Inklingo

How to Say "bus" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “bus” is “autobús” — this is the most formal and widely understood term for a bus, especially for intercity or long-distance travel, but also used for city buses.

English → Spanish

autobús

nounA1formal
This is the most formal and widely understood term for a bus, especially for intercity or long-distance travel, but also used for city buses.

Examples

¿A qué hora pasa el próximo autobús?

What time does the next bus pass?

bus

boosbus

nounA1informal
This is a direct loanword from English and is very common in informal speech across many Spanish-speaking countries for any type of bus.
A large, brightly colored yellow and red passenger bus depicted in a simple storybook illustration style.

Examples

Tengo que tomar el bus para ir al trabajo.

I have to take the bus to go to work.

¿Sabes dónde está la parada de bus más cercana?

Do you know where the nearest bus stop is?

El bus de las diez se retrasó por el tráfico.

The ten o'clock bus was delayed because of traffic.

Gender and Articles

Since 'bus' is a masculine noun, always use the masculine articles: 'el bus' (the bus) or 'un bus' (a bus).

Confusing 'bus' and 'autobús'

Mistake: “Using 'autobús' in very casual, quick speech when 'bus' or 'micro' might sound more natural.”

Correction: 'Bus' is a very common, snappy abbreviation for 'autobús' in many regions, especially Spain and Central America.

camión

nounA2informal
Primarily used in Mexico and some Central American countries, 'camión' specifically refers to a bus that serves as public passenger transport, often within cities.

Examples

Tengo que tomar el camión para ir al centro.

I have to take the bus to go downtown.

colectivo

ko-lek-TEE-bokolekˈtiβo

nounA2informal
This term is widely used in Argentina and Uruguay to refer to the urban public bus system.
A bright blue and white city bus stopped at a street corner with a simple tree in the background.

Examples

El colectivo 60 pasa por aquí cada diez minutos.

Bus number 60 passes by here every ten minutes.

Perdí el colectivo y tuve que caminar.

I missed the bus and had to walk.

Bajate del colectivo en la próxima esquina.

Get off the bus at the next corner.

micro

MEE-krohˈmikɾo

nounA1informal
Commonly used in Chile and sometimes in Argentina, 'micro' refers to a city bus, often a smaller one.
A bright yellow public transportation bus parked on a simple street.

Examples

¿A qué hora pasa el micro?

What time does the bus come?

En Chile, la micro suele ser de color rojo.

In Chile, the bus is usually red.

Viajamos en micro por todo el país porque es más barato.

We traveled by bus across the whole country because it is cheaper.

Gender Change

This word is masculine ('el micro') in most countries like Argentina or Peru, but it is feminine ('la micro') in Chile.

It's a Shortcut

This is a shortened form of 'microbús'. It acts just like a normal noun.

Not just 'Microbús'

Mistake: “Thinking a 'micro' must be a small bus.”

Correction: In many countries, 'micro' refers to large long-distance buses too, not just small ones.

Regional Differences are Key

The most common mistake is assuming one word works everywhere. While 'autobús' and 'bus' are generally understood, using 'camión', 'colectivo', or 'micro' outside their specific regions might cause confusion. It's best to learn which term is standard in the particular country you are visiting.

Related Translations

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