The annual Government Rail Sale offering discounted tickets across the country is set to start on Tuesday 14th January.

With over 2 million tickets on offer, only valid for travel between January 17th and March 31st, the tickets are very likely to sell out fast, especially as off-peak fares will be marked up at 50% off the normal ticket prices.

An example of fares available during this sale will see passengers in Liverpool able to travel up to London for as little as £7, journeys from Preston to Edinburgh could cost as little as £8.40 each way, and a ticket from Nottingham to Manchester can be bought for under £10.

These discounted tickets will only be on sale from Tuesday, 14th January, to Monday, 20th January.

Last year’s rail sale was heralded as a massive success for rail passengers who collectively saved £5.8m in fares combined.

As part of Railway 200 this year, the Government has tasked the rail industry with delivering an even larger offer of cheaper tickets for passengers and encouraging more people to travel by train on the railways during its bi-centenary year. 

The rail industry has responded by offering 2 million tickets for sale, over treble the number of discounted tickets that went on sale in 2024, which saw an increase of 440,000 individual journeys taken across the country between January and March 2024.

To top it off not only are Transport for Wales and ScotRail are also getting involved in the sale offering a fantastic opportunity for cheap travel across vast distances right across the UK.

But train companies are also running more frequent services offering more seats and faster journey times thanks to major changes made to the timetables which began last December.

The railways are crucial for connecting individuals and businesses throughout the UK, offering employment and education opportunities.

Increasing the number of people using the rail network is a central aspect of the government’s mission to lay strong foundations and stimulate economic growth through greener more sustainable travel.

This annual sale shows the government’s commitment to prioritising passengers’ welfare in rail services by ensuring that working people have that bit more money in their pockets.

With several journeys, up to 50% off, 2025 is the perfect time to bond and make lasting memories with family and friends by exploring more of Great Britain in the railway’s double centenary year.

“I’m launching the biggest ever rail sale so more passengers can get big discounts on train tickets to visit destinations across the country.

“Whether you’re planning a getaway or wanting to visit friends or family, this sale offers huge reductions on all sorts of journeys.

“Make the most of this sale, get your tickets while you can!”

Secretary of State Heidi Alexander