More routes. More seats. More savings.
The Great British Rail Sale is back for 2026 and this year it’s bigger, broader, and packed with more bargain fares than your morning coffee queue could dream of. Over 3 million discounted tickets are being released across England, Wales, and Scotland, with up to 50% off selected Advance and Off-Peak fares.
That means winter trips, long-overdue catch-ups, and early-year escapes suddenly got a whole lot easier on your wallet.
And yes, Raileasy automatically finds the sale fares for you. No codes, no hunting, no “is this actually discounted or is it just smaller font?” nonsense.
Key Dates to Know
Sale window: 6–12 January 2026
Travel window: 13 January – 25 March 2026
Advance purchase rule: Tickets must be bought at least 3–7 days before you travel (varies by operator).
As soon as the sale goes live, Rail Sale tickets will appear automatically in your Raileasy search results. Just run your journey as normal and look for the Great British Rail Sale icon.
What Tickets Are Included?
The sale covers a wide selection of routes across Britain, with discounts on:
Selected Advance tickets
Perfect if you know exactly which train you’re taking. These are often the cheapest fares anyway — so knocking off up to 50% makes them hard to beat.
Advance tickets are tied to a specific train.
Selected Off-Peak tickets
(Where Advance fares aren’t available). You still get a cheaper fare and more flexibility, as long as you avoid the busiest times.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Railcard discounts don’t apply to sale fares
- Quantities are limited
- Not every route, time, or operator is included
Participating operators range across Britain - including Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, GWR, LNER, Northern, Transport for Wales, and West Midlands Railway.
How to Spot Sale Fares on Raileasy
If your date and route fall within the sale window and discounted seats are still available, they’ll appear instantly in your results with a clear label.
If you don’t see any sale fares, it might be because:
- Your operator or route isn't participating
- The allocation for your service has sold out
- You're searching within the 3-7 day cut off window
Tips to Get the Very Best Fares
1. Search early
These tickets move fast. Popular routes? Even faster.
2. Explore flexible times
Moving your departure by even half an hour can unlock cheaper seats.
3. Try alternative routes
Raileasy automatically checks different combinations, including split-ticket options, so you don’t have to.
4. Let the fares inspire you
Many people discover a new favourite place thanks to a sale fare they weren’t even looking for.
The start of the year can be tough on the wallet, but travelling by train keeps adventures affordable and eco-friendly. With up to 50% off and our split-ticketing engine working behind the scenes, now is the perfect time to snag a bargain and explore more of Britain.
Why Book Through Raileasy?
Because we make the whole thing easier.
- We automatically pull in Rail Sale tickets
- We show sale fares, split fares, and standard fares together so you can compare
- We highlight when tickets are running low
- We give you one clean, simple booking flow - no jumping between operators
With up to 50% off plus our split-ticketing engine running in the background, this is one of the most cost-effective times of the year to book rail travel.
Want to save even more on future journeys?
A Railcard is one of the simplest ways to cut your travel costs, and you can buy yours directly through us. It’s quick, digital, and ready to use straight away no plastic cards, no waiting. Just easy, reliable savings every time you book.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Great British Rail Sale 2026?
The Great British Rail Sale 2026 is a nationwide promotion offering up to 50% off selected Advance and Off-Peak tickets on over 3 million journeys across England, Wales and Scotland. Discounted tickets are released in limited numbers and are available only on certain routes and services within the sale period.
When can I buy Great British Rail Sale tickets and when can I travel?
You can buy Great British Rail Sale tickets between 6 and 12 January 2026. Those tickets are valid for travel from 13 January to 25 March 2026, subject to the route and service being included in the promotion.
Do I have to buy my Rail Sale ticket in advance?
Yes. Great British Rail Sale tickets must be bought in advance, typically at least 3–7 days before you travel, depending on the train operator. There are no same-day walk-up Rail Sale fares at the station.
Which tickets are included in the Great British Rail Sale?
The sale covers selected Advance and Off-Peak tickets on participating routes. Where a train company does not sell Advance fares, they may instead discount certain Off-Peak tickets. Not every fare, route or time of day is included.
How do I find Great British Rail Sale tickets on Raileasy?
Search your journey on Raileasy as normal for dates within the travel window. If sale fares exist for your route and time, they will appear in your results and be clearly marked as Great British Rail Sale tickets. No promo code is needed.
Can I use a Railcard with Great British Rail Sale tickets?
No. Railcard discounts cannot be applied to Great British Rail Sale tickets, and no other discounts can be stacked on top of them. Your Railcard will still work on any non-sale tickets in the same journey, and on trips outside the sale.
Are Great British Rail Sale tickets refundable or changeable?
In normal circumstances, Rail Sale tickets are non-refundable and are valid only on the date and train shown on your ticket or for the specific journey you booked. You can usually change the time or date before your first train departs by paying any fare difference plus the relevant change fee.
What happens if my Great British Rail Sale train is cancelled or delayed?
If your booked service is cancelled or significantly delayed, you may be able to travel on an alternative train or claim a refund in line with the National Rail Conditions of Travel. You may also be eligible for Delay Repay compensation from the train operator if your journey is heavily disrupted.
Why can’t I see any Great British Rail Sale tickets for my journey?
If you do not see Rail Sale fares, it may be because your route or preferred time is not included, or because the limited allocation has already sold out. Trying different times, dates or nearby stations can sometimes reveal remaining discounted tickets.
Can I buy Great British Rail Sale tickets at a station ticket office?
The promotion is mainly online, with sale fares sold through participating train companies and ticket retailers. If you need to buy at a ticket office or require extra assistance, you should contact the train company you plan to travel with to check what is possible.
Can I use Great British Rail Sale tickets for commuting or everyday trips?
Yes. You can use Rail Sale tickets for any journey purpose, including commuting, as long as you travel on the date and service shown or on the exact journey you booked. Remember that availability on busy commuter trains is limited.