Great British Rail Sale - how to save big on train journeys

The Great British Rail Sale is back for the fourth year in a row. It kicks off today (6 January) and lasts until Monday next week (12 January).

Whether you’re looking to make next week’s commute that little bit cheaper or hoping for a budget-friendly half-term family getaway, there are plenty of deals to be had.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “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.”

Over a million tickets were sold last year, with passengers saving around £8 per journey. This year is also the first time in three decades the government has frozen rail fares which will make train travel that little bit cheaper overall.

Want to slash the cost of rail journeys? Read on to find out how to save during the week long event.

What’s the deal?

Here’s everything you need to know about the Great British Rail Sale:

• When can you buy tickets? - From 6 to 12 January 2026, you can snap up cut-price rail fares.
• When can you travel? - Journeys must be between 13 January and 25 March 2026.
• Who’s in on it? - Nearly all UK train companies are playing ball; this means huge routes and major savings.
• What tickets are included? - Get around 50% off on over 3 million selected Advance and Off-Peak train tickets

What savings can you bag?

Usual savings are roughly £8 per journey, with plenty of options for city trips, half-term days out, or sneaky weekend breaks.

But there are some stand out deals that really show just how much you can save if you act quick:

• Exeter to London Waterloo – was £41.70, now £10, save 76%
• Portsmouth to London Waterloo – was £24.60, now £10, save 59%
• Manchester Piccadilly to Manchester Airport – was £2.90, now £.120, save 59%
• Manchester Victoria to London Euston – was £43.50, now £28.50, save 35%
• Blackpool North to Manchester Piccadilly – was £7.90, now £3.50, save 56%

The best deals will sell out fast so it’s worth booking quick to avoid disappointment.

How to nab the best fares

Want to make the most of the sale? Make sure you play by the rules.

• Book between 6th to 12th January – that's your window
• Pick Advance or Off-Peak tickets – they'll show up with the Rail Sale badge
• Book early – sale prices apply on tickets booked 3-7 days before your travel depending on the operator
• Be flexible with dates or times – this will give you the best deals

You can browse deals on the National Rail website or go to your preferred operator too. There are lots of options available on sites like Trainline as well. It's worth checking a couple of different sites to make sure you're seeing all the best deals.