Off-Peak Tickets

It's cheaper when the trains aren't as busy

Flexible travel on Fridays

We've relaxed the usual travel restrictions for Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak and Off-Peak Day tickets on Fridays for trains departing from and arriving at London King's Cross and Stevenage. That means if you have a flexible LNER ticket, you can travel at any time on a Friday (as long as your ticket is valid for then). 

For a comfortable ride, make sure to reserve a seat if you do decide to travel on a different train. 

Seat Reservation

What are the advantages?

  • At quieter times of the day, Off-Peak fares offer better value for money
  • You can buy them any time before you travel with no need to book in advance

 

Off-Peak FAQs

What times are Off-Peak tickets valid?

Trains travelling north
Off-Peak tickets are not valid for travel on north bound trains departing London between 06.45 and 07.59 (Monday to Thursday*) or between 15.59 and 17.45 (Monday to Thursday* only).


Trains travelling south
Off-Peak tickets are not valid for trains that arrive into London before 10.08 (Monday to Thursday*)

Weekend Travel
You can travel anytime at the weekend

Please note that not all journey restrictions are set by LNER. Train companies have their own Off-Peak tickets to give you flexibility to travel on any of their trains. Check your ticket to see the route restrictions. If your journey is with another train company, please check their website for Off-Peak restrictions.

You will still see and be able to purchase return tickets available for other train operators, as well as a small amount of LNER journeys.

*Except between Stevenage and London King's Cross which also includes Friday

What is Super Off-Peak?

If there is more than one Off-Peak fare for a journey, the cheaper fare with more restrictions is called a Super Off-peak ticket. Super Off-Peak restrictions for journey with LNER to, from or via London King's Cross and Stevenage are slightly different. 

Trains travelling north
If you are travelling to, from or via London King's Cross, Super Off-Peak tickets are not valid for travel on northbound trains departing London/Stevange before 09.06 and between 14.59 and 18.59 inclusive (Monday to Thursday*)

Trains travelling south 
On southbound journeys, Super Off-Peak tickets are not valid for travel on any train which arrives in London/Stevenage before 11.17 (Monday to Thursday*)

Please note, Super Off-Peak tickets are not available in First Class. 

*Except between Stevenage and London King's Cross which includes Friday

When can you use an Off-Peak Day ticket or an Off-Peak Travelcard?

Outward and Return journeys must be made on the date shown on your ticket. Break of journey is allowed. 

Trains travelling north
On any train from London King's Cross departing 09.53 or later, except between 15.40 and 19.01 (Monday to Thursday).

Trains travelling south
On any train to London King's Cross arriving into London at 11.00 or later (Monday to Thursday). 

Please note, an exception applies to Off-Peak Day tickets between Stevenage and London King's Cross as these tickets are not valid for trains departing after 04.29 and before 09.30 (Monday to Friday). There are no restrictions for your return journey of the ticket.

What are the London restrictions for Super Off-Peak and Off-Peak Day Returns?

Since January 2019, Thameslink and Great Nothern introduced a Super Off-Peak Day Return/Travelcard to their weekday ticket range between Peterborough and London Thameslink/London stations. 

Super Off-Peak Day tickets cannot be used on trains that arrive at London stations before 10.55 or that depart London stations between 16.30 and 19.01. 

Off-Peak Day tickets between London King's Cross and Stevenage are valid after 09.29 (Monday to Friday). 

What happens if you board a train that your ticket isn't valid for?

If travelling on LNER trains using Off-Peak or Super Off-Peak ticket, it is essential you read these terms and conditions carefully. If you board a train that your ticket is not valid for, you may be liable to purchase a new ticket or pay an excess fare. If travelling with other train companies, please check with that train company for restrictions that apply to their trains.

Please note, Super Off-Peak tickets for some journeys are sold at a special web-only price that is not available to buy in stations. If you go to the station to change a web-only ticket, you will have to refund your existing ticket and then book a new one. This may result in you paying more to buy another Super Off-Peak ticket. Therefore, it is best to change your ticket online in My Account.