EMR Off-Peak train times - Explained

Kieran Read

Published: Mar 25, 2025

Updated: Oct 16, 2026

Did you know that travelling during quieter times could save you money on your train fares? Known as Off-Peak (or Super Off-Peak), train operators such as East Midlands Railway (EMR) offer substantial discounts when you select tickets outside of the busiest periods. This is usually when people commute to work, but when exactly are these Off-Peak times and where’s best to go to get these tickets?

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EMR Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak explained

If you have a flexible schedule, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets can be a great way to travel by train and save money. These tickets are typically valid during quieter times and come with different levels of restrictions:

EMR Off-Peak Day Return – Perfect for same-day round trips during Off-Peak hours.
EMR Super Off-Peak Day Return – Offers an even cheaper fare for same-day travel but with stricter time restrictions.
EMR Off-Peak Return – Allows travel on the outward journey for the date shown on the ticket, but the return journey can be made on any Off-Peak day within a month of the purchase date.

EMR Off-Peak train times travelling to London (Monday–Friday)

If you’re heading to London on a weekday with EMR trains, Off-Peak fares apply based on your arrival time:

EMR Off-Peak tickets – Valid on trains arriving into London at or after 10:03.
EMR Super Off-Peak tickets – Valid on trains arriving into London at or after 11:36.
EMR Anytime/Peak tickets – Required for early morning arrivals (i.e., before 10.03) or unrestricted travel.

EMR Off-Peak train times travelling from London (Monday–Friday)

If you’re travelling out of London on a weekday with EMR trains, different time restrictions apply:

EMR Off-Peak tickets – Valid for departures from 08:47 to 16:35 and after 18:47. On Fridays, EMR Off-Peak tickets are valid all day from 08:47 onwards.
EMR Super Off-Peak tickets – Valid for departures from 10:05 to 15:34 and after 18:47.
EMR Anytime/Evening Peak Restriction tickets – Apply to departures between 16:35 and 18:47, except on Fridays.

Weekend and bank holiday Off-Peak travel

Good news for weekend travellers: There are no time restrictions when travelling on EMR trains on Saturdays, Sundays, and bank holidays, meaning EMR Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak train tickets are valid at any time on weekends and usually on bank holidays for all journeys to and from London.

Examples of Off-Peak train journeys with EMR

Off-Peak train times: East Midlands

Off-Peak train travel in and around the East Midlands generally starts at 09:30 for local and regional journeys. Similar to other parts of the UK, weekends and bank holidays are classed as Off-Peak travel all day.

If travelling to or from London St Pancras station via East Midlands Railway, specific morning arrival and evening restrictions apply.

Off-Peak train times: Nottingham

For travel to and from Nottingham with East Midlands Railway, Off-Peak hours tend to kick in from 08:47 to 16:35 and after 18:47. Local or multi-operator journeys typically start Off-Peak travel from 09:30 and some restrictions may apply for specific routes. Check individual train operator websites for their terms and conditions on Peak and Off-Peak travel.

Off-Peak train times: Sheffield

Off-Peak train times from Sheffield generally start at 09:30, Monday to Friday. Some operators allow Off-Peak travel after 09:00 or on specific long-distance routes, such as 10:03 for London-bound journeys. Off-Peak in Sheffield normally lasts until evening peak restrictions end at roughly 19:00 and all day on weekends and bank holidays, like many other parts of the country.

Using Off-Peak train tickets with EMR

Using Off-Peak train tickets with EMR is simple. Once you’ve bought your ticket, make sure you travel within your designated Off-Peak travel times. These are normally at quieter times of the day, such as mid-morning and mid-afternoon during the week and all day at weekends. Be sure to have your ticket with you and be prepared to show it to an inspector if required.

How to find and buy the best Off-Peak EMR fares

When booking train tickets on Trip.com, you can filter the results by the cheapest fares, making it easy to choose the most affordable ticket for your journey. These are typically return tickets for that day during Off-Peak or Super Off-Peak times.

Things to bear in mind when buying Off-Peak train tickets with EMR

There are some things to consider when buying Off-Peak train tickets with EMR:

Morning rush hour may exclude travel before approximately 08:47 and 09:30, depending on the route and operator.
Some long-distance operators relax outbound evening restrictions on Fridays. This can vary by destination, so it’s best to check before buying your Off-Peak tickets.
Outside of London, standard Off-Peak rules usually apply after 09:00 or 09:30, but this can vary depending on which region of the country you’re in. You should verify your specific station’s restriction code before travelling to ensure you can travel at the time you intend to.
The refund cut-off for Off-Peak train tickets is up until 23:59 on the day before your travel date. Your best bet is to book in advance so that you have time to get a refund if needed.
You can change the travel date of an Off-Peak ticket with EMR before departure. This will cost you a £10 admin fee plus the difference in your fare. You don’t need to change the travel time for your ticket, as long as you switch to another Off-Peak service.
If you’re using a Railcard to gain further discount on your Off-Peak journey cost, then you must carry this card with you as part of a ticket inspection. Failure to do so could result in a fixed penalty fine, or you could be asked to buy a new, full-price ticket for your journey.

Please note: all information in this article was correct at the point of publication.

EMR Off-Peak FAQs

How does Off-Peak work with EMR?

EMR Off-Peak tickets offer cheaper train travel, usually during quieter parts of the day, such as the morning and evening rush hour for commuters. It’s normally based on specific time frames, route directions, and days of the week. Much of this depends on whether you’re travelling to or from London. Simply buy your Off-Peak ticket and travel during your permitted times.

What time is Off-Peak with EMR?

EMR Off-Peak times vary depending on your direction of travel. If you’re heading into London during the week, Off-Peak begins for trains that arrive at or after 10:03. If you’re leaving London during the week, Off-Peak times are from 08:47 to 16:35 and from 18:47 onwards. The exception is Fridays, when they are valid all day from 08:47. Weekends and bank holidays are generally considered Off-Peak, with no time restrictions on travel. Your best bet is to check the exact details of your journey before buying your tickets, so you know if it's safe to travel at your intended time.

What time is Super Off-Peak with EMR?

EMR Super Off-Peak on weekdays generally runs from about 10:05 to 15:35 and from 18:47 onwards for departures from London. For those arriving in London, this time is extended to 11:35. That said, your validity to travel during Super Off-Peak depends on your specific route and restriction code, so best to check these before you buy your tickets. Like Off-Peak travel, Super-Off-Peak is normally valid all day on Saturdays, Sundays, and bank holidays.

Are there any restrictions with Off-Peak on EMR?

Yes, EMR Off-Peak tickets have restrictions on when you can travel, particularly for mid-week journeys to and from London. For example, Off-Peak tickets on trains coming into London are normally only valid on or after 10:03. For evening departures between Monday and Thursday, outbound travel from London is restricted during the evening peak times. Off-Peak tickets are normally valid for departures from 08:47 to 16:35, and then from 18:47 onwards.

Can I use a Railcard to buy an Off-Peak train ticket with EMR?

Yes, you can use a Railcard to buy an EMR Off-Peak train ticket, as long as it is valid. This typically saves you a third off the cost of a normal adult fare. When booking your Off-Peak rail ticket, choose the specific Railcard that you wish to use from the dropdown menu. Also, make sure you carry your Railcard (either the physical one or a digital version) in case a ticket inspector asks to see it.

What happens if I travel during peak hours on EMR with my Off-Peak ticket?

If you travel on EMR during peak hours with an Off-Peak ticket, then your ticket automatically becomes invalid. The automatic barriers will likely reject your ticket, and you may not be able to board your intended train. If a ticket inspector catches you on board, you may be required to pay the full price difference to upgrade to an Anytime ticket. In some instances, you may be served with a fine or face prosecution for travelling without a valid ticket.

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