The Government and rail industry have launched Britain’s biggest-ever rail sale with savings of up to 50% on the cost of train tickets.

Over one million rail tickets are available, with the up to half-price rate applying to a huge range of off-peak tickets across the length and breadth of the country.

The public is encouraged to take advantage of this unprecedented sale, which for the first time sees multiple operators come together to offer nationwide savings.

Tickets can be purchased online from participating retailers, and go on sale from today, 19th April, with the discounted tickets available for travel from 25th April to 27th May.

Savings on offer for off-peak tickets include:

• York to Leeds: was £5.60, NOW £2.80;
• London to Edinburgh: was £44, NOW £22;
• London to Cardiff: was £47, NOW £25;
• Wolverhampton to Liverpool: was £10.50, NOW £5.25;
• Manchester to Newcastle: was £20.60, NOW £10.30;
• Birmingham New Street to Bristol Temple Meads: was £25.30, NOW £12.60;
• Portsmouth Harbour to Penzance was £45.70, NOW £22.00.

For more information, see https://greatbritishrailsale.nationalrail.co.uk/

Cutting the cost of rail travel will help ease some of the pressure on family finances at a time when inflation is rising around the world. It will also encourage people to visit different places, connect with friends and loved ones, and get out and about around the country.

Reforms to the rail sector through the Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail mean that network-wide sales of tickets can occur more easily in the future.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said:

“For the first time ever, operators across the rail industry are coming together to help passengers facing rising costs of living by offering up to 50% off more than a million tickets on journeys across Britain.

“There’s no better time to visit friends, family, or just explore our great country, so book your tickets today.”

Jacqueline Starr, CEO of the Rail Delivery Group, said:

“We want everyone to be able to benefit from travelling by train because it’s more than just a journey, it’s a way to connect everyone to the people, places, and things they love.

“As part of the Great British Rail Sale customers will enjoy over 1 million discounted tickets, so they can explore some of the fantastic locations that are accessible by rail”.

The Government is listening to people’s concerns about rising costs and is taking action worth more than £22 billion in 2022-23 alone – which includes support with the cost of energy bills and to help to ensure people keep more of their money. Offering half-price rail tickets is one of the ways the Government is further supporting families with the cost of living.