"Open return" is a common way to describe a return ticket where the return leg is not tied to a specific train. The actual fare you buy, typically an Off-Peak Return or Anytime Return, sets the permitted dates, trains, route and operator for that return journey. It is worth separating two kinds of flexibility: a flexible return time (you can catch any permitted train on the day you travel back) and a flexible return date (your return journey stays valid across a longer window, often up to a month). Which one you get depends on the specific fare.
What is an open return train ticket?
An open return covers an outward journey and a return journey, where the return leg is not fixed to one specific service. You typically select an outward date (and sometimes a specific outward train during checkout), while the return leg can be used on any train that your fare's conditions allow, within its validity period.
How does it work?
When you buy an open return, any seat reservation or specific train chosen during booking is separate from the ticket's actual validity. The ticket itself is valid on any service permitted by its restriction code, the reservation is a convenience, not a restriction, unless your fare type specifically requires a particular service, as some Advance tickets do.
- The return leg is not tied to a specific train, any service your fare's restriction code permits will do
- Validity is commonly one calendar month from the outward date, though shorter routes sometimes have tighter windows
- You can travel outward and return on different days
How long is it valid?
Most Off-Peak and Anytime Returns are valid for one calendar month from the outward travel date. Day Return products are valid for the single day shown on the ticket only. Always check the validity printed on your own ticket, it can vary by route.
Can I return on a different day?
Yes, with a month-valid Return, that is the point of the open return leg. A Day Return does not allow this; both journeys must happen on the same calendar day.
Can I catch any train?
Only trains your fare's restriction code permits. An Anytime Return covers any train, including peak services. An Off-Peak Return is restricted to off-peak services. See our Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak guide for how those restrictions work and how to check your own ticket's restriction code.
Open Return versus Day Return
A Day Return requires both journeys on the same day. An open return (a month-valid Off-Peak or Anytime Return) lets the return journey happen any time within the validity window. Choose a Day Return if your trip is a same-day round trip; choose a longer-validity Return if you need flexibility over when you come back.
Open Return versus two Advance singles
Advance singles are usually cheapest when booked well ahead, but each one is tied to a specific train. Changes before departure are generally possible under the applicable conditions, though fees and any fare difference can apply, they are not simply non-exchangeable. An open return often costs more but removes the need to commit to specific services.
Which is cheaper depends on your actual journey, how far ahead you are booking, and how confident you are in your travel times, compare the total price and flexibility for your specific trip rather than assuming one is always cheaper. If Advance allocations are sold out for your dates, browsing resale listings on SaveMyFare can sometimes turn up unused Advance tickets below face value.
What to check if plans change
An open return ticket is transferable under National Rail Conditions of Travel, provided the journey has not begun, once the outward leg has been used, the remaining return portion is no longer eligible for transfer. If your whole trip is off and the ticket is entirely unused, see how to sell a train ticket for how listing one works. For refund options instead, see our train ticket refund guide for current deadlines.
Browse current listings on SaveMyFare to see unused open return tickets currently available on your route.