one-way ticket

Meaning

This is a ticket that allows a passenger to travel to a destination but not to return. It is used when you do not plan to come back to your starting point, or if you plan to buy a return ticket later. It is a very common, neutral travel term used worldwide.

Examples

• I only bought a one-way ticket because I don't know when I will return.

  I only bought a one-way ticket because I don't know when I will return.

• How much is a one-way ticket to London compared to a round-trip?

  How much is a one-way ticket to London compared to a round-trip?

• He packed his bags and bought a one-way ticket to Spain to start a new life.

  He packed his bags and bought a one-way ticket to Spain to start a new life.

• Is it cheaper to buy two one-way tickets or one return ticket?

  Is it cheaper to buy two one-way tickets or one return ticket?

• She booked a one-way ticket because she was moving to New York permanently.

  She booked a one-way ticket because she was moving to New York permanently.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I bought a single-way ticket to Rome.

  ✓ I bought a one-way ticket to Rome.

  "One-way ticket" is the standard term in American English, and "single ticket" is used in British English. "Single-way" is an incorrect mixture of the two.

• ✗ I need a ticket of one way, please.

  ✓ I need a one-way ticket, please.

  "One-way" acts as an adjective modifying "ticket" and must go directly before the noun without "of".

Related Expressions

Practice

• Since I am moving there permanently, I only bought a ___.

  💡 A ticket for a trip where you do not return.

  Show answer

  one-way ticket

• Is a ___ cheaper than a round-trip ticket?

  💡 A ticket that goes in only one direction.

  Show answer

  one-way ticket