SWR eTickets

Semi Flex Return tickets

What are Semi Flex Return tickets?

As suggested in the name, these are semi flexible tickets. Semi Flex Return tickets are a great way to save money if you're looking for a return ticket and don't mind being committed to catching a specific train on your outward journey. We sell Semi Flex Return Standard Class tickets on our quieter trains on long-distance routes.

Semi Flex Return tickets are only valid on the booked train for the outward journey, while giving you the flexibility to return on any day within a calendar month.

When can I buy a Semi Flex Return ticket?

Like Advance tickets, we'll put them on sale up to 12 weeks ahead of time and you can buy them up until 23:59 on the day before you travel, but the earlier you book, the better the chance of getting a cheaper ticket! Semi Flex Return tickets are limited in number, so when one fare is sold out, it won't be available anymore for that train.

Please check our Advance tickets page to see which dates you can buy Semi Flex Return tickets for travel.

When can I travel?

On your outward journey, you can only travel on your booked train(s).

On your return journey, you can travel on trains arriving into London Waterloo after 14:00.

Time restrictions apply on journeys taken Monday to Saturday, and tickets won’t be valid on trains that depart:

  • Before 12:01, and between 16:00 and 19:00 from London Waterloo;
  • Before 12:01, and between 16:00 and 19:04 from Vauxhall;
  • Before 12:01, and between 16:09 and 19:09 from Clapham Junction

If you're not travelling in London, you'll be able to travel after 12:00.

There are no time restrictions on Sundays – you can travel whenever you like.

Are there any extra discounts on Advance tickets?

You can save 34% extra with most Railcards on Semi Flex Return tickets, except the Network Railcard and Gold Cards.

Discounts also apply on all child Semi Flex Return tickets!

SWR Rewards

As with all tickets bought on South Western Railway, you’ll gain access to SWR Rewards with exclusive discounts on attractions, hotels, restaurants and more that can help to stretch your pound even further.

How do I buy a Semi Flex Return ticket?

The easiest way to buy your Semi Flex Return ticket is direct with us through our website or on our app, but you can also buy Semi Flex Return tickets at any of our ticket offices.

You cannot purchase Semi Flex Return tickets at our ticket machines at stations.

Find out more about ways to buy your ticket.


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Can I break my journey with Semi Flex Return ticket?

You cannot break your outward journey, so you'll need to travel from your origin station to your destination without leaving the railway. On the return journey you can break your journey, so you don’t need to make the return journey all on the same day.

Help! I need to travel on a different train - can I change my ticket?

You can change your booking up to the time of departure of the outward journey. An admin fee may apply depending on when you bought your ticket and how far in advance you make your change to your journey. You may also need to pay the difference between the ticket price paid and the new ticket. You can find out more here.

Your return journey has some flexible options on time of travel and valid for travel on any day up to one calendar month see above for more information.

What happens if I miss my next train because of a delay?

If you've been delayed by the railway (for example, if you miss your connecting service because of a delay to your train) then you can use your ticket on the next train. If your ticket wouldn't normally be valid on that train (for example, if it's a peak time train) then speak to the ticket office or on-board team to get your ticket stamped or signed to allow you to travel.

If you've been delayed by something that's not within our control, then you'll need to buy a new ticket. Speak to the station team who will be able to give you more advice and help.

If a delay on one of our trains means you end up being 15 minutes late or more to your destination, you may be entitled to claim compensation under our Delay Repay scheme.

There are engineering works now and I don't want to travel. Can I get a refund?

If there's a change in journey times or mode of travel (a bus replacement service) and you no longer want to travel you can claim a full refund on the unused tickets from your original retailer.

The timetable has changed and the train I'm booked to travel on isn't running. What can I do?

If you purchase a Semi Flex Return ticket more than six weeks before your journey, please make sure you check back with us six weeks before you travel to see if your train time, mode of travel (bus replacement instead of a train) and price have changed.

If you check back and your train time has changed significantly (moved by over 15 minutes either side of your ticket), then your tickets will be valid on the service immediately before or after the one you planned to travel on. You won't need to make any changes to your ticket.

You can request a refund if you decide not to travel because the service you originally intended to travel on is cancelled, delayed or rescheduled.

Train ticket types

Looking for a different type of train ticket? We have a range of options including Anytime, Off-Peak, Evening Out, Sunday Out, Super Off-Peak, Advance, season tickets, Flexi Season tickets, and lots more. Choose the ticket that best suits your travel needs and budget.

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