UK train Off-Peak times: When can you travel for less?

Off-Peak tickets are discounted fares valid on trains that depart outside peak travel times (typically mid-morning to mid-afternoon, and late evening).

General Off-Peak guidelines:

• Peak times are usually weekday mornings (before ~09:30) and evenings (16:00–19:00)
• Off-Peak typically starts after 09:30 on weekdays and lasts until the evening rush
• Weekends and bank holidays are usually Off-Peak all day
• Exact times differ by train company and route — so always check before booking.

Travelling on the West Coast Main Line? Learn when you can get cheaper fares on routes like London to Manchester, with Avanti’s Off-Peak tickets typically valid after 09:30.

Chiltern's Off-Peak tickets are valid on most trains after 10:00, including popular routes from Birmingham to London Marylebone.

Off-Peak tickets on EMR are valid after 10:03 from most stations and all day on weekends. Learn when to save between Sheffield, Nottingham and London St Pancras.

This London commuter operator offers Off-Peak travel after 09:30 on weekdays, including services to Cambridge, Hertford, and King’s Lynn.

Greater Anglia Off-Peak fares offer great value for journeys into London Liverpool Street, with key restrictions on trains arriving before 10:00. Evening peak returns may also apply.

GWR Off-Peak times vary by route, but most Off-Peak tickets are valid after 09:00 weekdays and anytime on weekends. See when you can save between London Paddington and the South West.

LNER Off-Peak tickets offer major savings on long-distance journeys like London to York or Edinburgh. Check when you can travel for less — typically after 09:06 from London.

Off-Peak times on LNR usually apply after 10:00, but some restrictions apply for returns from London between 16:00–19:00.

Most Northern trains offer Off-Peak fares after 08:59 Monday to Friday. Ideal for travel across the North of England, including routes through Leeds, Manchester, and Sheffield.

ScotRail offers Off-Peak Day Returns and Super Off-Peak fares valid outside weekday rush hours. Find out the exact times for routes like Glasgow to Edinburgh.

SWR offers Off-Peak travel from after 10:00 on many suburban and long-distance routes, including trains from Surrey, Hampshire, and Dorset into London Waterloo.

Southeastern services into London Cannon Street, Charing Cross, and Victoria typically go Off-Peak after 10:00. Learn more about Evening Peak returns.

Southern trains operate Off-Peak fares after 09:00 on most routes, with some afternoon restrictions for London-bound services from the South Coast.

Most Thameslink services become Off-Peak after 09:30, especially between Brighton and London. Evening restrictions may apply between 16:00–19:15 on weekdays.

Off-Peak on TPE typically starts after 09:30, though it varies between Northern and Southern routes. Learn when to book cheaper fares on journeys like Manchester to Newcastle.

Most TfW routes offer Off-Peak fares after 09:30 Monday to Friday, including journeys between Cardiff, Swansea, Shrewsbury, and Holyhead.

Off-Peak fares apply after 09:30 on most routes, including Birmingham to London or Liverpool. Some services have flexible return conditions.