“More discounted tickets than ever before”: that is the government’s promise as the 2025 Rail Sale draws to a close. It offers cut-price rail fares on many journeys between now and the end of May 2025.
Ministers say discounts on “selected Advance and Off-peak tickets” are up to 50 per cent. The Independent has found some examples that are even better than half price, such as Sheffield to Leicester for just £3.80 and Manchester to London (on slower trains) for £7.
The aim is to stimulate more journeys and therefore increase revenue. The government says last year’s Rail Sale stimulated an extra 440,000 journeys. Many buyers, though, will have made the journey anyway and are simply saving money.
These are the key questions and answers about the Rail Sale.
What sort of tickets are included?
Almost all of the promised two-million-plus available tickets are Advance fares for longer journeys. These require committing ahead to a specific train. While normally Advance fares increase in line with demand, the Rail Sale involves a set number of tickets at a fixed price; once they’re gone, they’re gone. Where a participating train company does not offer Advance tickets, Off-peak fares may be offered as an alternative.
Most tickets do not qualify, including Anytime, the vast majority of Off-peaks (except in a few cases), seasons and flexi-seasons.
How do I book?
In theory you can go to a station, but in practice almost everyone will book online. You can go through individual train operators’ websites. Booking direct with the operator, which makes things easier if there is a problem with the journey and may qualify for a loyalty bonus, eg LNER Perks.
Alternatively you could go through retailers – though note that you will pay an unnecessary fee at Trainline (typically 4 per cent). It will, though, offer “split tickets” to provide extra savings if appropriate.
Note that the official Rail Sale portal will quote fares but then direct you to a range of retailers. Better to go direct.
When must I book to benefit?
For most Rail Sale tickets, you must book at least a week ahead of your planned journey, though some operators have a minimum of just three days). The sale lasts until midnight on Monday 20 January.
Can I use first class?
On some operators. Premiums vary from 50 to 150 per cent (LNER on the East…
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