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Our ticket types explained
Don’t know the difference between tickets? This quick guide explains our ticket types so you can find the right option for your journey
Some of our ticket types
Are you confused about what ticket is the best value for your journey? We’ve created this quick guide so you can compare and find the right ticket for you.
If you’re a railcard holder, don’t forget that you can also enjoy 1/3 off the price of many of our standard tickets.
| Fare |
Ticket types |
Best for... |
Time valid from... |
Great for... |
Refunds available? |
Railcard discount available? |
Available to buy on the day or earlier? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advance ticket |
eTickets |
Lowest prices | Booked Train only | Passengers who are meeting up with friends which has been in calendar for weeks in advance. | N | Y | Limited availability, up to midnight the day before travel |
| Off-Peak ticket | eTickets Key Smartcard Paper Tickets |
Lower fares avoiding rush hour |
Varies from station Check online Journey Planners |
Passengers avoiding rush hour services |
Y |
Y (Minimum fare applies) |
Y |
| Super Off-Peak ticket | eTickets
Key Smartcard |
Lower fares travelling after 10am on a weekday or anytime at the weekend. (Not available at stations where Contactless is available) |
After 10am Monday-Friday Anytime Weekends and Bank Holidays |
Passengers who are travelling further on our network but are happy to travel after 10am |
Y | Y | Y |
| Anytime ticket |
eTickets |
Travelling at any time of the day | No time restrictions | Passengers who wish to be flexible about the time they travel. | Y | Y (Minimum fare applies) | Y |
| Season ticket |
Key Smartcard sTickets Paper Tickets (paper photocard required) |
Travelling 4 or more times at peak time per week | No time restrictions | Passengers travelling to work at peak times but also want the flexibility to travel whenever they want | Y | 16-17 Saver & Job Centre Plus Railcards only | Up to 28 days prior on Key cards For paper tickets - after 12.00 the day before travel |
| Flexi Season ticket |
Key Smartcard sTickets |
8 Days of travel in a 28-day period | No time restrictions | Passengers who still have to go to the office 2/3 times per week | Y | 16-17 Saver & Job Centre Plus Railcards only | Y |
| Contactless |
Apple Pay |
Travel wholly within London Travelcard zones 1-9 and selected stations outside London, please check journey planners and Transport for London maps. This includes a few SE stations* | AM Peak 0700-0930 PM Peak 1600-1900 |
Passengers travelling about in and about London and to selected stations on the SE network* and are unsure of how much or little travel they will be doing. (Daily/weekly capping available) | Through TFL – online account will be needed | N | N (For travel immediately) |
| Oyster | Oyster card |
Travel wholly within London Travelcard zones 1-9 |
AM Peak 0700-0930 PM Peak 1600-1900 |
Passengers travelling in and about London but are unsure of how much or little travel they will be doing. (Daily/weekly capping available) |
Through TFL – online account will be needed |
N | N (For travel immediately) |
*Southeastern Stations that Contactless will be available at outside London: Eynsford, Shoreham Kent, Otford, Bat & Ball, Dunton Green and Sevenoaks – Oyster cards are NOT valid at these stations.