Half price train tickets London 2022: which routes have cheap fares, and when to book - as rail sale starts

The government and rail industry has launched a huge national rail sale, which has seen the cost of many train tickets slashed across the country.

For a limited time only, you can get up to 50% off your train ticket across a whole host of destinations and train lines - many of which operate in and out of London.

It marks the first ever Great British Rail sale, with over one million half price rail tickets on offer.

Here’s all you need to know about the sale and the routes to and from London which will offer cheap and half price fares.

When does the train ticket sale start?

The tickets went on sale on Tuesday 19 April, and the deal ends on Monday 2 May.

The discounted tickets are available on journeys from 25 April to 27 May.

Why is the sale taking place?

The train ticket sale is said to be aimed at boosting tourism and encouraging the public to ‘travel green’ across the country.

At a time when inflation is rising, and the cost of living crisis is causing the nation to tighten its purse strings , it is thought the heavy reductions on train tickets will help those struggling.

It’s hoped that the sale will also allow people to explore new places in the country, and connect with friends and family.

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, and things they love.

“As part of the Great British Rail Sale, customers will enjoy over one million discounted tickets, so they can explore some of the fantastic locations that are accessible by rail”.

Which train tickets are discounted during the sale?

Two types of train tickets will be discounted during the new sale.

They are:

• Advance train tickets

Single tickets for A to B rail journeys that are available to book ahead of time. Only valid for the time and date specified on the ticket.

• Off-Peak train tickets

Semi-flexible tickets that let you travel by train at certain times of the day, certain days in the week or on specific routes.

Journeys which have these tickets available to buy must be booked at least a day in advance.

Which routes to and from London have cheap fares?

You’ll be able to get discounted train fares on routes to and from Edinburgh, Manchester, Newcastle, Norwich and Brighton among others, with many ticket prices slashed in half.

A train ticket right now from London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly will cost £68.60, but will cost as little as £35.20 for travel during the sale period..

Meanwhile tickets from London to Edinburgh, which currently cost around £112, will drop to as little as £39.90 from 25 April.

The usual price for a journey from London Kings Cross to Newcastle is £33, but this will go down to £19.90 when the sale begins.

Normally a train ticket from Liverpool Street Station to Norwich will cost £15, but on Monday, 25 April it will cost just £5.

To explore ticket prices further,  visit Trainline.

How do I book tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in advance via Trainline. Click on the link provided, and choose what station you’re going from, to the station you’re going to, and make sure to list the time you wish to depart. The website will provide you with the cheapest tickets available on the day, and they will coloured in yellow.

When you have found your preferred time, simply click on the time and then proceed to the checkout.