French grammar: les prépositions avec les moyens de transport

What this grammar point covers

In French, prepositions are small words used with means of transport to say how you travel. The choice of preposition depends on the type of transport.

When to use it

Use these prepositions when you want to say how you go somewhere (for example, by car, by train, on foot).

Key forms

• en + transport (for most vehicles): en voiture, en train, en avion
• à + transport (for bicycles, motorcycles, horses, and walking): à vélo, à moto, à cheval, à pied

Examples

Tips

• Use 'en' with most vehicles that you get inside (car, train, plane, bus, etc.).
• Use 'à' for means of transport you sit or stand on (bike, horse, foot, etc.).
• Do not use 'dans' or 'sur' with transport unless you want to say exactly where you are (inside/on top of).

Exceptions and edge cases

• For 'à pied' (on foot), always use 'à', never 'en'.
• Some transports are always used with a specific preposition: 'à moto', 'à cheval', 'en métro'.