French for Intermediate Learners: Comparing Transport Options and Asking 'Should I take the train or bus?'
Learn to compare trains and buses in French, ask 'Should I take the train or bus?', and discuss pros and cons with practical phrases and a dialogue.
By SofiaGetting around · Yapr Learn
When deciding how to travel in French-speaking regions, you need to compare options like trains and buses. This lesson teaches you how to ask 'Should I take the train or bus?' and discuss advantages and disadvantages. You'll learn key phrases for comparing transport, such as 'prendre le train' (take the train) and 'en bus' (by bus), and how to weigh factors like price, speed, and comfort. By the end, you'll be able to make informed choices and converse about travel plans.
By the end, you can…
- ask whether to take the train or bus in French.
- compare transport options using comparative structures.
- discuss pros and cons of different modes of transport.
- understand and respond to questions about travel preferences.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Je devrais prendre le train ou le bus ?
Should I take the train or the bus?
zhuh duh-vreh prahn-druh luh tran oo luh booss
Use this to ask for advice when choosing between train and bus. 'Je devrais' means 'I should'.
Le train est plus rapide que le bus.
The train is faster than the bus.
luh tran eh plew ra-peed kuh luh booss
Compare speed using 'plus ... que'. 'Rapide' means fast.
Le bus est moins cher que le train.
The bus is cheaper than the train.
luh booss eh mwan shair kuh luh tran
Use 'moins ... que' to say 'less ... than'. 'Cher' means expensive; 'moins cher' means cheaper.
Le train est aussi confortable que le bus.
The train is as comfortable as the bus.
luh tran eh oh-see kohn-for-tahbl kuh luh booss
Use 'aussi ... que' for equality. 'Confortable' means comfortable.
Ça dépend du prix et du temps.
It depends on the price and the time.
sa day-pahn dew pree ay dew tahn
Use this to say it depends on factors. 'Ça dépend de' means 'it depends on'.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To compare transport options in French, use comparative structures: 'plus + adjective + que' (more ... than), 'moins + adjective + que' (less ... than), and 'aussi + adjective + que' (as ... as). For example: 'Le train est plus rapide que le bus' (The train is faster than the bus). 'Le bus est moins cher que le train' (The bus is cheaper than the train). 'Le train est aussi confortable que le bus' (The train is as comfortable as the bus). Note that 'que' becomes 'qu'' before a vowel sound: 'qu'un bus'. Adjectives must agree in gender and number with the noun they describe: 'rapide' has the same form for masculine and feminine, but 'cher' becomes 'chère' in the feminine, e.g., 'La voiture est moins chère que le train.'
When to use it
Use these comparisons when discussing travel choices, giving advice, or weighing pros and cons. For instance, if someone asks 'Je devrais prendre le train ou le bus ?', you can respond with 'Le train est plus rapide, mais le bus est moins cher.' Use 'aussi ... que' to indicate equality, e.g., 'Le train est aussi fréquent que le bus.' When factors are equal, you might say 'Ça dépend' if the choice hinges on context. Remember that 'plus' can mean 'more' in comparisons, but in negative sentences 'ne ... plus' means 'no longer', so avoid confusion: 'Le train n'est plus rapide' means 'The train is no longer fast.'
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Je dois aller à Lyon demain. Je devrais prendre le train ou le bus ?
I have to go to Lyon tomorrow. Should I take the train or the bus?zhuh dwah za-lay ah lee-ohn duh-man. zhuh duh-vreh prahn-druh luh tran oo luh booss?Le train est plus rapide, mais il est plus cher. Le bus est moins cher, mais il est plus lent.
The train is faster, but it's more expensive. The bus is cheaper, but it's slower.luh tran eh plew ra-peed, meh eel eh plew shair. luh booss eh mwan shair, meh eel eh plew lahn.Et pour le confort ? Le train est aussi confortable que le bus ?
And for comfort? Is the train as comfortable as the bus?ay poor luh kohn-for? luh tran eh oh-see kohn-for-tahbl kuh luh booss?Non, le train est plus confortable. Mais ça dépend de ton budget et de ton temps.
No, the train is more comfortable. But it depends on your budget and your time.nohn, luh tran eh plew kohn-for-tahbl. meh sa day-pahn duh tohn bew-zhay ay duh tohn tahn.A little context goes a long way
In France, trains (SNCF) are generally preferred for longer distances due to speed and comfort, while buses (like FlixBus or BlaBlaBus) are often chosen for budget travel. In Quebec, 'l'autobus' is common for city buses, and 'le train' for intercity. In Belgium and Switzerland, train networks are dense and punctual. When asking for advice, using 'Je devrais' is polite and standard. Avoid 'Je dois' which implies obligation. Also, in informal speech, 'le bus' is used across regions, but in some African Francophone countries, 'le car' refers to intercity buses.
One thing to watch for
Using 'plus' without 'que' in comparisons, e.g., 'Le train est plus rapide le bus.'
Try this instead: Always include 'que' after the adjective: 'Le train est plus rapide que le bus.' Without 'que', the comparison is incomplete. Also, remember to use 'qu'' before a vowel: 'plus rapide qu'un bus'.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you say 'The bus is less expensive than the train' in French?
Show a sample answer
Le bus est moins cher que le train.
This uses 'moins ... que' to compare. 'Cher' agrees with 'bus' (masculine). 'Moins cher' means less expensive.
2Translate: 'Should I take the train or the bus?'
Show a sample answer
Je devrais prendre le train ou le bus ?
This is a polite way to ask for advice. 'Je devrais' means 'I should'. Alternatively, 'Est-ce que je devrais prendre le train ou le bus ?' is also correct.
3What does 'Le train est aussi rapide que le bus' mean?
Show a sample answer
The train is as fast as the bus.
This uses 'aussi ... que' to show equality. 'Rapide' has the same form for masculine and feminine.
To compare transport in French, use 'plus ... que', 'moins ... que', and 'aussi ... que'. Ask 'Je devrais prendre le train ou le bus ?' for advice, and consider factors like price, speed, and comfort. Practice with real-life scenarios to master these structures.
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