Let’s talk about one IELTS topic that affects us all — Transport.
From bustling city traffic to high-speed trains and electric cars, transport shapes how we live, work, and connect with others. That’s why it frequently appears in both IELTS Speaking and Writing, especially in questions about traffic congestion, public transport, or sustainable travel.
To achieve Band 8 or above, you must show topic-specific vocabulary and natural collocations — not just say “too many cars” or “bad traffic.”
So in this post, you’ll learn 50+ advanced words, collocations, idioms, and phrasal verbs — everything you need to speak and write confidently about transport and traffic in IELTS.
General Transport Vocabulary
- means of transport / mode of transport = the different ways people or goods can travel from one place to another (e.g., by car, by train, on foot).
- public transport = systems such as buses, trains, or subways that are available for everyone to use.
- private vehicle = a personal car, motorbike, or any transport owned by an individual.
- traffic congestion / traffic jam = when too many vehicles are on the road, causing slow movement.
- commute (v/n) = to travel regularly between home and work or school.
- journey / trip / travel: journey = movement from one place to another; trip = a short journey; travel = general movement.
- pedestrian (n) = a person walking along a road or in a built-up area.
- bus lane / cycle lane = a separate part of the road reserved for buses or bicycles.
- parking space / parking lot = an area designed for vehicles to be parked.
- carpool / ride-sharing = sharing a car journey with other people to save money and reduce traffic.
Transport Systems and Infrastructure
- public transportation system = the organized network of buses, trains, or subways available in a city.
- metro / underground / subway = trains that operate below the ground.
- high-speed train = a train that travels much faster than ordinary trains.
- road network = the system of interconnected roads in an area.
- traffic regulations / road safety laws = official rules that ensure safe driving and prevent accidents.
- pedestrian crossing / zebra crossing = a marked area on a road for people to cross safely.
- roundabout = a circular road junction where traffic moves in one direction around a central island.
- traffic light / traffic signal = lights controlling the flow of vehicles at intersections.
- transport hub = a central place where various transport routes connect, such as airports or major train stations.
- infrastructure development = the construction or improvement of transport systems like roads, bridges, and railways.
Related posts
- heavy traffic = a large number of vehicles moving slowly on the road.
- rush hour = the busiest time of the day when people travel to or from work.
- reduce traffic congestion = to make roads less crowded.
- improve public transport = to make buses, trains, and other systems more efficient and convenient.
- introduce congestion charges = to make drivers pay for entering busy city areas.
- cut down on car use = to reduce how often people drive.
- increase fuel prices = to raise the cost of petrol or diesel.
- encourage cycling or walking = to promote more eco-friendly ways of travelling.
- upgrade transport infrastructure = to modernize roads, railways, or airports.
- transport delays and cancellations = when buses, trains, or flights do not operate on time.
Idioms about Transport
- hit the road = to start a journey.
- in the fast lane = living or working at a quick, energetic pace.
- backseat driver = someone who gives unwanted advice.
- miss the boat = to miss an opportunity.
- drive someone crazy = to annoy or irritate someone.
- a smooth ride = a situation that goes well and without problems.
- a bump in the road = a small difficulty that temporarily slows progress.
- take a back seat = to allow others to take control or responsibility.
- on the right track = doing something in a correct or effective way.
- get the show on the road = to begin an activity or project.
- get on / get off (a bus, train, plane) = to enter or leave public transport.
- pick up (someone) = to collect a person from a place in your vehicle.
- drop off (someone) = to take someone to a place and leave them there.
- set off (on a journey) = to start travelling.
- speed up / slow down = to move faster or slower.
- pull over = to stop a vehicle by the side of the road.
- break down = when a vehicle stops working due to a mechanical problem.
- run out of (fuel) = to have no more petrol left.
- take off / land = when an aircraft leaves or arrives.
- get stuck in traffic = to be unable to move because of congestion.
IELTS Speaking Part 1: Topic – Transport
How do you usually travel to school or work?
I usually take the Tube because there’s a station really close to my house. It’s very convenient and quite fast—it takes about 30 minutes to get to the city centre.
Is public transport popular in your city?
Yes, it’s very popular. People often use buses—especially the green buses, which are environmentally friendly. The Tube and underground trains are also widely used because they help people avoid traffic jams and save time.”
What are the main problems with transport in your city?
The biggest issue is traffic congestion, especially if you travel by car. Public transport can also get really overcrowded during rush hour, which makes the journey quite uncomfortable.
Do you prefer driving or using public transport?
It depends on where I’m going. If I need to get to the city centre, I prefer public transport because it’s faster and I don’t have to worry about traffic or parking. But if I’m heading to the suburbs, driving is more convenient and comfortable.
IELTS Speaking Part 2: Describe a Journey You Enjoyed
You should say:
- where you went
- how you travelled
- what you saw during the journey
- and explain why you enjoyed it
Sample Answer
One of the most memorable journeys I’ve ever had was a train trip from London to a beautiful village in the countryside last summer. I travelled with two of my best friends, and we decided to spend the weekend away from the city just to relax and recharge.
We took a modern high-speed train, and since we booked the VIP fare, our seats were in a beautifully decorated carriage with spacious leather chairs, soft lighting, and even a little table in front of us. The atmosphere felt cozy and elegant at the same time. The staff were incredibly friendly and offered us complimentary snacks and drinks, which made the whole experience feel a bit luxurious.
The journey took about two hours, but honestly, time flew by. Through the window, we could see breathtaking views of rolling hills, wide rivers, and tiny villages with stone houses and flower gardens. The scenery was so peaceful that we couldn’t stop taking pictures. We also listened to music, chatted about our plans, and shared some snacks we brought along. At one point, we just sat quietly, watching the sunset reflecting on the river — it was absolutely beautiful.
I really enjoyed this trip because it allowed me to slow down and disconnect from the busy city life. The combination of stunning landscapes, good company, and a comfortable train ride made it such a perfect getaway that even now, whenever I feel stressed, I think about that journey and it instantly makes me feel calm.
Useful Vocabulary
- recharge = regain energy or strength after being tired or busy.
- carriage = a section or compartment of a train where passengers sit.
- complimentary snacks and drinks = free food and drinks offered as part of a service.
- flew by = when time passes very quickly.
- breathtaking = extremely beautiful or impressive; stunning.
- slow down = reduce speed or take things easier; live more calmly.
- disconnect = take a break or detach from work, technology, or daily stress.
- getaway = a short trip or holiday to relax and escape from daily life.
IELTS Speaking Part 3: Transport and Society
How can we reduce traffic problems in big cities?
There are several ways to reduce traffic congestion in large cities. Firstly, governments could introduce congestion pricing, which means charging drivers a small fee to enter busy city areas during rush hours. That would make some drivers think twice before using their cars. Another thing is just making public transport more reliable — if buses and trains come on time and are comfortable, people will definitely use them more. Oh, and I think adding more bike lanes would also help. If it’s safer to cycle, more people might leave their cars at home.
What are the advantages of using public transport?
Well, for one thing, it really helps reduce traffic and pollution because fewer people drive their own cars. It’s also a lot cheaper, especially for people who don’t earn much money. You don’t have to worry about fuel, parking, or even getting stuck in traffic for hours. And when the public transport system is clean and punctual, it’s actually quite convenient — you can just sit back, listen to music, and relax while someone else does the driving.
Do you think electric vehicles will replace petrol cars in the future?
Maybe, but it will take time. Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular because they are environmentally friendly and cheaper to run in the long term. Petrol, on the other hand, is non-renewable and will eventually run out. However, the speed of this transition depends on government policies, charging infrastructure, and advances in battery technology. So, while electric cars will probably dominate in the future, petrol cars may still exist for several decades.
What are the differences between how people used to travel in the past and now?
Oh, it’s changed a lot! In the past, people used animals like horses or camels to get around — that must’ve taken ages. Then came bicycles, motorbikes, and cars, which made travelling much faster. And now we’ve got high-speed trains and planes, so you can travel across countries in just a few hours. It’s kind of amazing how technology has made travel so much easier and more comfortable compared to the old days.
