Did you know you can save money on train tickets by travelling during 'Off-Peak' or even 'Super Off-Peak' hours on Greater Anglia services? Off-Peak generally applies to quieter travel periods, typically avoiding the busiest commuting hours on weekdays. If you'd prefer a more relaxed journey without the rush hour crowds, adjusting your travel time could lead to significant savings!
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When Are Greater Anglia Off-Peak Times?
Off-Peak travel times on Greater Anglia services vary depending on your route, and while there are general guidelines, specific times can differ. However, these discounted fares are typically available at consistent times across the network.
Weekdays
On weekdays, Off-Peak travel is restricted during the busiest morning and evening commuting periods. The general Off-Peak start times are:
- For journeys to London: Off-Peak starts around 9:30/10:00 am, while Super Off-Peak begins at approximately 12:00 pm (midday).
- For journeys not involving London: Off-Peak starts from 8:45/9:00 am, with Super Off-Peak beginning at 12:00 pm.
- Some ticket types have evening restrictions for journeys from London to Ipswich and beyond, but these restrictions are lifted during Norfolk school holidays and half-term periods.
Weekends and Bank Holidays
On weekends and bank holidays, there are no time restrictions on Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets, allowing unlimited flexibility on all Greater Anglia services.
London Greater Anglia Journeys
For journeys to and from London, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak ticket validity follows these general rules:
Arriving into London (Monday - Friday):
- Off-Peak and Off-Peak Day: Not valid for arrival at Liverpool Street before 10:00 am.
- Super Off-Peak Day: Not valid for arrival at Liverpool Street before 12:00 pm (Stratford 11:52 am).
Departing from London (Monday - Friday):
- Off-Peak: Not valid for departure from Liverpool Street before 9:30 am (Stratford 9:38 am, Tottenham Hale 9:40 am).
- Off-Peak Day: Not valid before 9:30 am from all stations in Greater London.
- Super Off-Peak Day: Not valid before 12:00 pm from Liverpool Street (Stratford 12:07 pm).
Specific Off-Peak Valid Services:
- To London: Off-Peak tickets are valid on services such as:
- 08:11 from Clacton-on-Sea and nearby stations to Wivenhoe.
- 08:00 from Walton-on-the-Naze, Frinton-on-Sea, and Kirby Cross.
- 08:28 from Harwich Town and intermediate stops to Mistley.
- From London: Off-Peak tickets are valid on services such as:
- 09:28 to Cambridge (beyond Cheshunt).
- 09:02 to Ipswich (Stratford 09:09) to Sudbury branch stations.
- 09:18 to Clacton-on-Sea (Stratford 09:25) to Wivenhoe and beyond, including Walton-on-the-Naze.
Evening Restrictions (Monday - Friday):
- Off-Peak: Not valid for departures from Liverpool Street between 16:31 - 18:34 (Stratford 16:36 - 18:41, Tottenham Hale 16:41 - 18:40).
- Super Off-Peak Day: Not valid for departures from Liverpool Street between 15:59 - 19:03 (Stratford 16:06 - 19:08).
- During Norfolk school holidays and half-term weeks, evening restrictions on Off-Peak tickets from London to Ipswich and beyond are lifted.
Exceptions: Off-Peak tickets remain valid at all times on specific services, including:
- 16:30, 16:32, and 18:30 to stations on the Felixstowe branch.
- 16:34 (Stratford 16:42) for Off-Peak period returns to Braintree branch stations.
- 18:12 (Stratford 18:20) for Off-Peak period returns to Sudbury branch stations.
- 18:32 (Stratford 18:40) for Off-Peak returns to Hatfield Peverel, Kelvedon, Alresford, and Walton-on-the-Naze.
Non-London Greater Anglia Journeys
For journeys that do not involve London, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak restrictions generally apply only in the morning:
- Off-Peak Day Returns: Usually valid after 8:45 am (earlier from some branch line stations).
- Off-Peak Period Returns: Generally valid after 9:00 am.
- Super Off-Peak Day Tickets: Valid after 12:00 pm, with no evening restrictions.
If you’re unsure about the restrictions for your specific journey, check the online booking engine or speak with ticket office staff for the most accurate information.
How to get Off-Peak Greater Anglia tickets
The easiest way to check for Off-Peak times on Trip.com is to search for discounted routes within the timeframe listed above. You can also filter by ‘Cheapest’, where Off-Peak times are very likely to be returned.