noun
return trip, return journey
B1
Rückfahrt (feminine) means 'return trip' or 'return journey'. It’s the opposite of Hinfahrt and commonly used in travel contexts. Plural is Rückfahrten; declension follows regular feminine patterns. No special preposition required; use an article (die Rückfahrt, auf der Rückfahrt) and set phrase 'Hin‑ und Rückfahrt'.
Examples
Die Rückfahrt war sehr anstrengend.
The return journey was very strenuous.
Die Familie verlor das Gepäck auf der Rückfahrt, weil der Busfahrer anhielt.
The family lost the luggage on the return trip because the bus driver made a stop.
Unsere Rückfahrt beginnt am Bahnhof um 18 Uhr.
Our return trip leaves the station at 6 p.m.
Details
Mnemonics
Picture a train heading back to the starting station — that's the Rückfahrt.
Rückfahrt = rück- (back) + Fahrt (ride) — 'back ride'.
die Rückfahrt — imagine a woman waving goodbye as she starts the return trip.
Notes
Rückfahrt usually refers to the journey back to the origin; not to be confused with Hin- (outward) journeys.