bus station

USAGE SUMMARY

"bus station" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a place where people wait to board buses. For example, "I arrived at the bus station an hour early for my departure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The central bus station locked its doors.

The Economist

It was the bus station at Chester.

The New Yorker

Check at the bus station.

The New York Times - Travel

But Haverhill bus station was awful.

The Guardian - Travel

He works down at the local bus station -- Westbourne Park bus station.

The New York Times

The Messe is also the central bus station.

The Economist

Where is the nearest bus station, shop, or supermarket?

The Guardian

PRESTON bus station was earmarked for demolition in 1999.

The Economist

He would not be waiting in the bus station.

The New Yorker

At the bus station, the driver didn't keep his word.

The New Yorker

How far from the bus station was your home?

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing directions, specify if the "bus station" is a central one serving multiple routes or a smaller local stop.

Common error

Avoid using "bus station" when referring to a simple roadside bus stop. A "bus station" implies a larger facility with multiple bays and potentially amenities like waiting areas or ticket counters.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bus station" functions primarily as a noun, specifically a compound noun, designating a specific location. This is supported by Ludwig, which shows its use in sentences describing places and destinations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

17%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bus station" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to refer to a designated area for buses to load and unload passengers. Ludwig confirms that it's widely used across various contexts, with neutral formality. While it's typically clear in meaning, consider providing additional details when giving directions to clarify whether you are talking about larger central station or a smaller bus stop. Semantically related phrases include "bus depot", "coach terminal" and "transport hub".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

coach terminal

Replaces "bus" with "coach", emphasizing long-distance travel.

bus depot

Synonymous, but may also refer to the maintenance and storage area.

intercity bus terminal

Specifies that the station serves buses traveling between cities.

main bus terminal

Highlights that it is the primary or largest bus station in a particular area.

central bus depot

Highlights a station that is centrally located.

transport hub

Broader term encompassing multiple modes of transportation, including buses.

city bus center

Refers to a station primarily serving urban bus routes within a city.

public transit center

Generic term for a place where public transportation routes converge.

regional bus interchange

Focuses on a location where bus routes from various parts of a region connect.

local bus stop

Emphasizes the local nature of the bus service. "Local bus stop" can also indicate one of a number of smaller bus stops that are not at the station.

FAQs

How is "bus station" different from "bus stop"?

A "bus station" is a larger facility with multiple bays, amenities, and serves multiple routes, while a "bus stop" is typically a designated spot along a route, often with just a sign or shelter.

What can I say instead of "bus station"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "bus depot", "coach terminal", or "transport hub".

Is "bus station" formal or informal?

"Bus station" is a neutral term suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The level of formality often depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the communication.

How do I use "bus station" in a sentence?

You can use "bus station" to describe a location: "The meeting point is at the main bus station." Or as a destination: "I'm going to the bus station to catch the 5 PM bus."