More than 1.3million discounted tickets were sold during the recent ‘Great British Rail Sale’, the Department for Transport has announced.

The total number of tickets sold would have covered more than 128million miles, the equivalent of a journey to the sun and beyond.

This first-ever industry-wide sale saw more than one million rail tickets slashed by up to 50%, saving passengers over £7million. The campaign was launched to help ease some of the pressure on family finances at a time when the cost of living is on the increase.

The average price of tickets during the sale was around £7.50, and the most popular routes were: Newcastle to York; London to Nottingham; Oxford to London Paddington; London to Sheffield; and Cambridge to London.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “The Great British Rail Sale has been unprecedented in its scale, and equally unprecedented in its success.

“It has been fantastic to see so many of you jumping at the chance to head out onto our brilliant railway network, reconnecting with loved ones and exploring your favourite places across the country.

“The whole rail family has come together to help passengers facing rising costs of living by saving hard-working people millions on their journeys across Britain this spring.”

Jacqueline Starr, CEO of the Rail Delivery Group, added: “We are delighted that so many people have been able to take advantage of the Great British Rail Sale and are exploring the fantastic locations that are accessible by rail for less at a time when we’re all feeling the squeeze.

“Customers who are planning to travel by train this summer can still make great savings on their next train journey by booking in advance, travelling off-peak or with a Railcard that provides one-third off most fares.”