To ask how you tell if a train is off peak or not?!

[turninginsideout]

I’ve bought a train ticket for a trip to the airport next month. I misjudged the arrival time (I thought my flight was two hours later than it was 😂 type B personality shining through) and the train would get me there too late. I have an off peak return.

How do I tell which of the earlier trains I can get?! It seems impossible to tell!

Surely trainline uses the same source info as the rail companies

Maybe but I always think it makes much more sense to rely on information directly from a company (ie the rail company) than a middle man (trainline).
Trainline isn't always accurate and they don't represent the rail companies so I wouldn't 100% rely on their information.

I think it does vary with the train companies.
When I use SWR super off peak travel starts at midday and is valid all day on Sunday.
So on that basis you could get any later train if you miss the 1240 but not one before 12.
When I travel with GWR or CC there are only off peak tickets available.
There are also some odd anomalies that allow you to travel slightly earlier

When travelling to London you are unable to arrive before 930/10am using off peak tickets, rather than basing it on the time you leave your station.

I use the SWR app plan your journey which shows the ticket price and easy to see when the price goes into the off peak period.

Go on the National Rail website. Put in your journey. The peak trains will be the ones that are more expensive. Any of the trains which are the same price as you paid, should be ok.