Britons travelling by train can get tickets from £2.60 as rail fares slashed - but you must be quick

Rail prices will be slashed next week

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Sarra Gray

By Sarra Gray


Published: 10/01/2025

- 12:31

Britons can save up to 50 per cent on rail fares as part of the Great British Rail Sale

Britons looking to travel across the UK have been told how they could save by taking the train.

Millions of train tickets will be available at half price across Britain next week as the Government launches its biggest-ever national rail sale, coinciding with the 200th anniversary of the country's railways.


From January 14, passengers can purchase selected advance and off-peak tickets at up to 50 per cent off for travel between January 17 and March 31, 2025.

The sale includes thousands of popular routes across almost all UK train operators, including Transport for Wales and ScotRail, offering discounted journeys throughout the UK.

Train in station

Britons can enjoy discounts when travelling across the UK

GETTY

Passengers could travel from Liverpool to London for as little as £7, while a journey from Preston to Edinburgh could cost just £8.40.

A ticket from Nottingham to Manchester will be available for under £10 during the week-long sale period. The discounted tickets will be available from January 14 to January 20, but rail operators warn that availability is limited.

Passengers are being urged to act quickly to secure the reduced fares, as the offers will be available only while stocks last.

The initiative aims to encourage more people to travel by train and follows the success of last year's sale.

Secretary of State Heidi Alexander said: "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."

The Government has tasked the rail industry with delivering an even bigger sale this year, following savings of around £5.8million for passengers in last year's initiative.

Last year's rail sale proved highly successful, with more than 600,000 tickets sold, generating £5.1million in ticket sales. The initiative resulted in an additional 440,000 rail journeys across the country.

This year's sale coincides with Railway 200, marking two centuries since the first steam-powered passenger train service.

Celebrations of Britain's railway heritage are expected throughout 2025, recognising the country's position as the birthplace of modern rail travel.

The anniversary events will highlight rail's continuing role in supporting local economies and providing critical infrastructure across the nation.

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\u200bAn East Midlands Trains service

Britons can save if travelling before the end of March

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Chief executive of Rail Delivery Group Jacqueline Starr said: "This year, as we celebrate 200 years of railways in the UK, we’re reminded that rail travel is about much more than simply getting from A to B - it’s about bringing people, communities and opportunities together. Over two centuries, rail has become a vital part of the UK, shaping the economy and lives of millions.

"The year’s rail sale will offer over two million discounted advance fares starting on 14 January 2025, which is a great way to save on your travel and celebrate 200 years of railway connections."

Some example fares have been shared showing where Britons can get the best deals.

JourneySale priceFull price
St Pancras to Whitstable£7.20£11.30
Ashford to Ramsgate£2.60£5.20
Leeds to Manchester Airport£5.90£11.90
Newcastle to Carlisle£6£12
Liverpool to London Euston£7£14
Nottingham to Manchester£9.20£18.50
Leeds to Sheffield£3.60£7.20
London to Edinburgh£26.15£62.50
Aberdeen to Edinburgh (Scotrail)£14.50£29.00
Glasgow to Inverness (Scotrail)£14.10£28.10
Preston to Edinburgh£8.40£16.80
London to Newcastle£23.60£52.10

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