Peak and off-peak fares in London 2026: when travel is cheaper

In London the price of a single journey on the Tube, DLR, Overground and Elizabeth line depends on the time of day: dearer in the peak, cheaper otherwise. Planning a trip for off-peak times can save a noticeable amount on every journey.

When do peak fares apply?

Peak fares apply on weekdays, Monday to Friday, in two windows: in the morning from 06:30 to 09:30 and in the evening from 16:00 to 19:00. The evening peak only counts if you touch in during that window and are travelling from a London station; travelling toward a London station in the evening, you pay the off-peak fare.

ADV · A001ONLYWAY JEWELRY — gold, silver and platinumRings, chains, bracelets, earrings and pendants. Delivery across the UK.Advertise here

When is travel cheaper?

Every other time is off-peak: weekdays before 06:30, between 09:30 and 16:00, after 19:00, and all weekends and bank holidays. Single fares are lower then. From 1 March 2026 a zone 1 peak single is £3.10 (up from £2.90), while the off-peak single is cheaper.

How does the peak relate to the fare cap?

Even if you travel in the peak, the daily cap still applies: you will not be charged more in a day than your zone's limit (for example £8.90 for zones 1–2). So on busy days your overpayment is capped automatically. Individual peak journeys still cost more, but the cap stops your bill rising without limit.

How to pay without overpaying

Touch the same contactless card or device in and out on every journey, so both the fare and the cap are counted correctly. Where you can, shift a trip 10–15 minutes outside the peak window: this often moves the whole journey onto the cheaper rate. Buses and trams are a flat £1.75 at any time, so the hour of day does not change them.

What else affects the price of a journey?

The price also depends on how many zones you cross and which operator you use: some National Rail routes through London have their own peak rules, so check your specific stations. Railcard holders can get up to a third off many off-peak pay-as-you-go fares when the Railcard is linked to an Oyster. Children and Londoners aged 60+ have separate deals. On buses and trams the fare is flat, so off-peak only saves on the Tube, DLR, Overground and Elizabeth line. Plan errands and appointments for the middle of the day or the weekend to stay on the cheaper rate.

You can check the exact fares for your stations in TfL's fares section.