The government and rail industry are launching the UK’s biggest ever rail sale in which passengers will save up to 50 per cent on over one million tickets.

The department for transport claims the price slash will help “connect friends and families, boost UK tourism and encourage green travel across the country”.

Savings on offer for off-peak tickets include:

York to Leeds: was £5.60, NOW £2.80
London to Edinburgh: was £44, NOW £22
London to Cardiff: was £47, NOW £25
Wolverhampton to Liverpool: was £10.50, NOW £5.25

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

Tickets can be purchased online from participating retailers with the up to half-price rate applying to a huge range of off-peak tickets spreading the length and breadth of the country. Tickets go on sale from 19th April with discounted tickets available on journeys from 25th April to 27th May.

The government says it is “listening to people’s concerns about rising costs, and is taking action worth more than £22 billion in 2022-23 alone”. The government claims this scheme is further supporting families with the cost of living.