Lumo to expand Scotland’s Rail Network with new London-Stirling route

• Lumo has secured a new route connecting Stirling with London Euston, launching as early as Spring 2026, offering passengers four daily affordable services with Preston to London Euston providing a 5th return service.
• The announcement comes as Lumo hosted a special event at Holyrood attended by MSPs and Scotland’s MPs, spotlighting Lumo's contribution to enhancing rail connectivity for previously underserved communities in Scotland.
• The route will provide first-ever direct services to London for Whifflet, Greenfaulds, and Larbert, further boosting economic opportunities and travel options in Scotland.

Lumo, the UK’s leading Open Access rail operator, today announced it has secured five Class 222 six-car trains for its forthcoming route between London Euston and Stirling, beginning as early as Spring 2026. This expansion aims to enhance travel choice and connectivity for passengers along the central belt of Scotland both to England and to Stirling, offering four daily services with the operator renowned for affordability and efficiency.

The announcement coincides with a special event hosted by Lumo in Holyrood, attended by cross-party MSPs and Scotland’s MPs. Featuring a keynote address from Sue Webber MSP, Scotland’s Conservative Transport Spokesperson, the reception highlights Lumo’s ongoing commitment to Scotland and emphasises how the operator creates new connections for communities previously underserved by the existing rail network, including the first ever direct route between Greenfaulds and London.

Lumo’s new route will link London Euston directly to Stirling, also calling at Milton Keynes, Nuneaton, Crewe, Preston, Carlisle, Lockerbie, Motherwell, Whifflet (serving Coatbridge), Greenfaulds (serving Cumbernauld) and Larbert. Significantly, this new route gives Whifflet, Greenfaulds, and Larbert their first-ever direct rail services to London, providing substantial economic benefits and new travel opportunities.

This expansion builds upon Lumo’s successful Edinburgh route, operating via Edinburgh Waverley, Morpeth, Newcastle, Stevenage, and London King’s Cross, which has been instrumental in increasing rail travel’s mode share compared to air between Edinburgh and London. Lumo is currently awaiting regulatory approval from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) to further extend services to Glasgow, boosting connectivity for Scotland’s passengers making domestic journeys and those across the border.

Martijn Gilbert, Managing Director of Lumo, said: “Today’s announcement underscores Lumo’s commitment to growing Scotland’s rail network, providing passengers with more affordable, fast, and convenient travel options.

“Our new service between Stirling and London has the potential to unlock significant economic opportunities for communities along the route, and we’re proud to deliver this direct rail connectivity to towns previously overlooked by traditional rail services. We are focused on further expanding our services in Scotland to ensure even greater connectivity across the country and the whole UK.”

Sue Webber MSP, Conservative Transport Spokesperson, said: “Lumo is actively investing in our capital city – not only bringing in tourists but also supporting our vibrant hospitality and events sector. And this isn’t just talk: we’re looking at £740 million in economic benefits from Lumo by 2032.

Crucially, this is being delivered not by government mandate, but through private sector innovation and open access investment. That’s why I believe this model is one we should be championing. Lumo is not replacing existing services – it’s adding capacity, increasing choice, and growing the market for everyone.”

Rob Dickson, VisitScotland Director of Industry and Events, said: “The launch of Lumo’s new Stirling to London service is a strong addition to Scotland’s rail network. It is exciting to see more travel routes into Scotland available for visitors from south of the border as well as for those international travellers flying into London and connecting to Scotland.

“Over recent years there has been a rising interest in rail travel and Scotland is a destination which delivers some of the most awe-inspiring journeys by rail. And Stirling sits in the heart of the country with excellent connections to explore beyond the historic city.

“Travelling by train is also a fantastic way for visitors to experience Scotland in a more sustainable way which helps to protect our natural and cultural heritage for generations to come.”