More routes, more seats, more savings. Over 3 million discounted tickets are being released across England, Wales, and Scotland, and yes, up to 50 percent off selected Advance and Off-Peak fares.
For one week only, you can bag bargain seats for winter trips, overdue catch ups, or early-year adventures without stretching the budget.
Key dates
Sale window: 6–12 January 2026
Travel window: 13 January – 25 March 2026
Purchase rule: Tickets must be bought 3–7 days in advance, depending on operator.
Once the sale opens, Rail Sale fares appear automatically in your TrainSplit search results. No codes, no tricks, just pick your journey and look for the Sale icon.
What kind of tickets are included?
The sale covers a wide range of selected fares across Britain, including:
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Selected Advance tickets (where offered)
Great for passengers who can commit to a specific train. These are often the cheapest tickets available even outside the sale, and the discount makes them even better value. You must travel on the train specified on your ticket
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Selected Off-Peak tickets (where Advance is not available)
Ideal if you’re travelling outside the busiest periods and want more flexibility.
• Railcard discounts do not apply to Rail Sale tickets
• Quantities are limited, and some routes/times are excluded
This year’s sale spans major operators including Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, GWR, LNER, Northern, Transport for Wales, West Midlands Railway, and more.
More Splits, More Savings! Find cheaper train tickets by splitting your fares with the TrainSplit app. Download now on iOS or Android—search for TrainSplit in your app store.
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How to spot sale fares
Sale tickets will be clearly labelled in your TrainSplit results. If your date and route fall inside the sale windows and discounted seats remain, you’ll see them instantly.
If you don’t see any, it may 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 for getting the best fares
1. Search early
These fares move quickly. Popular routes go first.
2. Try flexible times
Even shifting an hour earlier or later can reveal cheaper seats.
3. Explore alternative routes
TrainSplit automatically evaluates different combinations, including split-ticket opportunities.
4. Stay open to inspiration
Many people discover great destinations thanks to bargain seats they wouldn’t normally consider.
Buy a digital Railcard and keep everything ready in the TrainSplit app
Even though Railcards do not discount Rail Sale tickets, they do help on the rest of your travel for the year. Buy a digital Railcard here and store it directly in the TrainSplit app, so your Railcard and tickets live in one place with no plastic card to carry.
The early months of the year can be a pricey time, but rail travel helps keep things more affordable and sustainable. The sale exists to encourage more people to get out, explore, and stay connected, without the usual price tag.
With discounts of up to 50 percent and the possibility of combining them with our unique split-ticketing engine, this is one of the best moments of the year for grabbing a bargain fare.
Why use TrainSplit?
• Automatically finds Rail Sale fares
• Compares splits and standard fares side by side
• Helps you avoid sold out services by showing alternatives
• Gives you one simple booking flow, instead of searching operator by operator
With discounts up to 50 percent and TrainSplit’s split-ticket search working in the background, this is one of the most cost-effective moments of the year to book a journey.
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 TrainSplit?
Search your journey on TrainSplit 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.