I am correct in my understanding that if I buy an Off-Peak Day Return ticket on National Rail (London Charing Cross to Canterbury West, if it matters), I can use the return portion at whatever off-peak time I would like? For example, if I have a return ticket for 18:30 from Canterbury to London, I could use it at 15:00 or 19:00 or whatever time I choose, as long as it is considered off-peak? The "disclaimer" reads: ROUTE OF TICKET NOT VALID ON HS1 - This ticket is not valid for use on High Speed Services. Tickets with the wording "Not valid on HS1" are not valid for travel on the High Speed Services but are valid on all other permitted routes between the named origin and destination. Thanks for your help!
Posted by
OP
Kansas City
132 posts
Also, is there any reason to buy these tickets ahead of time? Are they cheaper if bought far in advance? Will the price go up if I wait until we get to London and buy them a week ahead of using them?
Posted by
London, United Kingdom
4684 posts
Yes, an Off-Peak Day Return is valid on any train. The "NOT VALID ON HS1" disclaimer means that it can't be used on the high-speed trains that run over the Eurostar route to St Pancras.
Posted by
Oxford, United Kingdom
5456 posts
The restriction code on this ticket is B1, which means travel from London after 9:30 and return on any train. The latest you can return is 04:29 the following morning which I doubt is a problem. It would be £1.70 more if you wanted to leave before 9:30. No advance purchase fares on this route, so buying in advance would be for your own convenience only.
Posted by
OP
Kansas City
132 posts
Thank you both very much for the help!