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How to Say "to travel" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to travel” is “viajar” — use 'viajar' for the general act of traveling, especially for leisure, long distances, or to new places.

English → Spanish

viajar

vee-ah-HARbjaˈxaɾ

verbA1general
Use 'viajar' for the general act of traveling, especially for leisure, long distances, or to new places.
A joyful hiker with a small backpack walks along a winding dirt path towards colorful, distant mountains under a bright blue sky.

Examples

Me encanta viajar a países nuevos.

I love traveling to new countries.

¿Has viajado mucho por trabajo este año?

Have you traveled a lot for work this year?

Viajamos en tren porque es más relajante.

We travel by train because it is more relaxing.

Regular -AR Verb

Viajar follows the most common Spanish verb pattern. If you know how to conjugate 'hablar' (to speak), you know how to conjugate 'viajar'!

Prepositions for Travel

To say how you travel, use the preposition 'en' (viajar en coche, viajar en tren). To say where you travel to, use 'a' (viajar a México).

Confusing 'Viajar' and 'Viaje'

Mistake: “Hacer un viajar (To do a travel)”

Correction: Hacer un viaje (To take a trip). Remember, 'viajar' is the action (verb), and 'viaje' is the noun (the trip itself).

ir

eeriɾ

verbA1general
Use 'ir' when referring to the simple act of going somewhere, like a short trip or a daily commute, without the emphasis on the journey itself.
A person walking along a path that leads towards a distant, sunlit mountain, representing the verb 'ir' which means 'to go'.

Examples

Voy a la tienda.

I'm going to the store.

¿Ustedes van al cine esta noche?

Are you all going to the movies tonight?

Mis padres fueron a España el año pasado.

My parents went to Spain last year.

Talking About the Future: Ir + a + verb

A very common way to talk about the future is using 'ir' like 'going to'. Just use the right form of 'ir', add 'a', and then the action verb. Example: 'Voy a comer' means 'I am going to eat'.

Always Use 'a' for Destinations

When you say you are going to a place, you almost always need the little word 'a' after 'ir'. Example: 'Voy a la playa' (I'm going to the beach).

Confusing 'ir' and 'venir'

Mistake: “'Vengo a la tienda ahora.' (When you are currently at home, not at the store).”

Correction: 'Voy a la tienda ahora.' Use 'ir' for movement away from you (going), and 'venir' for movement towards you (coming).

Crazy Past Tense Forms

Mistake: “Thinking the past tense is 'yo í' or 'yo fuió'.”

Correction: The past tense of 'ir' is totally different: 'fui, fuiste, fue...'. It's weird, but you just have to memorize it. The good news? It's the exact same as the past tense for 'ser' (to be)!

desplazar

des-plah-SARdesplaˈθaɾ

verbB1general
Use 'desplazar' to describe the physical movement of oneself or a group from one location to another, often implying a commute or a systematic way of getting around.
A person with a backpack walking along a winding path through green hills.

Examples

Mucha gente se desplaza en metro en Madrid.

Many people get around by metro in Madrid.

Es difícil desplazarse por la ciudad sin coche.

It's difficult to get around the city without a car.

Los animales se desplazan hacia el sur en invierno.

Animals move south in the winter.

Using 'Se'

When talking about moving your own body from one city or place to another, you must add 'se' (desplazarse) to show the action is being done to yourself.

moverme

mo-BEHR-mehmoˈβeɾme

verbB1general
Use 'moverme' (reflexive of 'mover') when focusing on the act of navigating or moving oneself between different places, often in the context of choosing a mode of transport.
A person riding a bicycle through a green park path.

Examples

Prefiero moverme en metro para evitar el tráfico.

I prefer to get around by subway to avoid traffic.

General Travel vs. Specific Movement

Learners often use 'viajar' for all types of movement. Remember that 'viajar' is for the broader concept of travel, while 'desplazar' and 'moverme' focus more on the physical act of getting from point A to point B, especially within a city or as a regular commute.

Related Translations

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