Discounts are available from today (23 January) until Monday 29 January for journeys taking place between 30 January and 15 March.
More than a million trips are discounted on routes across England and Wales, as well as some cross-border journeys into Scotland. However, planned industrial action during the discounted period could limit travellers' options.
Here, we look at how much you could save during the sale and other ways to get cheaper train travel.
How does the Great British Rail Sale work?
You may have to let the sale dictate the time you travel, as the discounts are only available on certain trains. A limited number of tickets are available for each discounted journey, so prices will return to normal once the discounted tickets sell out.
Strikes affecting some lines will take place on eight days during the six-week discounted period. DfT says 'few or no tickets' will be available on these days.
Find out more:How much could you save?
Discounted tickets are up to 50% cheaper than advance tickets, and must be purchased at least 7 days in advance
Since advance tickets are already much cheaper than anytime tickets, the overall discount could be even higher.
Here's an example of how this works for a single journey from London to Birmingham on 1 February.
Compared to the anytime price, you're saving 93% if you buy a ticket for this route during the sale.
Are rail fares increasing?
Train fares rise every year. In March 2024, prices will rise by 4.9%. DfT has pointed out that this is below July's 9% inflation rate, which normally determines the rate at which ticket prices increase.
This planned price rise comes after two years of regular strike action and inconsistent service, which some worry has shaken the public's faith in the rail industry.
How else can I save on train travel?There are a few things you can do to keep ticket prices down if you're travelling by train, even when they aren't discounted. We've rounded up a few of the most effective tips here.
1. Book in advance
You'll already be familiar with the steep price disparity between advance tickets and anytime tickets.
Every train has a set number of reduced advance tickets, which are sometimes less than half the full price.
Nabbing one of these is the best way to travel by train for less.
2. Split your ticket
Through a strange quirk of the rail system, you can sometimes save money by buying separate tickets for different legs of your journey, instead of one 'through' ticket for the whole trip.
3. Get cashback
If you can't find a way around an overpriced journey, you might as well earn money back when you pay full price.
4. Avoid ticket machines
Find out more:source https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/great-british-rail-sale-2024-ae0df5O2xZWX