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Original poster

Return ticket on train. Is it now just one actual ticket for both journeys?

41 replies

user1471530109 · 30/04/2023 13:43

I'm travelling into London tomorrow for the first time in years. I've booked an open return train ticket and printed them off at a station so I'm ready.

But only 1 ticket printed. Do you not get a separate return ticket anymore? I'm worried I've messed up somehow.

Can anyone ease my anxiety 😂? Feeling a bit overwhelmed by the journey (and would never admit that irl).

Tia

OP posts:
Meduse · 30/04/2023 13:59

Yes I’m almost positive it’s just one ticket-maybe someone else can confirm but I’m sure I had this recently.Trains are great and from experience of a lot of train travel recently the ticket collectors are all very nice,should there be a problem.Enjoy the journey-take a coffee and a book!

Thelondonone · 30/04/2023 14:03

I’ve only ever had 2 parts, even on an app but refitted a paper ticket. The ticket should be very clear.

Thelondonone · 30/04/2023 14:03

definitely not refitted

MetaDaughter · 30/04/2023 14:08

Any reason why you opted for paper tickets, @user1471530109 ? Having an e-ticket on your phone is generally easier, and harder to lose. (Only potentially problematic if your battery is unreliable.)

What will you be doing in London?

SquareRootOfAllEvil · 30/04/2023 14:10

Is it definitely an open return?

Whenever I buy a return to London I get two tickets printed if it’s a day return or open return to a station, but only one ticket if it’s a day travelcard. I’ve never had one ticket for a non-travelcard return (and I last bought this last week, so doubt my experience is out of date)

BonnieGlasses · 30/04/2023 14:11

It's usually two tickets, especially since most stations now have ticket barriers. What does the ticket actually say?

Needmorelego · 30/04/2023 14:11

If it's an open return (valid for a month) it should be 2 tickets.
If it's a same day return it might be just 1 ticket if you selected the 'one day travelcard'.
Are you sure you've booked the correct ticket?

dietcokelime · 30/04/2023 14:11

When did you book this ticket OP? can you post a photo of the ticket (scribbled out if needed!) so we can see?

Previously I've always had two tickets for a two leg journey (a return) when I printed them, or when I had an e-ticket.

Original poster
user1471530109 · 30/04/2023 15:05

Oh no! I thought you were all going to tell me it's fine!

I bought it through train line. I don't think I was given the option of an e-ticket?

Return ticket on train. Is it now just one actual ticket for both journeys?
OP posts:
SourDoughToast · 30/04/2023 15:08

I looks like a 1 day travel card valid for travelling btwn your home station and all London stations ?

Travel cards are just one ticket - you pop them through the ticket reader and they come out the other end because you can use them multiple times that day.

SquareRootOfAllEvil · 30/04/2023 15:09

That’s a (family) day travelcard, not an open return. So you would only get one ticket, but it’s not what you said you bought?

Are you going there and back the same day?

SquareRootOfAllEvil · 30/04/2023 15:11

This is what Trainline says about the type of ticket - assume you’re travelling with at least one child?

https://www.thetrainline.com/trains/deals-discounts/family-travelcard

cocksstrideintheevening · 30/04/2023 15:13

That's a travel card not an open return you only need the one ticket.

Hbh17 · 30/04/2023 15:15

It's a Travelcard for London only - are you travelling from outside the city? If so, you will need a different ticket, I think. And you are always offered e-tickets on the Trainline.

Original poster
user1471530109 · 30/04/2023 15:16

Yes, going with my DD.

So will I be able to return home the same day? 😕
I am sure I clicked open return box (return same day but without a specific time?).

Like I said. I am not a user of trains and certainly not been to London via a train in 20 years!

OP posts:
SecretVictoria · 30/04/2023 15:16

That’s a travel card so your return from wherever and travel round London is included. That is a family one though. Are you travelling with a child?

SquareRootOfAllEvil · 30/04/2023 15:18

Yes, returning the same day will be fine.

SecretVictoria · 30/04/2023 15:18

user1471530109 · 30/04/2023 15:16

Yes, going with my DD.

So will I be able to return home the same day? 😕
I am sure I clicked open return box (return same day but without a specific time?).

Like I said. I am not a user of trains and certainly not been to London via a train in 20 years!

Yes you will. As tomorrow is a bank holiday, off peak restrictions are lifted.

SquareRootOfAllEvil · 30/04/2023 15:19

Hbh17 · 30/04/2023 15:15

It's a Travelcard for London only - are you travelling from outside the city? If so, you will need a different ticket, I think. And you are always offered e-tickets on the Trainline.

It’s not London only - it’s travel from OP’s station to London plus the travelcard bit.

And family travelcards seem to be paper only.

Original poster
user1471530109 · 30/04/2023 15:20

Thanks for the link and all the responses. Looks like it's only paper version for this ticket according to link above.
And looks like one ticket for whole journey there an back? DD has her own paper ticket that looks the same but says 'child'.

OP posts:
SecretVictoria · 30/04/2023 15:22

I don’t think Travelcards are available as e-tickets as LUL gates do not have the technology to read them. They’ve sold you the cheapest ticket for the requirements/journey you entered.

Theimpossiblegirl · 30/04/2023 15:27

That will be fine, it's a travel card not a return ticket so you can use it all day and to get home.

I always have a paper copy of train tickets as a day in London will drain my battery.

Original poster
user1471530109 · 30/04/2023 15:29

Thanks @SecretVictoria .

Is Baker Street station easy to navigate? I just remember it being quite stressful for a country bumpkin like me! We will have luggage with us too.

And which line is best to get to Liverpool Street from Baker St? I can see central line and metropolitan?

Thank you!

OP posts:
SecretVictoria · 30/04/2023 15:33

user1471530109 · 30/04/2023 15:29

Thanks @SecretVictoria .

Is Baker Street station easy to navigate? I just remember it being quite stressful for a country bumpkin like me! We will have luggage with us too.

And which line is best to get to Liverpool Street from Baker St? I can see central line and metropolitan?

Thank you!

Metropolitan, Circle or Hammersmith and City. It’s fine as most of those lines aren’t deep level so there are some stairs but not many.

Original poster
user1471530109 · 30/04/2023 15:33

Actually, is it circle line? 🤔

OP posts: