The invention relates to an escalator, comprising two deflection regions (6, 7) and a step belt (10) arranged so as to circulate between the deflection regions (6, 7). The step belt (10) has pivotable steps (12), the pivoting motions of which during the circulation (U) are defined by step rollers (14) and idling rollers (15), which are arranged on both sides of the steps (12) and roll on rails (16, 17). Because of the circulating arrangement, the step belt (10) has a forward run (V) used to convey persons and goods and a return run (R) used to return the steps (12). Instead of two separate return rails per side of the step band, the escalator according to the invention has one common return rail (17) for the idling rollers (15) and the step rollers (14) on each of the two sides of the step band (10) in the return (R).