A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "To the airport please" in French
The essential French phrase to tell a taxi or rideshare driver your destination: 'To the airport, please.'
À l'aéroport, s'il vous plaît.
ah l'ay-ro-POOR, SEEL voo PLEHneutral
French TTS · 0:01
Say this when you get into a taxi or rideshare and want to tell the driver where you're going. It's the direct and polite way to state your destination.
Alternatives
- Direction l'aéroport, s'il vous plaît.Slightly more formal, emphasizing the direction.
- Pour l'aéroport, s'il vous plaît.Also perfectly fine, meaning 'For the airport, please.'
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing 'aéroport' like 'air-o-port'
The 'a' at the start is like the 'a' in 'father,' and the 'é' is like the 'ay' in 'say.' The final 't' is silent.
Forgetting the 'l'' before 'aéroport'
In French, you need the article 'l'' (short for 'le' or 'la') before 'aéroport' because it starts with a vowel.
Using 'tu' instead of 'vous'
With a professional like a taxi driver, always use 'vous' for politeness unless they explicitly invite you to use 'tu'.
A small cultural note
While 'À l'aéroport' is standard, some drivers might appreciate a more specific address if you have it, especially outside major city centers.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
How do I say 'airport' in French?
The word for airport in French is 'aéroport.' Remember to pronounce it with French sounds, not like the English word.
Is 's'il vous plaît' always needed?
Yes, 's'il vous plaît' (please) is crucial for politeness in almost all interactions in France, especially with service providers.
What if I want to go to a different place?
Simply replace 'l'aéroport' with the name of your destination, followed by 's'il vous plaît.' For example, 'À la gare, s'il vous plaît' (To the train station, please).
