Train peak times are usually before 10am and between 5pm and 7pm. Therefore if you’re getting on a long-ish train journey during peak time, and some portion of the journey is outside peak time; if you’re buying a return ticket you’re still paying a peak ticket price.

The simple solution

By following Trick Two above and split ticketing based on time as well as distance, you can ensure you’re only paying peak prices for the portion of the journey that is peak.

How much can you save… £65 on a Taunton to London peak train return.

As an example, on testing a Taunton to London return train leaving just after 8am, the standard cheap fare was £164. Yet splitting the ticket at Reading so the final portion is off-peak you can get the same journey for £99.

source: Money Saving Expert Forum