Not all public transport companies offer return tickets for their services, so you may be unable to use your ticket the next day.
It really depends on where you’re using the ticket and what time of day you’re travelling.
For example, if you buy a one-way ticket on an Underground train in London before 9:30 am, then you can use it again after 9:30am that same day.
However, if you buy a one-way bus ticket in Sheffield before 9am and after 6pm on any day of the week then you will not be allowed to use it again as return tickets are only available for journeys starting between those times.
Different buses operate at different times of the day.
Where one-day return tickets are available?
If you travel on First Capital Connect or Southern you can use a one-day return as a single ticket.
However, if you travel on Southern between East Putney and East Croydon only one-day returns are available.
If you travel on Virgin Trains, you can use a one-day return as a single ticket for the outward journey.
For the return journey, you can use it as a single or as a one-day return.
If you travel on London Overground, you can use a one-day return as a single ticket for the outward journey.
For the return journey, you can use it as a single or a one-day return. There is an additional fee for using a one-day return as a single.
If you travel on the National Rail, you can use a one-day return as a single ticket on the outward journey and a one-day return as a single or return ticket for the return journey.
Where one-day return tickets are not available?
You cannot use a return journey ticket on buses in Sheffield.
For example, if you buy a one-day return travel ticket for the number 72 bus at 6am and then catch the number 72 bus again at 4pm, you will not be allowed to use the ticket again even though other bus tickets are available for the return journey.
You cannot use a return journey ticket for the number 265 bus in Brighton if you get on the bus at 9am and then get off the bus again at 5pm.
However, if you get on the bus at 9am and get off the bus again at 3pm, the bus driver will not refuse to let you travel on the bus again.
You cannot use a return journey ticket for the number 70 bus from Bournemouth to Poole.
If you get on the bus at 9.30am and then get off the bus again at 5pm, you will be turned away by the bus driver when you try to travel on the bus again.
You cannot use a return journey ticket for the number 351/367 bus in Oxford.
If you get on the bus at 9am and then get off the bus again at 5pm, you will be refused a ticket when you try to get on the bus again.
What’s the difference between One-day returns vs. weekly/monthly/yearly travel passes?
If you travel frequently within a given area and know that you will use your return ticket before the end of the day, then a return ticket is a good idea.
If you are not sure when you will end your journey, then a travel pass such as a weekly or monthly pass may be a better choice.
If you are on a vacation, then you may use up your return ticket before the end of the day without intending to do so.
If you are uncertain about your journey times, it is best to buy a travel pass that allows you to use the service as many times as you want during its duration.
Travelling on the public transport system in the United Kingdom is cheap and convenient for those who know how to use the system and when to buy the tickets.
If you are visiting and want to use the public transport system, it is best to plan your journeys in advance and know where to buy the right tickets to get you where you need to go.
