Quieter journeys. Cheaper fares.
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. Generally, off-peak trains are much quieter.
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 tickets – the rules:
- You can book up to 12 weeks in advance, or just before you travel
- Only valid on the date shown on your tickets, and up until 04:29 the next day
Here’s a quick guide to buying the best ticket for your trip to the capital.
Monday to Friday
Arriving into London
- 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
Going out of London
- 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
Weekends
Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets are valid at any time, all weekend.
Further details
You can upgrade your 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 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 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? Save 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.
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 .
To learn more read the full National Rail terms and conditions for Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets