In 15 Seconds
- Ask this to find out when a vehicle departs.
- Perfect for buses, trains, planes, and boats.
- Use it to stay on schedule and avoid being late.
Meaning
You use this to ask for the exact time a vehicle like a bus, train, or plane starts its journey.
Key Examples
3 of 6At a busy train station
Excuse me, what time does it leave?
What time does it leave?
Checking in at the airport
I have my ticket, but what time does it leave?
What time does it leave?
Texting a friend about a bus
I'm at the stop! What time does it leave?
What time does it leave?
Cultural Background
In the UK, punctuality is highly valued for trains. If a train is even one minute late, it is noted. People often use 'What time does it leave?' as a way to express mild frustration if a train is sitting at the platform past its time. Japanese trains are world-famous for being on time. Asking 'What time does it leave?' usually results in a very precise answer. If a train leaves 30 seconds early, the company might issue a public apology. In the US, outside of major cities like NYC or Chicago, public transport is less common. People use this phrase more often for long-distance flights or Amtrak trains. For local travel, people usually drive themselves. Indian Railways is a massive network. While schedules are fixed, delays are common. Asking 'What time does it leave?' might be followed by 'Is it on time?' to check for delays.
Use 'When' for speed
If you are in a hurry, 'When does it leave?' is shorter and just as good.
The 'Does' Rule
Never forget 'does'. 'What time it leave?' sounds very broken to native speakers.
In 15 Seconds
- Ask this to find out when a vehicle departs.
- Perfect for buses, trains, planes, and boats.
- Use it to stay on schedule and avoid being late.
What It Means
This phrase is your best friend when you are traveling. It asks for the scheduled moment of departure. When you say What time does it leave?, you are asking when the vehicle will pull away. It is simple, direct, and very common. Use it for anything with a schedule.
How To Use It
Simply point to your ticket or the vehicle and ask. You can also add the name of the vehicle. For example, What time does the train leave? or What time does the flight leave?. It is a very flexible sentence. You don't need to be a grammar expert to get this right. Just remember the s on does!
When To Use It
Use this at the airport check-in desk. Use it when you are standing on a train platform. It is perfect for texting a friend when you are meeting at the station. You can even use it for a carpool. If your friend is driving, ask What time does it leave? to know when to be ready. It shows you are being punctual and respectful of their time.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for people walking. You wouldn't ask a friend What time does it leave? if they are just walking home. In that case, ask When are you leaving?. Also, do not use it for events like movies or concerts. For those, we usually say What time does it start?. Using leave for a movie might make people think the cinema is physically moving away!
Cultural Background
In many English-speaking cultures, being on time is very important. In the UK or the US, transportation usually follows a strict schedule. Asking this question shows you are organized. It is a very polite way to make sure you aren't late. People might look at their watch or phone immediately when you ask this. It is a universal signal that you are ready to go.
Common Variations
If you want to sound more casual, you can say When's it off?. For a more formal setting, try What is the scheduled departure time?. If you are in a big hurry, you might just say When does it go?. All of these mean basically the same thing. However, What time does it leave? is the most reliable version for any situation.
Usage Notes
This is a neutral, A1-level phrase that works in almost any travel situation. Just ensure you use `does` for singular subjects to maintain grammatical correctness.
Use 'When' for speed
If you are in a hurry, 'When does it leave?' is shorter and just as good.
The 'Does' Rule
Never forget 'does'. 'What time it leave?' sounds very broken to native speakers.
Adding 'Next'
If you just missed a bus, ask 'What time does the *next* one leave?' to be more precise.
Examples
6Excuse me, what time does it leave?
What time does it leave?
A polite way to ask a staff member about your train.
I have my ticket, but what time does it leave?
What time does it leave?
Confirming the flight time with the gate agent.
I'm at the stop! What time does it leave?
What time does it leave?
Short and quick for a text message.
Hurry up! What time does it leave? We can't miss it!
What time does it leave?
Expressing urgency and a bit of stress.
This boat looks like it's from 1920. What time does it leave... next year?
What time does it leave?
Using the phrase to make a joke about a slow service.
Regarding the shuttle service, what time does it leave the hotel?
What time does it leave?
Using the phrase in a full, formal sentence structure.
Test Yourself
Complete the question with the correct words.
What time ______ it ______?
We use 'does' for 'it' and the base form 'leave'.
Which sentence is correct for a train schedule?
Select the natural English question:
This follows the standard 'What time + does + subject + verb' pattern.
Fill in the traveler's question.
Traveler: Excuse me. ________ Staff: It leaves at 5:30 PM.
The answer 'It leaves at 5:30 PM' tells us the question was about the time of departure.
Match the question to the situation.
You are at the airport and your flight is delayed.
When a schedule changes, you ask for the new departure time using 'now'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesWhat time ______ it ______?
We use 'does' for 'it' and the base form 'leave'.
Select the natural English question:
This follows the standard 'What time + does + subject + verb' pattern.
Traveler: Excuse me. ________ Staff: It leaves at 5:30 PM.
The answer 'It leaves at 5:30 PM' tells us the question was about the time of departure.
You are at the airport and your flight is delayed.
When a schedule changes, you ask for the new departure time using 'now'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsNo, that is grammatically incorrect. You must use 'does' for questions in the present simple: 'What time does it leave?'
Yes, they are almost identical. 'What time' is slightly more focused on the specific clock time, while 'When' is more general.
No, for a movie you should say 'What time does it start?'. 'Leave' is only for things that physically move away.
'It' refers to the vehicle you are talking about, like the bus, train, or plane.
You can say 'It leaves at [time]' or simply '[Time]'. For example: 'It leaves at 4 o'clock.'
Related Phrases
When does it get in?
contrastWhat time does the vehicle arrive at its destination?
What time is the next one?
similarWhen is the next scheduled departure?
Is it on time?
builds onIs the vehicle following the schedule?
What time do we set off?
similarWhen does our journey begin?
