Open Return vs Fixed Return Tickets Explained: Which is a better value?

If you're looking to understand how Anytime Return and Fixed Return tickets stack up against each other, the table below covers the four factors that matter most – flexibility, price, claiming refunds and making changes, and when to choose which fare type.

On most Open Return fare types, the outbound journey is fixed to the date shown on the ticket. Only Anytime Returns are the exception, where the outward journey is valid for five days from the date of issue, giving you flexibility at both ends of the trip.

But it’s on the return journey where Open Return tickets really come into their own. You can travel back at any point within the validity period, typically one calendar month from the date of your outbound journey.

It's worth understanding, however, that "open" refers to flexibility on timing and is not a free pass to board any train at any time. An Off-Peak Open Return still requires you to travel within Off-Peak hours on your return journey via the same provider as booked.

In comparison, a Fixed Return ticket ties both your outward and return journeys at the time of booking to specific trains. Unlike an Open Return, where the return leg remains flexible, a Fixed Return fare requires you to choose your return service upfront, and you’re expected to travel on this service.

Fixed Returns are, however, typically the cheapest way to book a return journey, and for travellers with fixed plans, that's where the real value is. By committing to specific trains in both directions, you can unlock lower fares that Open Return tickets simply can't match. The trade-off, of course, is flexibility, so if your plans do change or you happen to miss your train, travelling on a later service may mean having to purchase a new ticket or pay a change fee, depending on the fare conditions of your ticket.

Fixed Returns work best when your schedule is set in both directions, and there’s little chance of your plans being disrupted. For same-day travel, or leisure travellers booking a day trip or weekend away well in advance, a Fixed Return can usually be the most cost-effective option available.

As a general rule of thumb, Fixed Return fares are cheaper because, when you commit to travelling on specific outward and return trains at the time of booking, the operator can allocate capacity more precisely, and that’s reflected in a lower ticket price. Open Return tickets carry a premium because the operator can't predict which train you'll board, so the higher fare compensates for that open-ended guarantee.

That said, the price gap between an Open Return and a Fixed Return can vary considerably depending on the route, time of day, and how far in advance you book. On some routes, the difference might be marginal, while on busier intercity routes it can be quite substantial.

It’s also worth noting that two Advance single tickets – one for the outbound and one for the return journey – can often work out cheaper than either an Open Return or a Fixed Return. On most routes, Advance tickets are the lowest fares ever available, though they will tie you to specific trains and are non-refundable, so they only make sense when your plans are watertight in both directions.

When it comes to making changes, Open Return tickets are generally more flexible. Anytime Returns can typically be amended or refunded, although an admin fee usually applies. The return portion's open validity means you’re not penalised for travelling on a different day than planned, provided you remain within your ticket's fare rules.

Fixed Return tickets, on the other hand, are more restrictive. If your return journey is tied to a specific train, changing it also usually incurs a fee, and in many cases, changes are not permitted at all. Refunds are often unavailable or available only for any unused portion and are subject to certain conditions. So, before booking a Fixed Return ticket, it’s worth checking the fare conditions carefully, especially if there’s any chance your plans might change.

Not quite, though the two terms are often used interchangeably. The confusion is understandable, though, as some booking platforms, including major retailers, use "Open Return" to describe what is officially an Anytime Return ticket. An Anytime Return fare, however, is a specific, official UK fare type that allows travel on any train, at any time, with no restrictions on either leg. 

"Open Return", on the other hand, is an informal umbrella term covering any return ticket with a flexible return leg, including Anytime Returns, Off-Peak Returns, and Super Off-Peak Returns. Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak Returns both carry time restrictions, permitting travel only during designated Off-Peak or Super Off-Peak hours.

So, while every Anytime Return could reasonably be called an Open Return, not every Open Return can be classified as an Anytime Return. When booking, always check the fare conditions rather than relying on the label, as the restrictions attached to each ticket type can vary considerably.