New low-cost train launches linking Glasgow with North East and London

The all-electric train company Lumo has launched an affordable and reliable new service linking Glasgow directly with Falkirk, Edinburgh, the North East of England and London with great fanfare. 

Customers will be able to travel for as little as £33.10 between London and Glasgow, with tickets starting from an astonishing £10.90 between Newcastle and Glasgow. The low fares combined with Lumo’s high-scoring onboard customer satisfaction results will make travelling between the popular destinations even more accessible for all. 

Lumo held an eye-catching launch celebration for the inaugural service, which departed Glasgow Queen Street at 18:16 and arrived into London King’s Cross one minute early. Storm Electric Strings performed hits for customers, who also experienced a comedy gig by new talent Connor Burns from the Glasgow International Comedy Festival. Lumo is proudly supporting the popular festival in 2026 and Glasgow’s Pride. Scottish boyband Just The Brave, who have racked up over five million likes on TikTok, also made a special appearance.

Stuart Jones, Managing Director of First Rail Open Access, 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.”

To mark the occasion, Lumo enlisted the help of Houston Kiltmakers to design an official Lumo tartan which was revealed to guests who attended the launch, each receiving a limited edition scarf. Ken Macdonald from the company, Vice-Chairman of the Scottish Tartans Authority, said: "It’s a pleasure to work with like-minded people who appreciate Scotland and all it has to offer. I’m absolutely delighted that we were able to play a part in Lumo launching in Glasgow and look forward to seeing our new tartan design out and about in Scotland and across the border."

Scottish broadcaster Bev Lyons joined the Lumo team to welcome customers onboard. She said: “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!”

Paul Tetlaw, Director of Policy at Transform Scotland, said: “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.”

Customers will be able to travel on two northbound services each weekday and one southbound. It’s anticipated that the Lumo connection will attract more people to the Commonwealth Games, due to take place in Glasgow in July 2026.

Lumo is also set to launch a brand new route connecting Stirling with London Euston from May 2026.