A new budget-friendly rail service connecting London and Glasgow has officially launched, promising to slash the cost of travel between the two major UK cities. Dubbed the ‘Ryanair of trains’, operator Lumo commenced its long-awaited route on December 16, 2025, with one-way fares starting from just £33.10.
A Landmark Launch for Budget Travel
The inaugural service departed Glasgow Queen Street station at 6.16pm yesterday, arriving into London King’s Cross one minute early. The launch was celebrated with on-board performances from Scottish entertainers Storm Electric Strings, Just The Brave, and Connor Burns. This new route marks a significant expansion for Lumo, which has successfully operated between London and Edinburgh since 2021.
Prior to this launch, the only direct rail link was provided by Avanti West Coast, where an off-peak single ticket can cost up to £133, soaring to £208 at peak times. Lumo’s model, which includes baggage limits and no first-class carriages, directly challenges these high prices. Richard Salkeld, Lumo’s head of communications and partnerships, stated the service targets travellers who want to make the journey but find existing rail prices extortionate.
Route Details and Future Expansion
The new service runs along the East Coast Main Line, stopping at Stevenage, Newcastle, Morpeth, Edinburgh Waverley, Haymarket, and Falkirk High before terminating at Glasgow Queen Street. The journey takes between 5 and 6 hours, slightly longer than Avanti’s 4 hours and 51 minutes, as it travels via Edinburgh.
The initial weekday schedule includes two northbound services from London (departing 12.14pm and 2.15pm) and one southbound from Glasgow (departing 6.18pm). Sunday services begin with one train in each direction. From January 2, 2026, Lumo will add two extra Sunday services and an additional mid-week northbound service to Glasgow.
The launch is strategically timed to boost travel to Glasgow for the July 2026 Commonwealth Games. Furthermore, Lumo has confirmed plans to expand further, with a Euston to Stirling route scheduled to start in May 2026.
Boosting Sustainable Connectivity
As an open-access operator, Lumo takes full commercial risk without government subsidy. Stuart Jones, Managing Director of First Rail Open Access, hailed the launch as a “landmark moment” that will enhance connectivity between Scotland and England while offering a sustainable travel option and boosting economic growth.
For cost-conscious travellers, the extra journey time is a small trade-off for the significant savings, with fares between Newcastle and Glasgow starting at just £10.90. This new service fundamentally changes the affordability landscape for rail travel on one of Britain’s key transport corridors.
