Millions of discounted train tickets available in Great British Rail Sale
- Safer Highways
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
Passengers will be able to snap up millions of discounted train tickets next week during the Great British Rail Sale, running from 6 to 12 January 2026.
The week-long event offers savings of more than 50% on a wide range of advance and off-peak fares.
Tickets purchased during the sale can be used for travel between 13 January and 25 March 2026, with nearly all train operators taking part and routes covering destinations across Britain.
Travelers can take advantage of deals such as £10 trips from Portsmouth to London Waterloo, representing a 59% saving, or journeys from Manchester Piccadilly to Manchester Airport for just £1.20, down from £2.90.
The sale comes as the government freezes rail fares for the first time in 30 years, aiming to ease the cost of living for passengers. At the same time, Britain’s rail network is undergoing reform with the creation of Great British Railways (GBR), a new publicly owned organisation that will consolidate 17 separate entities under a single management structure. Officials say GBR will streamline decision-making and improve reliability for passengers.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said:“The Rail Sale is back, offering passengers further savings as we freeze fares for the first time in three decades. Whether planning a short getaway or visiting friends and family, the sale makes rail travel more affordable. It’s all part of our commitment to a publicly owned railway that works for the people.”
This year marks the fourth Rail Sale, following last year’s event in which over 1 million tickets were sold and passengers saved an average of £8 per journey.
Rail travel is promoted as a fast and environmentally friendly alternative to driving, helping to reduce carbon emissions and free up road space for freight and emergency services.
Jacqueline Starr, Executive Chair and CEO of the Rail Delivery Group, added:“The Rail Sale encourages more people to travel by train, whether to reconnect with loved ones or explore new destinations. Rail plays a key role in supporting local economies while offering a more sustainable way to get around.”
VisitBritain CEO Patricia Yates highlighted the tourism benefits:“The start of the year is a perfect time to explore Britain by train. From vibrant cities to scenic coasts and rural escapes, this sale makes it easier for visitors to experience Britain’s attractions sustainably, boosting the local economy in the process.”
Selected fare examples from the Rail Sale
Journey | Sale Price | Standard Price | Saving |
St Pancras to Whitstable | £7.50 | £15.10 | 50% |
St Pancras to Canterbury | £8.10 | £16.20 | 50% |
Exeter to London Waterloo | £10.00 | £41.70 | 76% |
Portsmouth to London Waterloo | £10.00 | £24.60 | 59% |
Manchester Piccadilly to Manchester Airport | £1.20 | £2.90 | 59% |
Blackpool North to Manchester Piccadilly | £3.50 | £7.90 | 56% |
Bolton to Manchester Piccadilly | £1.00 | £2.50 | 60% |
Liverpool Lime Street to Wigan North Western | £1.60 | £3.70 | 57% |
Newcastle to Middlesbrough | £2.00 | £5.20 | 62% |
London Marylebone to Birmingham Moor Street | £7.00 | £14.00 | 50% |
Nottingham to London Terminals | £23.00 | £46.00 | 50% |
Sheffield to London Terminals | £25.50 | £51.00 | 50% |
Charing Cross to Tunbridge Wells | £4.00 | £8.10 | 51% |
Ashford International to Ramsgate | £2.70 | £5.40 | 50% |