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Millions of discounted rail tickets will go on sale next week, with many fares slashed by more than half. The Great British Rail Sale will run from January 6-12, cutting the cost of commuting as well as half-term and weekend getaways. Last year, more than one million tickets were sold, with passengers saving about £8 per journey.

The cost of going from Newcastle to Middlesbrough will be slashed by 62% from £5.20 to £2. The journey price from Exeter to London Waterloo will go down by more than three-quarters, from £41.70 to just £10. The cut-price fares can be used to travel on thousands of routes between January 13 and March 25.

People in Portsmouth hoping to visit London’s museums can look forward to a 59% saving, with the fare dropping from £24.60 to £10. The cost of going from Nottingham will fall by half, to £23.

Patricia Yates, chief executive of VisitBritain, said: “The new year provides the perfect opportunity to hop onto a train and explore Britain’s great tourism treasures sustainably, boosting the economy by supporting our fantastic visitor experiences and attractions.

“Whether it’s a cultural break in one of our vibrant regional cities, a set-jetting stay at a world-famous filming backdrop, or the friendly welcome from our picturesque coastal and rural destinations, Britain has something for everyone to enjoy, creating memories of a lifetime for visitors.”

Those travelling from St Pancras to Canterbury will benefit from a a 50% reduction, from £16.20 to £8.10. The cost of going from Sheffield to London will also be halved, from £51 to £25.50.

Jacqueline Starr, chief executive of the Rail Delivery Group, said: “Rail continues to play a vital role in the lives of millions, supporting local economies and offering a more sustainable way to travel … By making rail travel more accessible, we hope even more people will enjoy the convenience and comfort of travelling by rail.”

Commuters from Charing Cross to Tunbridge Wells can look forward to the £8.10 fare falling to £4. People planning a getaway and going from Manchester Piccadilly to Manchester Airport can take advantage of a 59% reduction, from £2.90 to £1.20.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “The rail sale is back – and it means further discounts for passengers as we freeze rail fares for the first time in three decades to help ease the cost of living. We all want to see cheaper rail travel, so whether you’re planning a half term getaway, or visiting friends or family, this sale offers huge reductions.

“It’s all part of our plans to build a railway owned by the public, that works for the public.”