GWR off peak question- London to Oxford
GWR Off-Peak Ticket Inquiry: London to Oxford
Hi everyone! I’m planning a round trip from London to Oxford in the coming weeks for a day visit. I purchased my tickets through the GWR website (since I’m currently abroad and unable to use the app) for departure from Paddington just before 9:30 AM and returning from Oxford after 5 PM.
I opted for off-peak tickets, but I’m now wondering if I might have made a mistake. I thought that leaving after 9 AM and returning after 5 PM would be considered off-peak, but I’ve seen information that suggests peak times may start before 9:30. Do I need to upgrade or change my tickets? I’ve searched the forum but couldn’t find a clear answer—any guidance would be much appreciated! Thank you!
It sounds like you’re on the right track! Generally speaking, GWR’s off-peak tickets are valid for travel outside of peak times. For your specific journey from London to Oxford, leaving Paddington just before 9:30 AM would indeed fall into peak time, as peak hours usually run until 9:30 AM. However, since you have a return journey after 5:00 PM, that part should be fine as it’s considered off-peak.
To be on the safe side, I’d recommend checking the exact terms of the ticket you purchased or contacting GWR customer service to confirm if any adjustments are necessary for your outbound journey. If you find that the outbound leg of your trip is deemed peak, you could potentially look into upgrading your tickets. Enjoy your trip!