Northern is encouraging schools, clubs, and friendship groups to swap a cramped minibus for the train this autumn, offering discounts of up to 30% for groups of ten or more. The operator’s Group Travel Sale, open for bookings until 26 October, covers journeys taken between 20 October and 31 December 2025, giving groups the opportunity to save on advance tickets.

Whether it’s a festive day out in Leeds, a seaside visit to the Blackpool Illuminations, or a hen party in York, Northern is making it cheaper and easier to travel together. Groups can secure savings of up to 30% by completing a short form on Northern’s website, after which the Group Travel Team will provide a tailored quote and an easy method to confirm and pay.

School and youth groups can also take advantage of special rates, saving up to 40% when travelling with teachers or group leaders. Alex Hornby, commercial and customer director at Northern, said: "Northern connects hundreds of destinations across the North, and our latest group sale is all about getting people out exploring together. When you factor in all of the costs of using a minibus, whether that's a private hire or self-drive, the cost of fuel, parking, traffic and stress means it just makes sense to travel by train instead - and now it's much cheaper, too."

The Group Travel Sale is valid exclusively on Northern services and applies to advance tickets only. Terms and conditions apply, and discounts are subject to availability. Northern is the second largest train operator in the UK, running 2,650 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.

Image: Northern