Great British Rail Sale Returns With Savings of Over 50 Per Cent
Millions of discounted train tickets will go on sale next week as part of a nationwide promotion aimed at encouraging travel for leisure, commuting and short breaks. The Great British Rail Sale will run for seven days from 6 to 12 January 2026, offering savings of more than 50 per cent on a wide range of advance and off-peak fares.
The reduced prices will apply to journeys taking place between 13 January and 25 March 2026, covering thousands of routes across the country. Almost all train operating companies are participating, with discounted tickets available for travel spanning England, Scotland and Wales.
Among the deals on offer are £10 fares from south coast destinations such as Portsmouth to London Waterloo, representing a saving of nearly 60 per cent. Elsewhere, passengers travelling between Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Airport will be able to buy tickets for as little as £1.20, down from the usual £2.90.
The sale coincides with a government decision to freeze rail fares for the first time in three decades, a move designed to help ease cost-of-living pressures. Ministers say the discounts form part of a broader effort to make rail travel more affordable and attractive.
Alongside the sale, the government is pressing ahead with reforms to Britain’s railways through the creation of Great British Railways. The new publicly owned body will bring together 17 organisations under a single structure, with the aim of reducing bureaucracy and delivering more reliable services for passengers.
This year marks the fourth Great British Rail Sale. In 2025, more than one million tickets were sold, saving passengers an average of around £8 per journey and generating more than £9 million in revenue for the rail industry.
Ministers also continue to promote rail as a lower-carbon alternative to driving, highlighting its role in reducing emissions and easing pressure on roads by shifting journeys away from cars.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said:
"The Rail Sale is back – and it means further discounts for passengers as we freeze rail fares for the first time in 3 decades to help ease the cost of living. We all want to see cheaper rail travel, so whether you’re planning a half-term getaway, or visiting friends or family, this sale offers huge reductions. It’s all part of our plans to build a railway owned by the public, that works for the public."
Jacqueline Starr, Executive Chair and CEO of Rail Delivery Group, said:
"The Rail Sale gives people even more reasons to choose rail, whether it’s reconnecting with loved ones or exploring new places. Rail continues to play a vital role in the lives of millions, supporting local economies and offering a more sustainable way to travel. This year’s Rail Sale will offer millions of discounted advance fares across the network from 6 January, giving customers the chance to save on journeys big and small. By making rail travel more accessible, we hope even more people will enjoy the convenience and comfort of travelling by rail."
Patricia Yates, CEO of VisitBritain, said:
"The new year provides the perfect opportunity to hop onto a train and explore Britain’s great tourism treasures sustainably, boosting the economy by supporting our fantastic visitor experiences and attractions. Whether it’s a cultural break in one of our vibrant regional cities, a set jetting stay at a world-famous filming backdrop or the friendly welcome from our picturesque coastal and rural destinations, Britain has something for everyone to enjoy, creating memories of a lifetime for visitors."
Image: Gov.UK