Train tickets are extortionate in the UK. And, sorry to burst everyone’s bubble, but fare freezes and renationalising the railway aren’t going to magically fix that overnight. But if you’re keen to avoid travelling on buses around the country this winter, then you’re in luck, as The Great British Rail Sale is bringing down prices.
From today until next Monday (January 6 to 12, 2026), you can book millions of discounted train tickets—with the chance to save over 50% on many advance and off-peak tickets. Nearly all train operators are taking part, with routes spanning the whole of Britain.
Whether you’re commuting to work, planning a romantic weekend getaway or looking for half-term activities with the kids, the reduced fares can be used on thousands of routes between January 13 and March 15, 2026. This is the fourth year of the Great British Rail Sale, bringing in over £9 million in ticket sales revenue last year.
“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,” said Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander. “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.”
Key discounts:
Why not visit the city of London? Tickets are currently £7 from Liverpool Lime Street to London Euston! Or you can hop on a train to Birmingham for just £5.70. With last year’s sale saving passengers around £8 per journey, key discounts around the country this year include:
- St Pancras to Whitstable, £7.50 (50% saving)
- St Pancras to Canterbury, £8.10 (50% saving)
- Exeter to London Waterloo, £10.00 (76% saving)
- Portsmouth to London Waterloo, £10.00 (59% saving)
- Manchester Piccadilly to Manchester Airport, £1.20 (59% saving)
- Blackpool North to Manchester Piccadilly, £3.50 (56% saving)
- Bolton to Manchester Piccadilly, £1.00 (60% saving)
- Liverpool Lime Street to Wigan North Western, £1.60 (57% saving)
- Newcastle to Middlesbrough, £2.00 (62% saving)
- London Marylebone to Birmingham Moor Street, £7.00 (50% saving)
- Nottingham to London Terminals, £23.00 (50% saving)
- Sheffield to London Terminals, £25.50 (50% saving)
- Charing Cross to Tunbridge Wells, £4.00 (51% saving)
- Ashford International to Ramsgate, £2.70 (50% saving)
How does the Great British Rail Sale work?
Book between January 6 and 12, 2026, for travel between January 13 and March 25, 2026. Tickets must be bought at least 3-7 days before travel, and are mainly available online. To see how much you can save on your train journey, head here.