#53 Scheduling a Meeting｜English Business Phrases
Izumi English Morning
#96 Asking for the Location of a Parking Lot｜Everyday English Phrases
Izumi
When renting a car abroad or driving around a city, you may find yourself unsure where to park.
Especially in a city you are visiting for the first time, there are many situations in which you need to ask locals whether there is a parking lot nearby.
In this article, I explain useful English expressions for asking about the location of a parking lot.
Contents
Dialogue
Excuse me, is there a parking lot near here?
Yes, there’s a public parking garage behind the shopping center.
How far is it from here?
It’s about a five-minute walk.
Great. Do you know if it’s open 24 hours?
Yes, it is. The entrance is on the left side of the building.
1. Asking Whether There Is a Parking Lot
A basic expression for checking whether a parking lot is available is:
Example
- Is there a parking lot near here?
The structure “Is there ～?” is commonly used to ask about the existence of places or facilities.
By adding “near here,” you can specify that you are asking about the surrounding area.
Related Expressions
- Is there parking nearby?
- Is there anywhere I can park around here?
2. Types of Parking Facilities
In the conversation example, “public parking garage” means a parking garage that anyone can use.
Adding “public” clarifies that it is not restricted to hotel guests or customers only.
Points
- Parking lot
→ Refers mainly to an outdoor, ground-level parking area. - Parking garage
→ Refers to a multi-story or indoor parking facility.
In many countries, parking on private property without permission may result in a fine, so confirming whether a parking facility is public is very important.
Related Expressions
- Private parking
→ A privately owned or restricted parking area. - Street parking
→ Parking along the side of the road.
3. Asking About Distance or Travel Time
Once you find a parking lot, the next thing to check is how far it is from your current location.
Example
- How far is it from here?
This question can be used whether you are walking or driving.
Examples
- It’s about a five-minute walk.
- It’s a short drive from here.
Using “about” makes the expression softer and indicates an approximate estimate.
4. Asking About Opening Hours and Conditions
In tourist areas or large cities, parking facilities may have limited operating hours, so it is helpful to check in advance.
Example
- Is it open 24 hours?
The word “open” can be used not only for shops, but also for parking lots, facilities, and buildings.
Related Expressions
- Is it open late at night?
- Does it close at a certain time?
5. Understanding Directions to the Entrance
When a parking lot is located behind or beside a building, you may be given directions to the entrance.
Example
- The entrance is on the left side of the building.
Learning common direction expressions will help you understand explanations more easily.
Related Expressions
- on the left / on the right
- behind the building
- next to the building
Summary
Key English Phrases
- Is there a parking lot near here?
→ Used to ask whether there is a parking lot nearby. - Public parking garage
→ Refers to a parking garage open to the general public. - How far is it from here?
→ Used to ask about distance or travel time. - Is it open 24 hours?
→ Useful for confirming opening hours or availability.
