one-way ticket is a ticket for a trip to one place. It does not include the trip back. You go there, but you don’t return.

A Simple Example

Anna flies from London to New York. She only buys a one-way ticket. She is not sure when she will come back.

How Is It Different?

A round-trip ticket takes you to a place and back. A one-way ticket is for going only.

A Word to Know

Return (/rɪˈtɜːn/ – to go back to a place)
If you don’t return, you only need a one-way ticket.

Useful Phrases

  • Buy a one-way ticket – get a ticket to go, with no return

  • A one-way flight – a flight that only goes one direction

  • Book a one-way trip – plan travel to one place only

  • Travel on a one-way ticket – go somewhere with no return planned