The Great Western Railway Getaway sale starts this week: how to get half-price train tickets in the UK

Train fares in the UK are depressingly expensive. But to ease some of the pain put on our bank accounts by too much Christmas spending, Great Western Railway (GWR) is putting on a massive sale for train tickets this January, with loads of fares going for half price. Staycation, anyone?

Cheap GWR tickets go on sale from today (January 2) until January 9, so nab them while they’re still available. The operator has knocked down the prices for locations including Bristol, Bath, Cardiff, Oxford, Cheltenham and more. The train company is offering 100,000 standard-class seats and 50,000 first-Class seats at half price for its most popular advance fares, with some train tickets going for as little as a fiver. Tickets will be available for trips between now and April 13 2025. 

GWR Sales and Marketing Director Amanda Burns said: ‘The January Sale is designed to encourage people off the sofa and away from the post-Christmas telly, to explore the fantastic sights of the south-west instead. Our advance fares offer great value throughout the year, but in our sale you’ll find some great deals available on some of the lowest fares.

‘Why not give yourself something to look forward to this January and plan a weekend or trip away? The GWR network covers hundreds of the UK’s leading destinations and tourist attractions, so let us help inspire your next adventure.’

GWR January sale train fares from London Paddington

• Bristol Temple Meads for £21
• Bath Spa for £20
• Exeter St Davids for £31
• Cardiff Central for £28
• Worcester for £8
• Cheltenham for £19
• Oxford for £5
• Swindon for £17
• Plymouth for £35
• Swansea for £30

On New Year’s Day British heritage railways will sound their whistles at the same time – here’s why. 

Here’s some travel inspo: The 18 cosiest places to stay in the UK this winter.