A Guide to Booking Round-Trip Train Tickets
A train journey can be quite a fun and exciting experience despite being longer than a flight. If planning a vacation or a short trip via train, a round-trip journey can make the travel experience even better. A round-trip train journey means booking just one ticket, which comprises booking for one’s to-and-fro journeys. While a round-trip train ticket does have certain benefits, one should stay informed about the booking process.
What is a round-trip train ticket?
A round-trip train ticket is convenient for travelers who must make a to-and-fro journey between their origin and destination within a specific time frame.
Booking a round-trip train ticket has two major advantages. Firstly, it significantly simplifies the booking process for the traveler. Since one needs to provide their details and fill in all the necessary information when booking a train ticket, the whole process can take a lot of time, especially when it needs to be done twice.
How to book a round-trip train ticket
Booking a round-trip train ticket is not complicated. There are several methods for booking a round-trip train ticket.
Visit the booking website or the app
One of the easiest ways to book a round-trip train ticket is by visiting the official booking website or using the official mobile application of the train agency. One can also book their tickets via third-party apps that provide this service. However, before using any of those apps, it is better to confirm if they are credible and trusted. Once on the app or the website, one can navigate to the ticket booking option and fill in the details about their journey. This includes the starting point, destination, and the dates. There, they will also be able to enter the return dates. As per the information provided, there are different options for different trains. These options will also differ in terms of timing and prices. One can then book the train and the coach that best suits their time and needs.
Talk to an agent over the phone
Instead of going online, one can also book over the phone. For this, one would need to find the official phone number of the booking agent. Most of the time, individuals must deal with automated voice agents who will guide them through the booking process. However, one can also talk to a personal assistant who can help them make their bookings. To book a round-trip ticket, one would need to mention it to the assistant on the call so they can provide the required information.
Visit the railway station
One can also book a round-trip ticket in person by visiting the railway station. At the station, one may have two options. Firstly, one may see some kiosks that allow one to book their train tickets. If one does not find these kiosks or needs personal assistance in bookings, one can also talk to the ticket agent at the station. When communicating the trip details, the ticket agent may ask if one wishes to book a round-trip ticket. If they don’t ask, one must mention it themselves.
Contact a travel agent
Apart from these methods, one can also contact a third-party travel agent to make their train ticket booking. Like with the ticket agent, one would need to mention that they need a round-trip ticket, which the agent can book. But before approaching such travel agents, one must confirm that they are reputable and trustworthy.
An important tip to remember
Regardless of how one books their round-trip train ticket, one must check the cancellation and modification policies. This way, if one needs to cancel or change their plans at the last minute, they know how to approach it. This will also let people know if they will get any refunds for their cancellations.
How to book round-trip train tickets at low prices
The following tips can help those planning to book a round-trip train ticket find lower prices.
Book in advance
Booking a ticket well in advance, at least a few weeks before the journey’s date, can allow one to book at lower prices. This is because train ticket prices gradually increase as the journey date approaches.
Search for discounts
One can also search for discounts that train agencies may offer when booking round-trip train tickets. Train agencies also offer discounts to students, senior citizens, and disabled individuals.
Look for reward programs
One can also look for certain reward programs offered by train agencies, which allow them to collect points for each booking. These points can be redeemed for another booking later, reducing its price.
