Passengers will have from 23 to 29 January to claim up to 50% off selected Advance and Off-Peak rail tickets, through the Great British Rail Sale.

Over a million discounted tickets will be available to destinations across England and Wales, as well as on cross-border trips into Scotland, for journeys taking place between 30 January and 15 March.

Two popular journeys passengers could claim savings on for a typical advance purchase ticket:

• Portsmouth to Penzance – was £43, sale price £21
• Birmingham to Bristol – was £30.60, sale price £15.30

The government is committed to helping families with the cost of living, and working with industry to offer up to half price rail tickets will not only boost tourism and encourage sustainable travel, but also help connect friends and families across the UK.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “The return of the Great British Rail Sale is good news for passengers, following the success of the previous sale which saw passengers benefit from around £7m in savings on their travel costs.

“With discounts on more than a million tickets, there’ll be plenty of opportunity to connect with friends and family and explore great destinations across the country – I hope passengers make the most of this sale and choose to travel by rail.”

South Western Railway (SWR) is joining with train operators throughout England and Wales to make taking that special trip easier and cheaper.

SWR has 200,000 tickets for sale to more than 80 destinations on its network including Exeter, Weymouth, Winchester, Portsmouth, Southampton, Brockenhurst, Salisbury, Bournemouth and Poole.

SWR’s Customer and Commercial Director, Peter Williams, said: “We’re delighted to be part of the Great British Rail Sale and to give customers the opportunity to visit many outstanding destinations throughout the South West, at a great discount.

“Whether it’s visiting family or friends or taking a break away, we look forward to welcoming both new and returning customers aboard South Western Railway as part of this very special offer.”

Sale tickets will start to become available from midnight on Tuesday 23 January for journeys taking place between Wednesday 31 January and Friday 15 March.