Does Network Railcard work in peak times?

The Network Railcard is designed to promote off-peak leisure travel. This means that it encourages people to use trains outside of the busy commuting period which occurs before 10:00am Monday to Friday.



The Network Railcard in 2026 remains a powerful tool for savings in London and the South East, but it is strictly designed for off-peak travel. Standardly, the card's 1/3 discount is not valid before 10:00 AM from Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays). This means you cannot use the discount for the primary morning commute. Furthermore, a minimum fare of £13 applies to all journeys made on weekdays; if your discounted ticket would have cost less than £13, you must pay the minimum £13 regardless. On weekends and bank holidays, there are no time restrictions, and the minimum fare does not apply, making it ideal for leisure trips. Travelers in 2026 should be aware that while some other railcards (like the 16-25 or Senior Railcard) have "minimum fare" exceptions during peak months or for specific high-value tickets, the Network Railcard maintains its strict 10:00 AM barrier to manage capacity on the busiest commuter lines in the UK.

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A: Yes, providing your ticket type is valid during the evening peak you should be able to travel. The only restriction with the Two Together Railcard is during the morning peak period.

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You can travel on Two Together Railcard discounted tickets from 09:30am Monday to Friday and at any time on weekends and public holidays. Two Together Railcard discounted tickets cannot be used between 04:30am and 09:29am Monday to Fridays (excluding public holidays).

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Can I use my Network Railcard to buy tickets for other people? A: You can purchase tickets for yourself and up to three adults travelling with you and they will also get up to 1/3 off their rail fare. Plus, you can take up to four children (aged 5 to 15 years) with you and save 60% on each child fare.

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A: Yes, you can. Simply click 'Buy Now on the website homepage to get started. When you get to the question 'Choose the type of Railcard you would like' select 'Digital' and follow the instructions on the screen to complete your purchase.

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You cannot buy Network Railcard discounted tickets for journeys wholly on the London Underground and Docklands Light Railway. However discounted tickets bought for cross-London rail journeys which involve travel on the London Underground are permitted.

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To link your Oyster card and railcard, you need to take your Oyster card and your railcard to an Underground station, Overground ticket office or some National Rail ticket offices and ask the clerk to add your discount entitlement to your Oyster card. It will be valid until the expiry of the railcard.

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Off-peak electricity hours typically happen around 10am to 5pm and 9pm to 6am, the times when people are out of the house or asleep. Saturdays and Sundays typically count as off-peak periods no matter the season, and some utility companies also include holidays occurring during the week in their off-peak rates.

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A Super Off-Peak Day Travelcard allow customers to travel to London and enjoy unlimited travel throughout London on National Rail, London Underground, Docklands Light Railway, Tramlink and London Bus services within Fare Zones 1-6.

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What is a Network Railcard? A Network Railcard is a discount card that makes train travel cheaper for anyone in the Network Railcard area (London and the South-East of England) for a whole year.

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A Family Railcard can be used anywhere in Great Britain (all train companies) whereas a Network Railcard is valid in the London and South East area. Remember a Railcard lasts a whole year so you can use it again for future trips.

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The Senior Railcard is a Railcard specifically for senior citizens. It gives people aged 60 and over 1/3 off train fares throughout Great Britain.

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Railcards live in your account in the Trainline app so you can use them on any of your compatible devices.

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Time Restrictions The only time you can't use your Two Together Railcard is at morning peak times, ie before 0930 Monday to Friday. Remember, on weekends and public holidays this restriction doesn't apply, so you can get out and start having adventures whatever time you like.

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Get 1/3 off rail fares when you travel together with the new Two Together Railcard. The new Two Together Railcard gives two named adults 1/3 off rail fares when they travel together by train.

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The Two Together Railcard is for two adults (people aged 16 or over) travelling together. It gives no discount on child fares. If you are an adult travelling with a child then the Family & Friends Railcard is the Railcard you need.

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