UK train firm launches flash sale with 4,000,000 tickets for £2 each

| Lifestyle Reporter Published September 3, 2026 4:00pm Updated September 3, 2026 4:00pm The company have roughly 100 million passenger journeys each year (Picture: Northern Rail) If you’re planning a UK break soon, Northern Rail just made it cheaper than ever to explore the country. The train operator, which runs 2,650 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England, has launched a flash sale with 4 million tickets available for just £2 a pop. But travellers need to act quickly, as the bargains are only available until tomorrow. There are a few caveats too. For one, you’ll need to travel between September 9 and October 23 only, and can’t use a Railcard alongside the discount. However, children’s half-price tickets will still be on offer, costing £1 each — ideal for a budget family break. Alex Hornby, commercial and customer director at Northern, tells Metro: ‘Our flash sale will make the railway even more appealing, and we believe it will inspire everyone to explore everything our fantastic region has to offer, from bustling cities to countryside and stunning coastlines.’ Which destinations can you book tickets to in the Northern flash sale? The Northern sale includes destinations such as Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield, Doncaster, Bradford, Harrogate, Carlisle, Hull, Liverpool, York, and Blackpool, as well as Manchester Airport. Reduced tickets will be available for travel between September 9 and October 23, with a full list of routes here, subject to availability. Our Top Shopping Picks Topman’s new-season collection has arrived and prices start at just £10 An Instagram mattress left me with back pain – this one completely changed my mind Book Val d'Isère, Val Thorens and Tignes for less in Club Med's ski sale Save 25% on red light therapy masks, sauna blankets and sleep gadgets in Bon Charge sale The viral LED face mask with over 350 lights that's currently discounted by £100 You can buy tickets on Northern’s app, online, or at ticket offices and on ticket machines at stations managed by Northern. Northern Rail routes with the most £2 tickets left With less than 24 hours left to go of its three-day sale, Northern has revealed the routes with the most discounted tickets left: Leeds to Bradford/Ilkley/Skipton Bradford to Ilkley/Skipton Blackpool to Manchester Airport Manchester to Hadfield Liverpool to Wigan Manchester to Buxton Leeds to Doncaster Leeds to Harrogate and York York to Bridlington Sheffield to Huddersfield Carlisle to Barrow/Lancaster That may not be the case for long though, so get booking now to avoid disappointment. Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@metro.co.uk Arrow MORE: Londoners can hail a limited Uber Wayve robotaxi after new trial starts Arrow MORE: Virgin Atlantic launches its first ever direct flight from UK to ‘paradise’ island Arrow MORE: Supervolcano responsible for one of biggest ever eruptions found lurking under England The Getaway Expert Your exclusive seven-day guide to travelling with confidence from Metro's resident travel expert, Alice Murphy.