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Reading Schedules
"Learn to navigate the world by understanding timetables, flights, and delays."
Travel Plans
Learn vocabulary for traveling and checking departure times.
When you travel or plan an event, you need to know how to read a schedule or a timetable. These charts tell you exactly when buses, trains, or flights depart and arrive.
If you are a passenger at a busy airport, you must find your terminal and wait for boarding to begin. Sometimes, bad weather causes a delay, meaning your trip will start later than planned.
At a train station, you need to find the correct platform to catch the train to your final destination. Always check the digital boards to ensure your ride is running exactly on time!
At the Train Station
Read the conversation between a traveler and a ticket agent.
Tom
Excuse me, can you help me read this timetable?
Agent
Of course, sir. Where is your final destination?
Tom
I am traveling to New York. What time does the next train depart?
Agent
The next train to New York leaves at 2:15 PM from platform 9.
Tom
Great. Is there any delay because of the rain?
Agent
No, it is running exactly on your schedule. Boarding will begin in ten minutes.
Travel Tips
Helpful phrases and rules when reading transportation timetables.
"On time" vs. "In time"
The 24-Hour Clock
How do I ask about departures?
Travel Vocabulary Quiz
Choose the best answer for each travel scenario.