Big sale on UK train tickets

Millions of discounted train tickets for half-term activities, weekend getaways and commuting will be up for grabs next week, the government has announced.

The week-long Great British Rail Sale, running from 6 to 12 January 2026, will give passengers the chance to save well over 50% on many advance and off-peak tickets.

The reduced fares can be used to travel on thousands of popular routes between 13 January and 25 March 2026. Nearly all train operators are taking part, with routes spanning the length and breadth of Britain.

For those looking to visit museums or schedule meetings in the capital, £10 journeys are on offer from south coast destinations like Portsmouth to London Waterloo – that’s a 59% saving. Or for those planning a quick getaway abroad, journeys from Manchester Piccadilly to Manchester Airport will cost just £1.20, down from £2.90.

This is the fourth year of the Rail Sale, with last year’s sale saving passengers around £8 per journey. Last year, over a million tickets were sold, bringing in over £9 million in ticket sale revenue for the industry.

Some of the key routes on sale include:

St Pancras → Whitstable: £7.50 (was £15.10)

St Pancras → Canterbury: £8.10 (was £16.20)

Exeter → London Waterloo: £10.00 (was £41.70)
Portsmouth → London Waterloo: £10.00 (was £24.60)
Manchester Piccadilly → Manchester Airport: £1.20 (was £2.90)
Blackpool North → Manchester Piccadilly: £3.50 (was £7.90)
Bolton → Manchester Piccadilly: £1.00 (was £2.50)
Liverpool Lime Street → Wigan North Western: £1.60 (was £3.70)
Newcastle → Middlesbrough: £2.00 (was £5.20)
London Marylebone → Birmingham Moor Street: £7.00 (was £14.00)
Nottingham → London Terminals: £23.00 (was £46.00)
Sheffield → London Terminals: £25.50 (was £51.00)
Charing Cross → Tunbridge Wells: £4.00 (was £8.10)
Ashford International → Ramsgate: £2.70 (was £5.40)

“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,” said Patricia Yates, CEO of VisitBritain.

“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.”