In the UK, most bus services operate on a hub and spoke system: you can buy a ticket to get you to the bus stops nearest your home and then another one for each journey after that.
However, in some locations, particularly smaller towns with less frequent services, it’s not possible to buy a return ticket.
In this case, you might have to change buses at the end of your first journey or pay more than necessary for each trip.
This article explains whether you can buy a return ticket on a bus and what your options are if you don’t have that option available to you.
What is the UK weekly bus ticket?
A weekly bus ticket is a ticket that covers travel for one week.
These are available on certain routes and are meant to be a cheaper alternative to a monthly or annual bus pass.
You can buy a weekly bus ticket with cash or with a travel card, such as a National Railcard or a London Travelcard.
If you’re using a travel card, you can simply tap in and tap out when you board the bus and your fare will be automatically deducted from your card.
UK Return tickets on buses
The majority of bus companies in the UK sell return tickets, which allow you to travel twice from the same place within a specified period.
Most return tickets are valid for seven days, but sometimes they’re valid for 14 days.
If a return ticket is available on your route, it can be cheaper than buying two singles.
However, it pays to shop around and compare the prices of return and single tickets to see if buying a return ticket is actually cheaper.
Return tickets on buses don’t work in the same way as they do on the train.
If you buy a return ticket on a bus and then change your travel plans, you won’t be able to get your money back.
If you have a return ticket, you have to travel twice within the specified time.
If you don’t use one of those trips within the allowed time, you could get a fine.
On some routes, you can buy a single ticket that allows you to change your travel plans, but this is rare.
UK Monthly and yearly bus passes
Bus passes can be used for travel on all or just some routes in a particular region.
They can be either annual or monthly and are usually valid from the first of the month.
Passes are valid for one person only, so if you’re travelling with a group of friends or relatives, make sure you buy enough passes for everyone.
Whichever bus pass you choose, you’ll need to show the driver your pass or travel card as proof of payment when you board the bus.
It’s also a good idea to have some ID with you, just in case the driver has any questions or problems with your travel pass.
If you’re travelling on a National Health Service pass, make sure you have your health card with you too.
Pay as you go with cash or with an App
Many bus companies offer apps that allow you to buy tickets before you travel.
When you board the bus, you simply show the driver your phone so that they can verify that you paid for your journey.
If your bus company doesn’t offer an app, you can buy bus tickets with cash.
On most buses, you can pay the driver directly, either by cash or card.
If you’re paying with cash, make sure you have the right change. It’s also possible to buy bus tickets online, but this is only an option if you’re using a travel card.
You can buy bus tickets online and then add them to your travel card, so you can get on the bus without a paper ticket.
However, you should check the terms and conditions of your travel card to make sure this is possible.
The majority of bus companies in the UK sell return tickets, which allow you to travel twice from the same place within a specified time.
If a return ticket is available on your route, it can be cheaper than buying two singles.
However, it pays to shop around and compare the prices of return and single tickets to see if buying a return ticket is actually cheaper.
Return tickets on buses don’t work in the same way as they do on the train.
If you buy a return ticket on a bus and then change your travel plans, you won’t be able to get your money back.
If you have a return ticket, you have to travel twice within the specified time.
If you don’t use one of those trips within the allowed time, you could get a fine.
It’s also possible to buy bus tickets online, but this is only an option if you’re using a travel card.