Return Train Tickets & Open Return Tickets
Planning a round trip? Return train tickets are the simplest way to travel there and back on the same route. At EMR, we also offer Open Return train tickets, giving you extra flexibility if you’re not sure exactly when you’ll return.
Read on to learn everything about Return tickets, Open Return tickets, and how to choose the best option for your journey.
What Are Return Train Tickets?
Return train tickets let you travel out and back between two stations on the same route with a single booking. There are several types of Return tickets available depending on flexibility and travel times:
- Day Return tickets – perfect for same-day trips for travel back and forth on the same day.
- Anytime Return tickets – great for short getaways, you can travel within five days of your travel date and return within one calendar month of the ticket issue date specified.
- Off-Peak or Super Off-Peak Returns – ideal if you want freedom over travel times at a great rate. Both journeys must be made at Off-Peak or Super-Off Peak train times and return within one calendar month of the ticket issue date specified.
Booking a Return ticket is often cheaper than buying two separate Single tickets, but it’s worth comparing both options when planning your journey.
Open Return Train Tickets
An Open Return train ticket is perfect for travellers who want flexibility on the date or train of their return journey.
While Open Return isn’t an official ticket category - it’s a general term to describe any Return ticket that gives you flexibility on your return journey. This is ideal if your plans aren’t fixed, or if you want the freedom to adjust your return. Simply select Open Return when you search and you won't need to select the train you want to return on.
It can apply to several ticket types:
- Anytime Return – fully flexible outward and return travel.
- Off-Peak Return – flexible return within one month, but only on Off-Peak services.
- Super Off-Peak Return – same as Off-Peak, but even cheaper and with more limited travel times.
How Does an Open Return Train Ticket Work?
An Open Return train ticket gives you the flexibility to make your outward and return journeys at different times - ideal if you’re unsure exactly when you’ll be travelling back. These tickets are popular with commuters, weekend travellers, and anyone who values flexibility over fixed train times.
Here’s how it works:
- Outward journey: You’ll book your outward journey for a specific date and train. This ensures your ticket is valid and your journey is confirmed for the start of your trip.
- Return journey: Your return trip can be made on any train within one calendar month of your outward travel date. This means you don’t need to decide your exact return time or date when you book - simply travel when it suits you, as long as it’s within the ticket’s validity period.
- Route and time restrictions: You must follow any route restrictions shown on your ticket, and if you’ve chosen an Off-Peak or Super Off-Peak Open Return, your return journey must be taken during those valid Off-Peak travel times.
- First Class upgrades: If you’d like a more comfortable journey home, you can upgrade to First Class on your return journey (subject to seat availability and fare conditions).
An Open Return ticket is ideal if you’re planning an overnight stay, a business trip with flexible timings, or simply want the peace of mind of knowing you can return whenever you’re ready. It’s also a great option for travellers who want to compare their return travel with Day Return or Anytime Return tickets to find the best value for their journey.
How Much Is a Return Train Ticket
Return Ticket prices depend on your route, travel date, and ticket type.
- Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak Return tickets are usually the most economical, avoiding the busiest commuter times.
- Day Returns offer outward and return travel to be on any train on the date specified at a lower cost.
- Anytime Returns tickets offer flexibility for shorter trips at a lower cost.
- First Class Return tickets you can upgrade your tickets for added comfort and service, with prices varying depending on Off-Peak or Anytime options.
You can check current fares, compare ticket types, and book online or via the EMR app.
Open Return Ticket Frequently Asked Questions
An Open Return train ticket allows you to return on any train within one calendar month of your outward journey, rather than a fixed train. It’s ideal for flexible travel plans.
You travel outward on your chosen train and can then return on any service that fits your schedule within the ticket’s validity period, subject to Open Return rules.
- Valid on the same route as your outward journey.
- Must be used within the calendar month period printed on your ticket
- Can’t be split between different operators unless explicitly allowed.
Yes, one of the main benefits of an Open Return is that your return journey doesn’t need to be on the same day as your outward travel, making it perfect for flexible or spontaneous trips.
Prices vary by route, ticket type, and travel time. Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets are usually the most cost-effective. First Class options are higher but offer extra comfort and services.
A Return ticket is tied to a specific return train or date, while an Open Return ticket allows flexibility to return on any train service route specified, within the validity period of one calendar month.
Yes, Day Return tickets are usually cheaper but less flexible, as the return journey must be on the same day. Open Returns offer freedom but at a slightly higher price.
Plan Your Return or Open Return Journey with EMR
Whether you want a fixed Return ticket, a flexible Open Return, or a First Class Return, EMR makes booking easy. Use our online journey planner or app to compare fares, check times, and secure your ticket today.