Off-Peak tickets

Q: What is the difference between Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets?

Off-Peak tickets allow travel during less busy times of the day, typically outside morning and evening rush hours. Super Off-Peak tickets offer even greater savings but are valid during more restricted travel times. Exact times depend on your journey and the train operator.

Q: What happens if I travel outside the valid times for my ticket?

If you travel outside the permitted times for your Off-Peak ticket, you may need to pay an additional fare. Always check your ticket’s valid travel times before starting your journey.

Q: Are these tickets available for First-Class travel?

Super Off-Peak tickets are not available for First Class, but Off-Peak tickets are. First-Class tickets may have different pricing and restrictions, so be sure to check the details before booking.

Q: How does an 'Open Return' work on Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets?

For Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets, the return journey must be taken within the Off-Peak or Super Off-Peak hours within a calendar month, as specified by the ticket restrictions. These times vary depending on the route and operator, so it's always best to check before you travel.

Travelling after the morning rush hour? You can save money when you buy an Off-Peak ticket.

Two men and a dog sitting on a Southern Railway train

Ticket overview

Off-Peak train tickets offer flexible and cost-effective options for single, return, or open return journeys.

Benefits

Save money when you buy Off-Peak tickets, as it is cheaper to travel than during peak-time.
Railcard discounts are available on Off-Peak tickets.
Travelling during off-peak hours can be more comfortable, thanks to quieter trains and usually plenty of seating available.

When can I use this ticket type?

Off-Peak tickets are valid for travel during weekdays outside of the busiest periods, as well as at any time on weekends and bank holidays. Specific Off-Peak times can vary by route, so it's advisable to use the journey planner to confirm valid travel times for your specific journey.

Off-Peak tickets are ideal for leisure travellers, flexible commuters and anyone travelling on weekends or bank holidays, as Off-Peak tickets are valid all day during these times.

Things to remember

Time restrictions: There is no one set time restriction for using an Off-Peak ticket. Instead, it will depend on your journey. If you haven't bought your ticket yet, our journey planner will show what trains you can use your Off-Peak ticket on. If you have already got your ticket you can check the time restrictions that apply to its use by entering the website address that is shown on your ticket. The website address will always start with - www.nre.co.uk/.
Validity period: Off-Peak singles and the outward portion of Off-Peak returns are valid on the date shown on the ticket until 04:29 the following morning. Off-Peak Day tickets require all travel to be completed by 04:29 on the day after the date on the ticket.
Additional restrictions: These tickets may have extra restrictions when used with a Railcard or other discounts. Please review the terms and conditions on National Rail for full details.

For more details of when you can use Off-Peak tickets, read the terms and conditions.

How can I save further, and what discounts are available?

With GroupSave, you can enjoy a 1/3 discount when three to nine adults travel together during Off-Peak times – ideal for trips with friends or family. And don’t forget, with our Kids for £2 offer, up to 4 children can travel for just £2 each at off-peak times when accompanied by an adult on most journeys, making family trips even better value.

Reasons to book direct

No booking fees: unlike some third-party retailers, when you buy directly from Southern, you won’t be charged any booking fees. We think it’s only fair, that you only pay the fare.
Flexible fulfilment options: Tickets can be collected from station machines, added to a Key Smartcard, delivered by post, or accessed as eTickets on your smartphone.
Less hassle if something goes wrong: When you buy direct, you’re likely to receive compensation faster through Delay Repay compared to booking with a third-party retailer. If you have a Key Smartcard, use Auto Delay Repay via the app for added convenience.

Buy Off-Peak tickets

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets?

What happens if I travel outside the valid times for my ticket?

Are these tickets available for First-Class travel?

How does an 'Open Return' work on Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets?

Can I use these tickets on all train services and routes?

Yes, unless your ticket is restricted to a specific train operator. Off-Peak tickets are generally valid on any train service along your chosen route, provided you travel within the applicable time restrictions on the date of travel. If your Off-Peak ticket is restricted to a particular operator, you can only use it on that operator’s services, within the same time restrictions. Always check your ticket details before you travel.

What’s the difference between a ticket to London Terminals compared to a ticket to London Thameslink?

The table below explains which ticket is valid at which stations*, depending on where you start your journey.

Tickets from stations on our network:	Valid at the following London stations where our trains call at:
NORTH of London to LONDON TERMINALS	Moorgate
	London Kings Cross
	London St Pancras International
NORTH of London to LONDON THAMESLINK	London Kings Cross
	London St Pancras International
	Farringdon
	City Thameslink
	London Blackfriars
	London Bridge
	Elephant & Castle
SOUTH of London to LONDON TERMINALS	London Victoria*
	London Bridge
	London Blackfriars
	City Thameslink
SOUTH of London to LONDON THAMESLINK	London St Pancras International
	Farringdon
	City Thameslink
	London Blackfriars
	London Bridge
	Elephant & Castle
*Tickets routed 'Thameslink Only' to London Terminals are not valid to London Victoria

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