your left.
C: Thanks
On platform 3
C: Excuse me? Is this platform 3?
E2: No, this side is platform 4 and that side is platform 3.
C: Oh thanks. Could you tell me when the next train for Victoria leaves?
E2: Let me check. 10.30, sir.
C: Great thanks.
E2: You’re welcome.
Keywords for buying a train ticket
Victoria – Victoria railway station/train station, is one of the main railway stations in London.
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My pleasure – Another way to say “You’re welcome”
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A single / return (Br. English) One-way/ roundtrip (Am. English) – A single ticket is a ticket for a journey to a place. A return is a ticket for a journey to a place and then back to where you started.
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Quid – A quid is slang for one British pound.
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ATM (Automated Teller Machine) – A machine from which you can get money. It is also called a cash machine.
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Passerby – We describe a person (usually a stranger) who is walking past you or near you as a passerby.
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Tenner – British slang for a ten pound note.
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Fiver – British slang for a five pound note.
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Platform – A platform is the place where you get on and off a train.
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