Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), the UK’s largest rail operator, is helping Brits kick off the new year by getting more for their money thanks to taking part in the Rail Sale, which launches today.

This year marks 200 years of the modern railway and to celebrate the milestone anniversary, GTR has slashed prices on more than 2,000 tickets across its network. Explorers can bag up to 50% off leisure trips, with many tickets starting from as little as £3.50. This means cheaper trips to popular coastal destinations like Brighton, Eastbourne and Portsmouth.

Day trippers north of London can also look forward to low-cost days out, with a trip from St Albans to the capital costing just £9.50. Customers can travel from Hertford North to London for only £7.70, or from Cambridge to London for £15.90.

Children’s tickets are included in the Rail Sale. On selected journeys, up to four children can travel for £2 each when travelling with an Adult who has a Rail Sale ticket and, as usual, children under the age of five can travel for free.

GTR’s Customer Service Director, Jenny Saunders, said: “To celebrate 200 years since the birth of the modern railway, we’ve significantly reduced ticket prices on many routes to help customers explore new destinations. With new year’s resolutions often focusing on getting outdoors more and visiting new places, the nationwide Rail Sale is launching at the perfect time. Seats are limited, so don’t miss your chance to bag a bargain!”

Customers have until midnight on Monday 20 January to book their tickets in the Rail Sale. Tickets can be used for journeys starting from Friday 17 January up until Monday 31 March (check the Southern, Great Northern and Thameslink websites for T&Cs).