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Home > Train tickets > Single & Return tickets

Single & Return train tickets

We offer four different ticket types to suit your needs, whether it’s an early morning business trip to London, a leisurely day out on the South Coast or the cheapest fare for a long distance journey.

 

Anytime

These tickets allow travel without time restriction and are the best option for those needing complete flexibility.

Tickets are available as Singles, Day Returns or period Returns in First or Standard Class.

When is an Anytime ticket valid?

Anytime Day Single & Day Return

Including Anytime Day Travelcard

Ticket validityValid on the date printed on the ticket. All travel must be completed by 0429 the following day.
Travel timeValid at any time, Monday - Sunday.

 

Anytime Single

Ticket validity

Valid for 2 days, including the date printed on the ticket. All travel must be completed by 0429 the day after the ticket expires. (e.g. If a ticket is valid from 9 January, you will need to complete your journey by 0429 on 11 January.)

Travel timeValid at any time, Monday - Sunday.

 

Anytime Return

Outward ticket validity

Valid for 5 days, including the date printed on the ticket. All travel must be completed by 0429 the day after the ticket expires. (e.g. If a ticket is valid from 9 January, you will need to complete your journey by 0429 on 14 January.)

Outward travel timeValid at any time, Monday - Sunday.
  
Return ticket validity

Valid for one calendar month, including the date printed on the ticket. All travel must be completed by 0429 the day after the ticket expires. (e.g. If a ticket is valid from 9 January, you will need to complete your journey by 0429 on 9 February.)

Return travel timeValid at any time, Monday - Sunday.

 

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Off Peak 

These are flexible tickets which are only valid after the morning peak.

Tickets are available as Singles, Day Returns or period Returns in First or Standard Class.

When is an Off Peak ticket valid?

Off Peak Day Single & Day Return

Including Off Peak Day Travelcard

Ticket validityValid on the date printed on the ticket. All travel must be completed by 0429 the following day.
Travel time*
  • Towards London Waterloo and any station in London Zones 1-6: Generally valid on trains arriving into London Waterloo at 1000, or later, Monday to Friday*.
  • From London Waterloo: Generally valid on trains departing London Waterloo at 0900, or later, Monday to Friday.
  • From any station in London Zones 1-6 to most stations beyond Zone 6: Valid at 0930, or later, Monday to Friday. You will be able to travel before 0930 if your journey starts on a South West Trains service within London Zones 1-6.
  • In addition, First Class Off Peak tickets are not valid if you board a train at: London Waterloo or Victoria between 1600 and 1900; Vauxhall between 1604 and 1904; Clapham Junction between 1607 and 1909. All times are inclusive, Monday to Friday*. No restriction applies to journeys wholly with London Zones 1-6.

Tickets are valid at any time during weekends and public holidays.

Off Peak Return

Outward ticket validityValid on the date printed on the ticket. All travel must be completed by 0429 the following day.
Return ticket validity

Valid for one calendar month, including the date printed on the ticket. All travel must be completed by 0429 the day after the ticket expires. (e.g. If a ticket is valid from 9 January, you must complete your journey by 0429 on 9 February.)

Travel time*
  • Towards London Waterloo and any station in London Zones 1-6: Generally valid on trains arriving into London Waterloo at 1000, or later, Monday to Friday*.
  • From London Waterloo: Generally valid on trains departing London Waterloo at 0900, or later, Monday to Friday.
  • From any station in London Zones 1-6 to most stations beyond Zone 6: Valid at 0930, or later, Monday to Friday. You will be able to travel before 0930 if your journey starts on a South West Trains service within London Zones 1-6.

Tickets are valid at any time during weekends and public holidays.

 

* Please use our online journey planner to check when you can travel. Off Peak tickets may be valid at different times depending on your journey or if it involves travel with another train company.

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Super Off Peak

These are flexible tickets offered during our quietest times of day and offer larger savings compared to Anytime and Off Peak tickets.

Tickets are available as Singles and Day Returns in Standard Class only on selected routes.

When is a Super Off Peak ticket valid?

Super Off Peak Day Single & Day Return

Ticket validityValid on the date printed on the ticket. All travel must be completed by 0429 the following day. 
Travel time*
  • Towards London Waterloo and any station in London Zones 1-6: Valid on trains arriving into London Waterloo at 1200, or later, Monday to Friday.
  • From London: Not valid if you board a train at: London Waterloo or Victoria between 1600 and 1900; Vauxhall between 1604 and 1904; Clapham Junction between 1607 and 1909. All times are inclusive, Monday to Friday.
  • Super Off-Peak Day Travelcards are valid from London Waterloo or Victoria, Vauxhall and Clapham Junction during the restricted times mentioned above, but only if your journey is wholly within London Zones 1-6.

Valid at any time during weekends and public holidays.

 

Super Off Peak Return

Outward ticket validityValid on the date printed on the ticket. All travel must be completed by 0429 the following day.
Return ticket validity

Valid for one calendar month, including the date printed on the ticket. All travel must be completed by 0429 the day after the ticket expires. (e.g. If a ticket is valid from 9 January, you must complete your journey by 0429 on 9 February.)

Travel timeValid travel times vary by train company - please use our online journey planner to check when you can travel.

 

* Please use our online journey planner to check when you can travel. Super Off Peak tickets may be valid at different times depending on your journey or if it involves travel with another train company.

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Advance

These are our cheapest fares for longer distance travel with fares starting from just £9 single.

Tickets are available as Singles only in First or Standard Class.

When is an Advance ticket valid?

This ticket has no flexibility in travel times and you must travel on your booked service(s).

Advance tickets go on sale up to 12 weeks before your date of travel and must be booked by 2359 on the day before travel. Tickets are sold subject to availability and the lowest price fare may not be offered on all services.

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The table below compares the different ticket types available on National Rail services.

 

AnytimeOff PeakSuper Off PeakAdvance
Available in First & Standard Class?YesYesYesYes
Available as Single, Day Return or period Return?YesYesYesSingle only
Does this ticket need pre-booking?No - buy in advance or just before travelNo - buy in advance or just before travelNo - buy in advance or just before travelYes - by 2359 the day before travel
Is this ticket flexible in when I can travel?Yes - travel any timeYes - travel after morning peakYes - only valid at certain times of dayNo - only valid on booked train(s)
Is this ticket refundable?YesYesYesNo
Are child and Railcard discounts available?YesYesYesYes
Full conditions available hereFull conditions available hereFull conditions available hereFull conditions available here