An approach is provided for determining travel direction and/or location data based on sequential semantic events. The approach, for example, involves processing sensor data collected from at least one sensor of a mobile device to determine a set of observed time-sequenced semantic events. The semantic events are associated with traveling within a transportation system, and at least one semantic event of the set of observed time-sequenced semantic events is based on a turn angle value determined from the sensor data. The approach also involves initiating a comparison of the set of observed time-sequenced semantic events against a set of known time-sequenced semantic events and/or a known piece of information associated with the transportation system. The approach further involves determining a direction of travel and/or a location of the mobile device within the transportation system based on the comparison. The approach further involves providing the direction of travel and/or the location as an output.