This speaking workshop helps you ask about a hotel shuttle bus in Japanese and understand simple schedule answers. You will use recorded native lines to practice asking whether a shuttle exists, where to catch it, what time it departs, and how often it comes. You will also hear a short exchange between a traveler and staff, then take both roles yourself. Each example is explained in English before you try it, so you always know what you are saying.
Asking If a Shuttle Exists and Where to Catch It
Start with the most basic question. To ask if there is a shuttle bus to the hotel, say «ホテルへのシャトルバスはありますか。» This means “Is there a shuttle bus to the hotel?” The word «ホテル» means hotel, «への» means “to” in the sense of direction toward, and «シャトルバス» means shuttle bus. The ending «ありますか» asks whether something exists. Once you know a shuttle exists, ask where to catch it: «シャトルバスはどこで乗りますか。» This means “Where do I catch the shuttle bus?” Here «どこで» means “where at” and «乗りますか» means “ride” or “get on.” Practice saying both lines slowly, then at a natural speed. Keep your voice clear and polite.
Asking About Departure Time and Frequency
To ask what time the shuttle departs, say «何時に出発しますか。» This means “What time does it depart?” The word «何時» means “what time,” «に» marks the time, and «出発しますか» means “depart.” If you also want to know how often it comes, ask «どのくらいの間隔で来ますか。» This means “How often does it come?” Here «どのくらい» means “how much” or “about,” «間隔» means “interval,” and «来ますか» means “does come?” These two questions help you plan your wait. Practice them as a pair: first the departure time question, then the frequency question. Say them aloud until they feel smooth.
Understanding a Simple Schedule Answer
Listen to this short exchange. A traveler asks: «すみません、ホテルへのシャトルバスはありますか。» This means “Excuse me, is there a shuttle bus to the hotel?” Staff reply: «はい、あります。どのホテルですか。» This means “Yes, there is. Which hotel?” The traveler answers: «さくらホテルです。何時に出発しますか。» This means “It’s Sakura Hotel. What time does it depart?” Staff answer: «9時と10時です。次のバスは9時です。» This means “At 9 o’clock and 10 o’clock. The next bus is at 9.” Notice how the staff give two times and then point out the next one. When you hear a schedule answer, listen for the time words and the word «次» meaning “next.”
Listen once, then say the phrase yourself. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Checking available voices…
ホテルへのシャトルバスはありますか。
Is there a shuttle bus to the hotel?
Hoteru e no shatoru basu wa arimasu ka.
シャトルバスはどこで乗りますか。
Where do I catch the shuttle bus?
Shatoru basu wa doko de norimasu ka.
何時に出発しますか。
What time does it depart?
Nanji ni shuppatsu shimasu ka.
どのくらいの間隔で来ますか。
How often does it come?
Donokurai no kankaku de kimasu ka.
Read one side aloud, then answer in your own words. The goal is to make the exchange yours.
すみません、ホテルへのシャトルバスはありますか。
Excuse me, is there a shuttle bus to the hotel?はい、あります。どのホテルですか。
Yes, there is. Which hotel?さくらホテルです。何時に出発しますか。
It's Sakura Hotel. What time does it depart?9時と10時です。次のバスは9時です。
At 9 o'clock and 10 o'clock. The next bus is at 9.Your turn
Try each prompt out loud. Choose a guided start, the full sequence, or a challenge pass after your first attempt.
Guided Exchange: Ask About the Shuttle
You are at a hotel front desk. You want to know if there is a shuttle to your hotel and where to catch it. Use the recorded lines to guide your speech.
Your task: Say the line that asks if there is a shuttle bus to the hotel. Then say the line that asks where to catch the shuttle bus. Repeat both lines twice, focusing on clear pronunciation.
Reply Comprehension: Choose the Correct Time
You hear a staff member say: «9時と10時です。次のバスは9時です。» This means “At 9 o’clock and 10 o’clock. The next bus is at 9.”
Your task: Decide which time the next bus departs. Say your answer aloud in Japanese using the time word you heard. Then say the full staff line again to confirm.
Recall with Correct Roles: Traveler and Staff
Now play both roles. First, you are the traveler asking about the shuttle. Then, you are the staff member answering with the schedule you heard.
Your task: As the traveler, say: «すみません、ホテルへのシャトルバスはありますか。» Then as staff, reply: «はい、あります。どのホテルですか。» As traveler again, say: «さくらホテルです。何時に出発しますか。» Finally as staff, say: «9時と10時です。次のバスは9時です。»
Common questions
Can I use these lines at any hotel?
These lines ask about a shuttle bus to a hotel. They are useful when you are at a station, airport, or another hotel and want to know if a shuttle goes to your hotel. The recorded exchange uses «さくらホテル» as an example hotel name. You can replace it with your own hotel name when you speak.
What if the staff answer with a time I do not understand?
Listen for the number before «時» which means “o’clock.” In the recording, you hear «9時» and «10時». If you are unsure, you can repeat the question «何時に出発しますか。» to ask again. You can also ask «どのくらいの間隔で来ますか。» to learn how often the shuttle comes.
Sources and further reading
- japanese: ask if there is a shuttleChecked September 2026
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