Ocado delivery charges vary based on the day, time slot and total value of your order. Typically, delivery fees range from £2.99 to £6.99. The more flexible or off-peak your chosen slot is, the lower the charge tends to be. Orders over a certain value — usually £75 or more — may qualify for free delivery if booked during one of the cheaper windows. The delivery cost is clearly shown when you select your slot, and you won’t be charged until the order is confirmed.
How Do I Book a Delivery with Ocado
To book a delivery with Ocado, you’ll need to create an account and log in to the website or app. After filling your basket with the items you want, you’ll be prompted to select a delivery slot. Available slots are listed by date and time, with prices shown next to each one. Once you choose your preferred time, you can confirm your order and finalise payment. You can also amend your basket up to a certain deadline before the delivery is dispatched.
What Is a Smart Pass
Smart Pass is Ocado’s delivery subscription service. It allows regular customers to avoid individual delivery charges by paying a monthly or annual fee. Depending on the plan, you can unlock free delivery on orders over a certain amount, access priority booking during busy periods, and receive discounts on selected items. The pass pays for itself quickly if you shop frequently, especially during peak times when delivery charges are higher for non-members.
How Does Ocado Delivery Cost Compare with Other Supermarket Delivery Services
Compared to other UK supermarkets, Ocado delivery prices are competitive, though slightly higher on average for one-off bookings. However, the flexibility in slot pricing and the Smart Pass scheme make regular use more cost-effective. Unlike some supermarkets that have fixed delivery charges, Ocado adjusts its pricing based on time slots, which gives customers more control. The level of service is also often rated higher, with attention to punctuality, packaging and communication.
What Time Do Ocado Deliver
Ocado delivers seven days a week, usually between 5:30am and 11:30pm. The earliest slots are typically reserved for high-demand areas or Smart Pass users, while the latest slots are popular with customers who work during the day. When booking, you’ll be able to choose from available times based on your postcode and Ocado's local delivery routes. Weekend and evening slots tend to fill up quickly, particularly around holidays and sales events.
Do Ocado Have Time Slots
Yes, Ocado operates using bookable time slots. These are usually one-hour or two-hour windows, depending on demand and your location. When you book your delivery, you’ll see a list of available slots along with the cost for each one. Peak hours, such as evenings and weekends, are often priced higher than mid-morning or mid-afternoon options. The slot you select determines not only your delivery time but also how much you’ll pay for the service.
Do Ocado Provide a Time Window for Deliveries
Once your slot is confirmed, Ocado provides a delivery window and often narrows it further on the day of delivery. Customers usually receive an estimated one-hour window by text or email, along with real-time tracking through the app or website. This allows you to monitor your driver’s progress and prepare for the delivery. The accuracy of the window is one of the reasons Ocado is well-regarded for reliability.
Does the Delivery Fee Change After Booking
Ocado’s delivery fee is fixed once you confirm your time slot. Even if prices increase later or certain slots become more expensive, the fee you booked remains the same. However, if you change your delivery time or reschedule your order, the fee may adjust to reflect the new slot’s pricing. This flexibility allows customers to make changes without being penalised, as long as they’re aware of how pricing varies by time and day.
How Minimum Spend Affects Delivery Charges
Ocado typically requires a minimum order value of £40 for delivery, but some benefits — like free delivery through Smart Pass — only apply if you spend £75 or more. If your basket falls below these thresholds, you may still be able to book a delivery, but you'll pay the full slot charge. Falling below the minimum spend at checkout can also remove access to cheaper delivery windows or promotions, so it's worth keeping an eye on the total as you shop.
Are There Free Delivery Offers Without Smart Pass
Occasionally, Ocado offers free delivery promotions even for customers who don’t have a Smart Pass. These are usually tied to first-time orders, seasonal offers, or targeted email promotions. Some slots are also marked as free during quiet periods, especially midweek or early morning times. These offers appear directly within the delivery slot selection page and are automatically applied at checkout.
Does Ocado Charge More for Rural Deliveries
Ocado’s delivery costs are based on location, but not necessarily in the way many customers assume. The price is influenced by local route availability and delivery density, not just distance. In areas where there are fewer deliveries or longer gaps between stops, slot availability might be more limited, and fees may be higher. However, Ocado’s system dynamically adjusts pricing, meaning that even rural customers can sometimes access lower-cost slots if demand is low.
What Happens If You Miss Your Delivery Slot
If you miss your Ocado delivery, the driver will typically attempt to contact you or leave a note. In some cases, especially if the address is accessible, they may leave the order in a safe place, but this depends on the items and the customer’s delivery preferences. If a delivery fails entirely, Ocado may charge a missed delivery fee or refuse a refund on fresh or frozen goods. The full delivery fee is usually non-refundable once the delivery window has passed.
How Do Delivery Charges Affect Refunds or Cancellations
If you cancel your order before the cut-off time, the delivery charge is also cancelled. But if the cancellation is made after the processing deadline or the van is already en route, Ocado may keep the delivery fee and deduct it from your refund. Refund policies for individual items are handled separately, and delivery costs are not typically reimbursed unless the fault lies with Ocado, such as in cases of a failed delivery or incorrect items.
Summary
Ocado delivery charges are dynamic, responsive to location and timing, and influenced by basket size and subscription status. The system rewards flexibility — booking during quieter periods and meeting minimum spends can reduce or even eliminate the fee. While prices may appear slightly higher than some other supermarkets, the ability to customise your experience and track your order with accuracy gives many customers confidence in the value they’re getting.
Ocado delivery costs range from just under £3 to nearly £7 depending on your chosen slot and basket value. With options like the Smart Pass for frequent shoppers, and flexible time slots throughout the day, Ocado offers a well-organised delivery service with strong tracking and customer support. While it may be slightly more expensive than some competitors, the quality and control offered often justify the price for regular users.