Picture scene
A platform change in French: find the right train and track
Explore a French station, confirm a changed departure track and ask how to reach it. Practise train numbers, times and the difference between voie and quai.
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In short
Ask Le train 472 pour Valmont, à dix heures vingt, part bien voie 5 ? Include the number, destination and departure time. Then ask Comment rejoindre la voie 5 ? (How do I get to track 5?).
Yellow the idea to rememberBlue French to learn
Find your way through the station
Find:
What do you do when the platform changes?
| Train | Destination | Departure | Earlier track | Current track |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 472 | Valmont | 10:20 | 3 | 5 |
| 486 | Valmont | 11:00 | 2 | 2 |
- You
Excusez-moi, le train 472 pour Valmont, à dix heures vingt, part bien voie 5 ?
Excuse me, does train 472 to Valmont at ten twenty leave from track 5?
- Agent
Oui, il y a eu un changement de voie. Il part voie 5.
Yes, there has been a track change. It leaves from track 5.
- You
Et celui de onze heures ?
And the eleven-o’clock one?
- Agent
C’est un autre train. Il part voie 2.
That is another train. It leaves from track 2.
- You
D’accord. Comment rejoindre la voie 5 ?
All right. How do I get to track 5?
- Agent
Prenez la passerelle, puis descendez à droite.
Take the footbridge, then go down on the right.
- You
Il y a un ascenseur ?
Is there a lift?
- Agent
Oui, juste à côté des escaliers.
Yes, right beside the stairs.
La voie is the track; le quai is the raised area where passengers wait and board. A display may say voie 5. For the train, you can say Il part voie 5 or Il part de la voie 5. For where you are standing, say Je suis sur le quai. Repeat the wording on the display when you ask staff.