Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak Train Tickets

Quieter journeys. Cheaper fares.

There are several benefits of travelling during Off-Peak train times. Firstly, you can save money on your train fare as Off-Peak tickets are often cheaper than peak-time tickets. Secondly, you can avoid the crowds and enjoy a relaxed journey with fewer people on the train. This can be particularly beneficial for those who prefer a quieter environment. Additionally, Off-Peak train times can offer more flexibility in terms of travel plans as there may be more options for departure and arrival times. Finally, travelling during Off-Peak times can help reduce congestion and overcrowding on trains, which can be a big relief for regular rail commuters.

But what is an Off-Peak train ticket? When are Off-Peak trains available? Are Super Off-Peak train times the right choice for you? Find out more below.

When Are Off-Peak Train Times

How To Find and Buy Off-Peak Train Tickets

Using Off-Peak Train Tickets

Off-Peak Train Times to London

Off-Peak Train Tickets FAQs

When Are Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak Train Times

Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak train tickets are available on certain routes at specific times of the week, and you can buy them right before you board.

Off-Peak train times

Off-Peak train tickets allow you to travel during less busy times than peak hours. Typically, these tickets are valid for travel during the middle of the day, in the evening, on weekends or bank holidays. Off-Peak rail tickets are often cheaper than any time or peak tickets, making them a good option if you're looking to save some money on your train travel.

Super Off-Peak train times

Super Off-Peak train tickets allow you to travel at even less busy times than regular Off-Peak tickets. Typically, Super Off-Peak tickets are valid for travel during the quietest times of the day, which can vary depending on the train route and day of travel. Super Off-Peak tickets are often cheaper than other types of tickets, making them a great option if you’re looking to save money on your train travel. However, it’s important to check the terms and conditions of your ticket to make sure you understand any restrictions or limitations that may apply.

There are many benefits to buying Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak train tickets:

  • Generally, Off-Peak trains are much quieter services
  • You will help to reduce congestion in busy peak travel times and journeys
  • Off-Peak travel times generally offer cheaper train tickets than peak times

How to find and buy Off-Peak Train Tickets

You can book Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets up to 12 weeks in advance, or just before you travel. Don’t forget your Off-Peak or Super Off-Peak rail ticket is only valid on the date shown on your tickets, and up until 04:29 the next day.

When booking your train ticket and looking for Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak times on our website and in the app, look out for the type of train ticket available at your desired time of travel. If you are looking for the cheapest ticket, scroll for the next Off-Peak or Super Off-Peak time available.

Using Off-Peak and Super-Off Peak Train Tickets

Using Off-Peak train tickets is easy. Once you have purchased your ticket, you simply need to make sure that you travel during the designated Off-Peak times. It is important to check the terms and conditions of your ticket to confirm the exact times.

Typically, Off-Peak tickets are valid for travel during the quieter times of the day, such as mid-morning or mid-afternoon on weekdays, and on weekends. If you travel outside of these designated times, you may need to pay a higher fare or purchase a different type of ticket. When travelling with an Off-Peak rail ticket, make sure to have it with you and be prepared to show it to the ticket inspector if requested.

Use our train journey planner to check when your ticket can be used – simply enter your outward and return journey times to see the trains you can travel on.

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Off-Peak Train Times to London

If you want to reduce your expenses on your trip to London, consider traveling during Off-Peak hours. These hours usually fall outside of rush hour when the crowds are reduced and you may be able to get a lower-priced ticket.

Don't forget to check the specific Off-Peak times and any available discounts, when booking. Best times to travel to and from London for Off-Peak train tickets is simple with our guide.

Here’s a quick step-by-step to buying the best ticket for your trip to the capital.

Anytime tickets arriving into London are valid between 06:24 and 23:25 on weekdays and are valid all weekend. Anytime tickets travelling out of London are valid between 05:52 and 00:15 on weekdays and are valid all weekend.
Off-Peak tickets
Super Off-peak tickets arriving into London are valid between 11:36 and 23:25 on weekdays and are valid all weekend. Super Off-peak tickets travelling out of London are valid between 10:05 and 15:34, and also between 18:47 and 00:15 and are valid all weekend.

Travelling Off-Peak to London Monday to Friday

Arriving into London - Off Peak tickets

  • Off-Peak tickets are available on services arriving into London at or after 10:03
  • Super Off-Peak tickets are available on services arriving into London at or after 11:36
  • Anytime tickets cover you at all times

Travelling Off-Peak from London Monday to Friday

Going out of London – Off-Peak tickets

  • Off-Peak tickets cover you from 08:47 – 16:35, and from 18:47 onwards.
  • On Fridays, your outward ticket from London is valid all day from 08:47
  • Super Off-Peak tickets cover you from 10:05 – 15:34, and from 18:47 onwards
  • Between 16:35 and 18:47, Anytime tickets are the only valid ticket. They cover you at all other times, too.

Travelling Off-Peak to and from London at Weekends

Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets are valid at any time, all weekend when travelling to and from London

Off Peak Train Ticket FAQs

You can upgrade your Off-Peak ticket to First Class, subject to availability, or to travel at a different time of day (from off-peak to peak for example) by paying the difference in ticket price.

If you need to make any of the following changes to your Off-Peak or Super Off-Peak train ticket, you’ll need to claim a refund on your unused ticket and buy a new one before your trip:

  • Travel date of your single or return journey
  • Your chosen route
  • Swap from First to Standard class

You could save a third off the cost of your ticket with a railcard. If you use a railcard to buy your Off-Peak rail ticket, remember to take it with you when you travel. If you forget, you will be asked to buy a new, full-price ticket. You’ll be able to claim any additional costs back the first time this happens. Find out more and buy railcards.

Travelling as a group of three or more during Off-Peak times? Save even more money when you travel together with our range of group discounts. Find out more about Groupsave and other group travel offers.

If any leg of your journey is delayed, you can travel on the next available train(s) to complete your trip. If that’s not feasible, you can claim a refund.

As with all Peak and Off-Peak train tickets; if your train is delayed by more than 15 minutes you can claim compensation through our Delay Repay scheme.

Return your unused ticket to the place you bought it from within 56 days of its expiry date to claim a refund on all or part of your journey. You’ll be charged a £10 fee. Find out more about refunding your ticket.

Travelling outside of the permitted times or routes with your Off-Peak rail ticket may result in a penalty fare. If you need to travel during peak hours instead, you should pay the difference in ticket price before starting your journey.

To learn more read the full National Rail terms and conditions for Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets .

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