(25 Sep 2022, 1:11 pm)streetdeckfan wrote Seems like the best option would be the Morpeth Routesaver. Looking at Bustimes, it doesn't seem like they even offer a return, but a single is £5.60
https://bustimes.org/fares/datasets/1027?origin=16627&destination=16648
Arriva's route planner on the website is actually quite useful for working out their 10,000 different ticket options, it lets you know which zones your journey is in, assuming you know which route you're going to take
During the fare revisions earlier this year, any return fares that were greater than the relevant day tickets were withdrawn - as the day ticket offers greater value even if only making a return between the two locations.
For example, a single fare between Middlesbrough and Darlington on the X66 is £5.70 - meaning a return would be higher than the £6.60 Tees Valley Day Ticket (likewise Stockton to Darlington is the same price). In contrast, there are return fares available on the X22 between Middlesbrough and Peterlee - as at £7.40, it's £1.20 cheaper than the Arriva North East Day Ticket at £8.60.
https://bustimes.org/fares/datasets/1069