From Wednesday 1 April 2026 refund rules for some ticket types have changed . Find out more about the national changes.
Quieter journeys. Cheaper fares. Travel Off-Peak.
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.
- What Are Off-Peak & Super Off-Peak Train Tickets?
- 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
What Are Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak Train Tickets?
Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak rail tickets allow you to travel at quieter times of the day and on specific days in the week. They are usually cheaper because of the restrictions they place on travel times, avoiding the morning and evening ‘rush hour’.
If you’re happy to travel outside of popular times and don’t need to be at your destination for a fixed time, off peak tickets will offer the cheapest fare along with a more relaxing journey.
If you’re returning the same day, you can purchase a Super Off-Peak or Off-Peak Day Return ticket which is valid for travel to and from your chosen destination. This offers a cheaper rail ticket for a round trip during less busy times.
Alternatively, an Off-Peak Return ticket allows you to make the outward part of your journey on the date shown on the ticket, but you can use the return part of the ticket on any day during off peak times within one month of the issue date.
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.
Please take into consideration that travel restrictions may be based on when you arrive at your destination, instead of when you leave.
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
Off-peak hours can be perfect for remote workers who have flexible schedules. The quieter environment should help concentration levels, possibly leading to getting more work done during your journey.
If you’re travelling as a family or heading on a day trip, these tickets are the perfect option for a more relaxed atmosphere, especially if you have young children. The train should be less crowded, meaning more space for the kids to enjoy, whilst hopefully making for a less stressful experience for the parents too!
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.
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.
Restrictions shown do not apply to journeys between Bedford, Luton, Luton Airport Parkway and London St Pancras International. Please check before you travel.
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 – 15:35, 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
Sustainable travel during off peak hours
At EMR, we are committed to helping people live more sustainably by delivering affordable and reliable rail services, providing a practical alternative to taking the car.
What’s more, opting to travel on the train during off-peak times of the day can contribute to a lower carbon footprint due to trains being less crowded meaning they can operate more efficiently.
If more people make their rail journeys during off peak hours, this can help spread out the demand for services, leading to more sustainable use of resources.
By choosing Off-Peak or Super Off-Peak rail tickets, not only will you save money and enjoy quieter trains but you’ll also be doing your bit for the environment.
Off Peak Train Ticket FAQs
Yes, 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
Yes, you could save a third off the cost of your ticket with a railcard. If you use a railcard to buy your Off-Peak or Super 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.
Yes, you can book an Off-Peak day return ticket that is valid for travel to and from a destination during off peak hours only.
Yes, if you’re travelling as a group of three or more during Off-Peak times. You could 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.
From 1st April 2026 the refund conditions for some tickets are changing.
Anytime tickets, Off-Peak tickets, Super Off-Tickets, Day Travelcards and most Rover tickets and Rangers tickets will be only be refundable up until 23:59 the day before your ticket becomes valid for travel.
Ticket bought before 1 April 2026
Return your unused ticket to the place you bought it from within 28 days of its expiry date to claim a refund on all or part of your journey. You’ll be charged a £5 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.
EMR Intercity seat reservations are currently unavailable on services from 1 April 2026 while we transition to our new Aurora fleet. Wheelchair and bicycle reservations can still be made in the usual way.
To learn more read the full National Rail terms and conditions for Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets .