Using in/on with Transport Types
Many English learners get confused about whether to use “in” or “on” when talking about transportation.
Should you say “in the bus” or “on the bus”?
The answer depends on the type of vehicle!
Let’s break it down.
On a Train, On a Bus, On a Plane → Large Public Transport
We use “on” for large vehicles where you can stand, walk around, or share the space with many passengers.
Correct:
✔ “She is on the train to Tokyo.”
✔ “I was on the bus when you called me.”
✔ “He is on the plane to New York.”
Wrong:
✘ “She is in the train.”
✘ “I was in the bus.”
If it’s public transport and you can move around inside, use “on.”
In a Car, In a Taxi → Small Private Vehicles
We use “in” for smaller vehicles where you sit inside and can’t walk around.
Correct:
✔ “I’m in the car, waiting for you.”
✔ “She got in the taxi and left.”
Wrong:
✘ “I’m on the car.” (This means you are sitting on top of the car!)
✘ “She got on the taxi.”
If you sit inside and can’t walk around, use “in.”
On a Bike, On a Motorcycle → Open Vehicles
We use “on” for vehicles you sit on top of, like bicycles and motorcycles.
Correct:
✔ “He is on his bike, riding to school.”
✔ “They went to work on their motorcycles.”
Wrong:
✘ “He is in his bike.”
✘ “They went to work in their motorcycles.”
If you sit on top of the vehicle, use “on.”
Special Cases → In a Boat, On a Ship
We say “in a boat” for small boats (canoes, rowboats, fishing boats).
✔ “We were in a small boat on the lake.”
We say “on a ship” for large boats (cruise ships, ferries).
✔ “They spent a week on a cruise ship.”
If it’s small and enclosed, use “in.” If it’s large and walkable, use “on.”
Quick Practice
Choose “in” or “on” for these sentences:
“I’m _____ the bus. I’ll be there soon.”
“She got _____ the taxi and told the driver her address.”
“They went to school _____ their bikes.”
“We spent the weekend _____ a boat, fishing.”
“He was _____ a plane when the delay was announced.”
Quick Summary
• On = Large vehicles (trains, buses, planes), open vehicles (bikes, motorcycles), and ships.
• In = Small enclosed vehicles (cars, taxis, small boats).
Using these prepositions correctly will make your English sound more natural and confident! Try using them in your daily conversations.
Answers:
on
in
on
in
on