Off Peak tickets on Northern Rail offer a cheaper way to travel while avoiding the busiest commuter times. Whether you're making a single journey or need a return ticket, Off-Peak fares provide flexibility and savings — perfect for those who don’t need to travel during peak rush hours. In our guide, we cover when and where you can use Off-Peak tickets to help you start saving on your rail travel today.
Photo by Jon David Houghton
When can you use Off-Peak tickets?
Off Peak times vary depending on the route, but in general, peak commuter times are considered to be between 16:01 and 18:29 on weekdays. Outside of these hours, Off-Peak tickets are typically valid. However, specific restrictions may apply based on your journey, which you’ll be informed of when booking.
Route-specific Off-Peak restrictions
Certain areas have additional evening peak restrictions, meaning some tickets cannot be used during these times:
- Greater Manchester
- Not valid during evening peak:
- Off-Peak Day Singles/Returns
- Duo tickets
- GM Rail Ranger
- Daysaver TB (Train & Bus), TM (Train & Metro), and TBM (Train, Bus & Metro)
- Valid during evening peak:
- Greater Manchester Wayfarer
- West Yorkshire
- Not valid during evening peak:
- Off-Peak Day Singles/Returns
- Duo tickets
- WY Day Rover, WY Family Day Rover, WY Train Day Rover
- Hexham – Newcastle
- Not valid during evening peak:
- Off-Peak Day Singles/Returns
- Duo tickets
How to find the best Off-Peak Northern rail fares
When booking online, we recommend using the Journey Planner and searching your specific route within the times provided above. Alternatively, you can sort options using the ‘Cheapest’ filter, and the results returned will likely be Super Off Peak or Off Peak.
Types of Off-Peak tickets on Northern Rail
There are four types of Off-Peak tickets to suit different travel needs:
- Off-Peak Day Single/Return
- Valid anytime on weekends and bank holidays.
- Morning travel restrictions apply on weekdays.
- Some evening restrictions may apply.
- Outward and return journeys must be made on the date shown on the ticket.
- Off-Peak Single/Return
- Valid anytime on weekends and bank holidays.
- May have morning and/or evening restrictions on weekdays.
- Outward journeys must be made on the date shown on the ticket, but the return journey can be made within one calendar month.
- Off-Peak Day Single/Return (Evening Restrictions)
- Specific evening travel restrictions may apply depending on your route and day of travel.