# Return Bus Booking
Booking a return bus ticket is a straightforward process that ensures you have a seamless travel experience. This guide will walk you through the two-stage selection process: first selecting your outbound service, followed by your return service.
### Step-by-Step Guide to Booking Your Return Bus Ticket
1. **Start Your Search**: Begin by navigating to the "Find Your Perfect Bus" search panel. Select the "Return" option at the top. Enter your departure city or bus stop, your destination, and both your outbound and return dates using the convenient date picker. Don’t forget to set the number of passengers traveling with you, then click on "Search Bus Tickets."
2. **Select Outbound Service**: Once the results page opens, you’ll be at the Select Outbound stage. A 5-day price calendar will display the lowest per-person prices for each day around your chosen departure date. You can click on different days to explore available services. Smart Recommendations will highlight the Best Price (the most economical round trip) and the Fastest Journey (the shortest total travel time). Use the Filters panel to refine your search by bus operator or departure time, and click "Book Now" on your preferred outbound service.
3. **Select Return Service**: After selecting your outbound service, you’ll advance to the Select Return stage. Your chosen outbound service will be marked as "Done" at the top of the page. The 5-day price calendar will now display available return dates. Below, you’ll find a list of return services, including details such as operator, service number, departure and arrival times, journey duration, and pickup and drop-off stops. Again, you can use the Filters panel to narrow down your options. Click "Book Now" on your selected return service.
4. **Confirmation of Tickets Reserved**: A confirmation screen titled "Tickets Reserved!" will appear, summarizing both your outbound and return journeys. This includes operator details, service numbers, dates, departure and arrival times, duration, pickup and drop-off locations, and individual leg prices. The total price, inclusive of all taxes and fees, will be displayed at the bottom. Your tickets will be held for 15 minutes. You can either click "Continue to Passenger Details" to proceed or "Cancel Reservation" to go back.
5. **Complete Passenger Details**: Fill out the Passenger Details form for each traveler, including Title, Name, Surname, Mobile Number, Emergency Telephone Number, Identification Type (SA ID or Passport), ID number, Date of Birth, and Gender. If you are traveling with an infant, toggle the "With Baby" option. The Trip Summary panel on the right will show both legs of your journey, passenger count, and total price. Review the Traveler Tips before clicking "Continue to Payment."
6. **Review Your Basket**: The Your Basket page will load, displaying both bus services as separate items in the Order Summary. Each leg will show the operator, service type (Coach), full departure and arrival details, and duration. A countdown timer will indicate how long your reservation is held. The Order Summary will confirm the total amount, including all fees and taxes. Click "Proceed to Payment" when you’re ready.
7. **Checkout Process**: On the Checkout page, fill in the Purchaser Information fields: Title, Name, Surname, Mobile Number, and Email. If you need a tax invoice, tick the corresponding checkbox. The Order Summary on the right will confirm the two items and the total cost. Choose your Payment Method: either Pay with Peach Payments (accepting Mastercard, Visa, and EFT for all major South African banks) or Money Market Account (existing account required). Don’t forget to tick both checkboxes agreeing to the Terms and Conditions and confirming your ticket details before clicking "Continue to Payment" to finalize your booking.
### Tips for a Smooth Booking Experience
- **Flexibility with Operators**: Remember, your outbound and return legs can be with different bus operators, allowing you to find the best options for your journey.
- **Utilize the Price Calendar**: The 5-day price calendar is a valuable tool for comparing prices across nearby dates, helping you find the best value for your round trip.
- **Money-Saving Advice**: To save money, consider booking your tickets at least 1–3 weeks in advance, as prices tend to rise closer to the departure date. Additionally, mid-week travel (Tuesday–Thursday) is generally cheaper than traveling on Fridays or Sunday evenings.
By following these steps and tips, you can ensure a hassle-free return bus booking experience. Happy travels!