At the enquiry-office

A: How do I get to Oxford, by train or by bus?

Clerk: The train’s quicker.

A: And how long does it take by bus?

Clerk: The bus takes three hours and goes every hour from Victoria Station and the train takes about one and a half hours.

A: Which station do I go from?

Clerk: From Paddington.

A: What time is the next train to Oxford, please?

Clerk: At 9: 45.

A: And when does it arrive in Oxford?

Clerk: It gets to Oxford at 11.18.

A: Can I have a third class return?

Clerk: Yes, certainly.

A: And which platform for Oxford, please?

Clerk: Platform 3.

A: Thank you.

* * *

- Excuse me, is this a ticket office?

- No, it is not. The ticket office is round the corner.

- Thank you. I want two round trip tickets to Baltimore.

-

- First-class ticket, please, upper berth.

- Here you are.

- Do I have to change?

- It is a through train.

- Thank you. Is this platform № 6?

- No, it isn’t. Platform № 6 is the next one. …..

Here is your carriage. There are no free corner seats. I am very sorry about it.

* * *

Passenger: I want a ticket to London, please. Which train must I take?

Booking-clerk: If I were you, I should take the 8.35 train.

Passenger: Do I have to change anywhere?

Booking-clerk: No, no change, it's a through train.

Passenger: Thank you. A ticket to London, please.

Booking-clerk: Single or return?

Passenger: Return, please, first class.

Booking-clerk: Here you are.

Passenger: Thank you. What time did you say the train goes?

Booking-clerk: 8.35. You'll have to hurry if you want to have your luggage registered.

Passenger: Thanks. (He hurries away)

* * *

You. Excuse me, what time does the next train to London leave?

Ticket seller. At 17: 35, from platform 8.

You. OK, I would like two tickets to London, please, for this train. By the way, is it a direct train to London?

Ticket seller. Yes, it is.

You. Great.

Ticket seller. First or second-class?

You. What’s the difference in price between the two?

Ticket seller. First class tickets are £ 45 each and second-class tickets are £ 30 each.

You. I’ll take two second-class tickets.

Ticket seller. Single or return, sir?

You. Return, please.

Ticket seller. When would you like to come back?

You. Is there a train that leaves London in the evening on Monday?

Ticket seller. Yes… there’s a train from London leaving at 19: 45. Would you like me to book two tickets for you?

You. Yes, please do. Second-class as well.

* * *

Passenger: Porter, will you see to my luggage, please?

Porter: Where for, sir?

Passenger: I am taking the ten o'clock train for Glasgow. Have this trunk labeled and put it in the lug gage van, and two suit-cases can go in the carriage.

Porter: Right, sir. What class?

Passenger: First. Find me a corner seat facing the engine in a smoker.

Porter: Have you got your ticket, sir?

Passenger: No, not yet. Where's the booking-office?

Porter: Come along with me, sir. I'll show you. Here it is. You take your ticket, sir, and I'll meet you on the platform.

Passenger: Which platform is it?

Porter: Number 8, over there.

Porter: Here you are, sir. I've found you a corner seat next to the corridor. Your carriage is near the dining-car and you can order lunch when the attendant comes along.

Passenger: What time do we get to Glasgow?

Porter: You are due to arrive at 6.15.

Passenger: Thank you, here you are.

Porter: Thank you, sir. I hope you'll find the journey comfortable.

Passenger: Well, if I have some minutes left, I should like to go and get myself a book to while away the time during the journey.2

Porter: I'll bring you a paper, sir.

* * *

A. I’m glad you are coming in my train: we can travel together. Have you a reserved seat?

B. No, the train isn’t very overcrowded and we’ll get a seat quite easily. How do you like to sit, facing the engine or with your back to it?

A. I don’t mind either way, but if it’s all the same to you I’d prefer to sit the way the train is going.

B. That will suit me perfectly. I’m rather fussy about not sitting in a draught, so I prefer to sit with my back to the engine.