Travelling by train with ScotRail means you can enjoy stress-free trips without parking fees and nights out without the hassle of driving - and that’s just to name a few of its countless uses. Even more so, with Off-Peak tickets, you can take advantage of cheaper fares and a more relaxed journey, whether you're commuting later in the day or exploring Scotland at your leisure.
Photo by Bardrock
When are ScotRail Off-Peak times?
Off-Peak tickets apply to quieter travel periods, making them a great way to save money. Generally, these tickets are valid at the following times:
- Monday to Friday: Available for travel after 9:15 am.
- Weekends and Scottish Bank Holidays: Valid at any time.
There are also Off-Peak Return tickets, which allow for more flexibility—while the outward journey follows usual peak-time restrictions, you can return any time within a month.
Evening Peak-Time restrictions
While Off-Peak tickets provide great value, certain routes have evening travel restrictions. Off-Peak Day Return tickets cannot be used on services departing the following stations between 16:42 and 18:11:
Additionally, Off-Peak Day Return tickets are not valid on the following services:
- 18:15 Edinburgh (18:21 Haymarket) to Glasgow Queen Street
- 18:15 Glasgow Queen Street to Edinburgh
- 18:35 Edinburgh (18:40 Haymarket) to Aberdeen
- 17:20 Inverness to Aberdeen (Off-Peak Open Return tickets are permitted)
If you’re unsure whether your train is Off-Peak, use our Train Finder to check ticket availability. Simply enter your departure station, destination, and preferred time, and the system will display available options.
Super Off-Peak tickets
For even bigger savings, Super Off-Peak Day Return tickets are available on selected ScotRail services. These are valid only between 11:00 and 15:00, and after 20:00. Super Off-Peak tickets can be purchased via Smartcard, as a paper ticket, or onboard if you’re boarding at a station without a ticket office.
Buying and using Off-Peak Tickets
- Off-Peak Day Return tickets must be used for both the outward and return journey on the same day.
- Off-Peak Return tickets allow flexibility, with return travel valid for up to a month after the outward journey.
- No evening peak restrictions apply to Off-Peak Return tickets.
No Off-Peak restrictions on weekends
On Saturdays and Sundays, Off-Peak tickets are valid at any time, allowing you to travel whenever it suits you best.
By planning your journey with Off-Peak or Super Off-Peak tickets, you can take advantage of more affordable fares while enjoying a smoother, less crowded travel experience across Scotland.