Lumo puts Scottish expansion on track

A new low-cost rail service has launched, linking Scotland with the North East and London.

Newcastle-headquartered Lumo has launched a new service linking Glasgow Queen Street and Falkirk High with Edinburgh, North East England and London, marking a significant expansion of affordable intercity rail travel. 

The move strengthens direct links between Scotland and England while offering passengers a lower-cost alternative on a major transport corridor.

Lumo is offering fares from £33.10 between London and Glasgow, with tickets available from £10.90 between Newcastle and Glasgow. 

Combining low prices with a strong customer satisfaction record, the service aims to make long-distance rail travel more accessible.

Stuart Jones, managing director of First Rail Open Access, which owns the open access services Hull Trains and Lumo, said: “This is a landmark moment which will boost connectivity between Scotland and England, offering a sustainable travel option whilst also boosting economic growth. 

“It was a particular pleasure to celebrate the launch of our inaugural services in style with a brilliant range of guests from our dedicated team, as well as our partners from Scotland and across the border. 

“We’re proud to champion Scotland and look forward to providing the unique Lumo service to even more customers from this week.”

Paul Tetlaw, policy advisor at Transform Scotland, added: “We welcome the new Lumo services from Glasgow and Falkirk via the East Coast Main Line. 

“There is a significant market of people who currently drive or fly to the North East of England and London who now have the opportunity to switch to the train. 

“The new services soon to be launched from Stirling will help to build on that modal shift to rail.”

The launch was marked with a high-profile inaugural journey from Glasgow to London King’s Cross, featuring live performances and entertainment onboard from electric violin duo Storm Electric Strings, Scottish comedian Connor Burns and a back-flipping performance from Scottish boyband Just The Brave, who have racked up over five million likes on TikTok.

As part of the celebrations, an official Lumo tartan was unveiled with the help of Houston Kiltmakers, created specially for the operator to reflect its Scottish connection.

Operating with two northbound services each weekday and one southbound service, the new route improves connectivity for business and leisure travellers. 

The connection is also expected to support increased visitor numbers ahead of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in July 2026.

Scottish broadcaster Bev Lyons joined the Lumo team to welcome customers onboard. 

She added: “The Lumo team are fabulous and I’m so thrilled that they have officially brought their unique service to my home city of Glasgow! 

“We’ve been crying out for an affordable and direct link to the North East and London and I know that this service will be valued by many people.

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Lumo over the past few months and it’s great to see the company backing local events such as the Glasgow Comedy Festival, as well as the likes of Glasgow Pride. 

“Welcome, Lumo!”

Looking ahead, Lumo has confirmed further expansion plans, with a new route linking Stirling and London Euston set to launch along the West Coast Main Line from spring 2026.

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