As the new year dawns, rail travelers on both sides of the Atlantic are being greeted with a flurry of eye-catching deals, making January 2026 a banner month for anyone looking to explore by train. From the bustling corridors of the U.S. East Coast to the rolling landscapes of Yorkshire and East Anglia in the UK, major rail operators are slashing fares and rolling out special offers, aiming to entice passengers to hop aboard and rediscover the joys of rail travel.
In the United States, Amtrak has launched a limited-time promotion offering up to 30% off regularly priced adult fares on Coach Class tickets for trains running the length of the Northeast Corridor, from Boston (BOS) to Washington, D.C. (WAS). According to Amtrak, the sale is designed to make city-hopping up and down the coast both quick and affordable, with travelers able to arrive directly in the heart of downtown destinations. The offer is available for bookings made by January 9, covering travel between January 20 and February 12, 2026.
Amtrak is keen to highlight the comfort and convenience of its Coach accommodations, which feature wide reclining seats, ample legroom, no middle seats, and expansive windows for taking in the passing scenery. The company notes that these features allow passengers to relax and stretch out between stops, without the usual worries about traffic, tolls, gas, parking, or unpredictable weather. As Amtrak puts it, "should we keep going?"
Beyond the fare discounts, Amtrak is also encouraging travelers to join its Guest Rewards program. Membership is free, and once enrolled, passengers can earn points on every dollar spent on Amtrak travel, with additional bonuses for Business Class and Acela First Class journeys. Points can be redeemed for reward travel, with some popular city pairs available for as few as 400 points, making train adventures across America even more accessible.
Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, the UK is experiencing its own rail revolution, with the return of the Great British Rail Sale. Launched on January 6, 2026, and running through January 12, the nationwide promotion is putting more than three million train tickets up for grabs at discounts of 50% or more. The sale applies to selected Advance tickets for journeys throughout the United Kingdom, including prominent networks such as Greater Anglia, Northern, and Transpennine Express.
Greater Anglia, serving East Anglia and routes into London, is offering one-way fares starting from just £3, with specific deals like Norwich to London Liverpool Street for £6, Cambridge to London for £4, and Southend Victoria to London for £3. Tickets purchased during the sale are valid for travel between January 13 and March 25, 2026, and must be bought at least seven days in advance. According to Martin Moran, Greater Anglia’s Commercial Director, "Customers travelling across East Anglia can save up to 50% on advance purchase tickets, with fares starting from just £3. There is only a limited number, and when they’re gone, they’re gone."
Moran adds, “The Rail Sale is a great opportunity for people to explore everything that East Anglia and our national capital have to offer. Whether it’s a trip to London to soak up the sights, a visit to one of our fantastic coastal destinations, or discovering a new town or city, there’s plenty to see and do at a great price.” Tickets can be bought via the Greater Anglia app, website, ticket offices, or by phone, but travelers are urged to act quickly, as availability is limited and tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
Yorkshire and the North of England are also reaping the benefits of the Great British Rail Sale. Northern, the region’s major rail operator, is participating with deeply discounted fares on a wide range of routes. For example, passengers can travel from Manchester Piccadilly to Manchester Airport for just £1.20 (down from £2.90), Liverpool Lime Street to Wigan North Western for £1.60 (regularly £3.60), and Bolton to Manchester Piccadilly for only £1 (a 60% saving from the usual £2.50). Blackpool North to Manchester Piccadilly is available for £3.50 instead of £7.90, offering a substantial 56% discount.
Alex Hornby, Commercial and Customer Director for Northern, emphasized the value of the sale, stating, “Rail is already one of the best and most affordable ways to get around the North and beyond, and the return of the Great British Rail Sale gives our customers a brilliant opportunity to save money while enjoying more days out and trips further afield. With millions of discounted tickets available and fares as low as £1 between some of the key northern towns and cities, it’s the perfect time to plan ahead and make the most of what our region has to offer.”
The sale isn’t limited to Greater Anglia and Northern. Transpennine Express (TPE) is also joining in, with discounted fares valid between January 19 and March 31, 2026. Notable deals include Edinburgh to Newcastle from £4.20 and Liverpool to Sheffield from £4.70, subject to availability. As with other operators, tickets can be purchased through all standard channels, including online, via mobile apps, at stations, and at ticket offices.
While the specifics vary by operator, the underlying message is clear: rail companies on both sides of the pond are eager to attract travelers with significant savings, hoping to kick-start 2026 with a surge in passenger numbers. For many, these deals represent not just a chance to save money, but an invitation to rediscover the pleasures of train travel—whether that means a scenic journey along the U.S. Eastern Seaboard or a day trip to a vibrant British city.
It’s important for would-be travelers to pay attention to the fine print. In the UK, sale tickets are valid only on the specific date and train shown on the ticket, and are available in limited numbers. Once they’re gone, that’s it—no rain checks or extensions. Similarly, Amtrak’s U.S. sale covers only Coach Class tickets on the Boston-to-Washington route, with bookings required by January 9 for travel by February 12.
For those feeling the itch to travel, these January sales offer a golden window. Whether you’re planning a spontaneous city break, a visit to friends and family, or just looking for a change of scenery, now may be the time to book that ticket. With discounts of up to 50% or more, and fares starting as low as £1 in the UK or up to 30% off in the U.S., there’s rarely been a better moment to let the train take the strain—and your wallet will thank you, too.
As millions of tickets are snapped up, one thing is certain: 2026 is off to a rolling start for rail travelers eager to explore, save, and enjoy the journey.