Off-Peak Train Tickets

Save money and enjoy a quieter journey with our Off-Peak tickets. Perfect for solo travellers, these tickets are valid during less busy times on weekdays and any time on weekends.

Off-Peak Single tickets

Off-Peak Single tickets are semi-flexible, one-way tickets that are only valid during quieter travel times.

They’re ideal for solo travellers and provide a more affordable option than Anytime tickets, as they can only be used:

  • Weekdays: not valid from London before 09:30 or 16:00–19:00, and not valid from Stansted Airport before 09:30.
  • Weekends & Bank Holidays: no time restrictions - travel any time of the day!

Off-Peak Day Return tickets

Off-Peak Day Return tickets are semi-flexible, same-day return tickets. They’re perfect for meet-and-greet trips at the airport, making it easy and affordable to pick up or drop off friends and family.

Check the Off-Peak Day Return ticket times below to plan your trip and make the most of our Off-Peak saving. You can buy Off-Peak Day Return tickets easily online before you travel.

  • Weekdays: not valid before 09:30
  • Weekends & Bank Holidays: no time restrictions - travel any time of the day!

Smart for

  • Fast transfer – between Stansted Airport and London
  • Semi-flexible – travel outside our busiest times
  • Great extras – free Wi-Fi, unlimited luggage and plug sockets

Want more flexibility? You can travel during peak times and save money with our Advance, Duo and Group fares.

How to get cheaper train tickets

Off-peak tickets are a great way to get cheaper train tickets, as they are valid during quieter times of the day when demand is lower. If you can travel outside peak hours, choosing off-peak services can help reduce the cost of your journey.

Less busy trains 

Off-peak services are usually less busy, making them ideal if you prefer a quieter and more comfortable journey. Travelling outside peak commuter hours can help you to avoid crowds and enjoy a more relaxed onboard experience.

Terms and Conditions

  • Off-Peak Single tickets: Not valid from London before 09:30 or between 16:00–19:00, and not valid from Stansted Airport before 09:30. Valid any time on weekends and Bank Holidays.
  • Off-Peak Day Return tickets: Not valid before 09:30 on weekdays. Valid any time on weekends and Bank Holidays.
  • For the outbound journey, you must travel on the outbound travel date booked.
  • For the return journey, you can return any time until 04:29 the following morning.
  • You cannot start, break or resume, or end your journey at any intermediate station.
  • Submissions must not be made by agents or third parties.

Refunds for Off-Peak Tickets

Tickets can be refunded up until 23:59 on the day before they become valid for travel.

After this time, refunds are only available if you choose not to travel because your train is cancelled, delayed, or you are affected by an exceptional circumstance. These refunds can be requested for up to 28 days after the ticket expires.

For more details about refund eligibility and how to apply, please see our Refunds page.

Frequently asked questions about Off-Peak train tickets

Off-Peak Single tickets are one-way tickets that are cheaper than Anytime Single tickets because they can only be used at less busy times.

On weekdays, they are not valid during the morning peak on any route, or during the evening peak on some routes. On the Stansted Express, they are are not valid from London before 09:30 or between 16:00–19:00, and not valid from Stansted Airport before 09:30.

There are no restrictions on weekends or Bank Holidays, so you can travel any time.

Off-Peak Day Return tickets are same-day return tickets. They’re a great way to save money because you only pay to travel during quieter times.

On weekdays, they cannot be used during the peak times. For Stansted Express, this is before 09:30. On weekends and Bank Holidays, there are no restrictions, so you can travel any time.

Off-Peak train ticket start times vary depending on the ticket type and day of travel. On weekdays, off-peak tickets are generally valid from mid-morning (after 9.30AM). At weekends and on Bank Holidays, there are no time restrictions.

Yes, off-peak tickets are typically cheaper than peak tickets because they are valid during quieter travel times.

You can use an Off-Peak Single ticket any time on the day shown on your ticket, except before 09:30 or between 16:00–19:00 from London, and before 09:30 from Stansted Airport. You can travel any time on weekends and Bank Holidays.

Yes, Off-Peak Single tickets are not valid on the Stansted Express from London before 09:30 or between 16:00–19:00, and not valid from Stansted Airport before 09:30. They can be used any time on weekends and Bank Holidays.

Yes. Off‑Peak Single and Return tickets can be refunded if you did not travel, provided you request the refund by 23:59 on the day before the ticket becomes valid for travel.
After this time, refunds are only available if your train was cancelled or delayed, or if you are affected by exceptional circumstances.
A £5 administration fee may apply. For full details on eligibility, fees and how to request a refund, please see our Refunds page.

Off-Peak Day Return tickets are not valid on Stansted Express journeys before 09:30 on weekdays, but they can be used any time on weekends and Bank Holidays.

Yes, Off-Peak Day Return tickets allow you to return any time until 04:29 the following morning.

Trains are usually less busy outside weekday morning and evening commuter hours, as well as during the middle of the day and later in the evening.

No, you can only make one return journey with an Off-Peak Day Return.

Off-Peak tickets can be purchased online and at stations.

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