Rail tickets go on half price sale for first time

Over a million rail tickets will sold at half price for journeys between 25th April to 27th May in a first-of-its-kind sale, organised by the government and rail operators.

The sale, which launches today (19th April), will see up to half price rates available for off-peak tickets nationwide when purchased from participating retailers. The Great British Rail Sale is the first time multiple operators have come together to coordinate savings for rail passengers nationally.

Only off-peak rail tickets will be reduced in the sale; prices for tickets at peak times (before 10am, and around 5pm in some areas) will remain unchanged.

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 one million discounted tickets, so they can explore some of the fantastic locations that are accessible by rail.”

The government has backed the sale on rail tickets as part of its efforts to mitigate the impact of the rising cost of living on passengers, as well as to encourage people to visit different places, connect with friends and loved ones, and get out and about around the country following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Under reforms for the railways announced last year through the Williams-Shapps Plan for Rail, future network-wide sales of tickets are expected to occur more frequently in future.