Off-peak tickets let you dodge the rush and enjoy a more peaceful journey. They’re more flexible than Advance tickets and can be bought up to the day you travel.
Some Off-peak deals are only available at certain times, days, or routes. We’ll let you know when you book your ticket.
So why not avoid the crowds and stretch out? You’ll arrive feeling relaxed and ready for whatever you have planned.
Why travel off-peak?
More calm, less cost. What’s not to love?
● Save money - off-peak fares are cheaper than standard tickets
● Enjoy quieter trains - skip the hustle of rush hour
● Book anytime - available until the day you travel
● Family-friendly - Children aged 5-15 get 50% off, and under-5s travel free with a paying adult
● Railcard savings* - get ⅓ off off-peak fares with a Railcard (Two Together, Senior, 16–25, Family & Friends, Disabled Persons)
● First Class too* - Railcard holders get ⅓ off off First Class off-peak tickets
*Minimum fares/time restrictions may apply to tickets bought with a Railcard or other discount cards.
When are Northern off-peak times?
Off-peak tickets let you travel outside the commuter window.
This is usually before 16:01 and after 18:29, Monday to Friday.
You can also travel any time on weekends and bank holidays.
Exact times can vary depending on your route, train operator, and when you wish to travel. We’ll notify you of any restrictions when you book.
Types of off-peak tickets
Off-peak day single/return
● Use as a single or a return journey
● Travel any time on weekends and bank holidays
● Morning restrictions apply for all journeys
● Evening restrictions may also apply
● Outward and return travel must be on the same day
Off-peak single/return
● Use as a single or a return journey
● Travel any time on weekends and bank holidays
● Weekday morning and/or evening restrictions may apply
● Outward journey must be on the date shown on your ticket
● Return can be made on any day within one calendar month
Super Off-Peak Times
We also offer super off-peak tickets, which are available from 10.00 am to 3.30 pm and again from 7:15 pm onwards. You can also take advantage of super off-peak travel during weekends and bank holidays. This timing helps you avoid the busy periods when commuters are travelling to work, resulting in more empty seats and quieter carriages.
Find out more about Super Off Peak TicketsFrequently asked questions
Wherever you are, buying an Off-peak ticket is easy.
Remember, be sure to check your journey times and individual ticket restrictions before purchasing.
Online
Enter your journey into our ‘Train tickets and time’ search at the top of this page to find available Off-peak fares.
- Collect at a station via a Ticket Vending Machine (TVM)
- First Class post (allow at least 7 working days)
The Northern App
Buy tickets anywhere, anytime with our free mobile app.
- Collect at the station within 15 minutes of purchase
- Select E-ticket delivery and get them straight to your phone
Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs)
- Pay card or cash
Station ticket office
Get help in finding the best value ticket from any staffed station
- Pay with card, cash, National Rail vouchers or rail warrants
On the train
If there’s no open ticket office or TVM at your station, you can buy a ticket from the conductor onboard.
Yes, there are some restrictions on specific routes.
Off-peak day single/return tickets are not valid at the evening peak in Greater Manchester, but they are valid during the evening peak at Greater Manchester Wayfarer.
In West Yorkshire, Hexham and Newcastle off-peak day single/return tickets are not valid in the evening.
Yes
Yes.
You can travel on an off-peak ticket for the first part of your journey, but you will need to have an anytime fare or equivalent for the second leg of your journey.
You can travel on an off-peak ticket.
We have tried to keep peak time restrictions as simple as possible for customers.
The peak restriction in Merseyside (until 17.59) has been in place for some time. Northern does not price all the ticket flows so to change these times would have meant a very complex message and inconsistency across the area. Given the volume of passengers and level of service between Hexham and Newcastle, the end time of 17.59 is also appropriate on this route.
The timings of 16.01-18.29 apply elsewhere as they best reflect the capacity available, demand for services and give a consistent approach for the majority of those customers who will be affected across South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire and Greater Manchester.
The Super Off-Peak tickets are a highly restricted version of Off-Peak tickets and are typically only available during the quietest times of the week.
Northern App
Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.
Northern App
Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.