Off-peak train tickets
Enjoy cheaper travel outside of busy commuter times
Choose date & time
Close ✕You can book up to 90 days in advance.
Looking for dates further in the future?
Train operators can only release tickets for sale up to 90 days in advance.
But don't worry, you don't have to miss out - be the first to hear when tickets are available with our FREE ticket alert.
Email me when tickets become available
Your journey
Going departing after
Off-peak train times vary by operator, route, service, and origin/destination. Travel restrictions will usually apply to both outward and return journeys, setting a time boundary to avoid travelling in the morning and/or evening during peak travel periods.*
When are off-peak travel times?
CrossCountry follows a more simplified approach to off-peak ticket restrictions for use on our services.
In general, if travelling on CrossCountry before 09.30 ⁺, or between 15:30 and 18:15 ⁺ in the evening, customers will likely need an ‘Anytime’ ticket to complete their journey.
Nevertheless, there are variations of off-peak tickets which do permit travel on CrossCountry services during these times; customers are therefore advised to check full details of the specific ticket restrictions before travelling.
Benefits of off-peak tickets
- Save on price when you travel during off-peak times.
- A wider choice of seating when you travel during quieter times of the day.
- Still apply your travel card to save more.
- Book and plan your journey in advance.
Types of off-peak train tickets
Customers may come across different types of Off-Peak tickets. Some of the more common ones are listed below:
- Off-peak: Generally includes morning travel restrictions.
- Off-peak day: Generally includes morning and evening travel restrictions.
- Super off-peak: Generally includes more restrictive morning travel conditions, and possibly evening restrictions too.
How to find off-peak train times online
Step 1: Open the CrossCountry website or the CrossCountry App.
Step 2: Add your travel details, including information such as destinations, dates, number of passengers, railcards and more.
Step 3: Select 'Find my train'.
Step 4: For off-peak tickets, find a train time that's after 9.30 and outside the hours of 15.30 and 18.15.
Step 5: Check the ticket type. It will be displayed as seen in the example.
Travel one-way on any train on the date shown on your ticket
| Ticket properties | Off-Peak Day Single |
|---|---|
| Outward journey | Any off-peak train on date shown on ticket |
| Journey breaks | Break of journey is allowed unless otherwise indicated by a restriction shown against the ticket’s validity |
| Trains and routes | Any off-peak train, subject to route of ticket |
| Limited availability | No |
| Booking deadline | Day of travel |
| Seat reservations | Advisable |
| Railcard discounts | Yes |
| Amending tickets | If you wish to change the date of travel, or the origin or destination of your ticket, it may be necessary to buy a new ticket and apply for a refund on your existing ticket. |
| Refund availability | Yes, less the administration fee |
| Where to buy | Any outlet |
| Ticket properties | Off-Peak Return | Off-Peak Day Return | Off-Peak First Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outward journey | Any off-peak train on date shown on ticket | Any off-peak train on date shown on ticket | Any off-peak train on date shown on ticket |
| Journey breaks | Break of journey is allowed unless otherwise indicated by a restriction shown against the ticket’s validity | Break of journey is allowed unless otherwise indicated by a restriction shown against the ticket’s validity | Break of journey is allowed unless otherwise indicated by a restriction shown against the ticket’s validity |
| Trains and routes | Any off-peak train, subject to route of ticket | Any off-peak train, subject to route of ticket | Any off-peak train, subject to route of ticket |
| Limited availability | No | No | No |
| Booking deadline | Day of travel | Day of travel | Day of travel |
| Seat reservations | Advisable | Advisable | Advisable |
| Railcard discounts | Yes | Yes | Yes, except Young Persons and Family & Friends |
| Amending tickets | If you wish to change the date of travel, or the origin or destination of your ticket, it may be necessary to buy a new ticket and apply for a refund on your existing ticket. | If you wish to change the date of travel, or the origin or destination of your ticket, it may be necessary to buy a new ticket and apply for a refund on your existing ticket. | If you wish to change the date of travel, or the origin or destination of your ticket, it may be necessary to buy a new ticket and apply for a refund on your existing ticket. |
| Refund availability | Yes, less the administration fee | Yes, less the administration fee | Yes, less the administration fee |
| Where to buy | Any outlet | Any outlet | Any outlet |
How to Check your Travel Restrictions
It takes two quick steps to find out the travel restrictions on your ticket.
Step 1: Follow the link to this ticket validator.
Step 2: Search for the relevant 2-digit code, as printed on your ticket. See the example below.
Where to go with your off-peak ticket
The UK is bursting with things to do and places to see. Explore the fantastic things to do while saving when you book an off-peak train ticket. Get inspired by some of our travel blog posts and discover a new place to visit.
The Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in the UK
It’s often thought planning a beach day with a pooch can be tricky. Here’s a list of the best dog friendly beaches in the UK.
Find Out More
The Best Street Food Markets in the UK
Get your taste buds tingling at the best UK street food markets.
Find Out More
The Best Zoos in the UK
The UK is brimming with zoos full of all your favourite animals and more. These are the best zoos in the UK according to CrossCountry. Read for more.
Find Out More* Morning and evening peak travel periods are defined differently by the different Train Operating Companies. Please see individual restrictions for full details.
⁺ Restrictions do not generally apply at weekends or on bank holidays unless specifically stated.