Rail passengers can now travel between Scotland and England for a fraction of the usual cost, as budget operator Lumo launches its new service from Glasgow. Dubbed the 'Ryanair of trains', the company is shaking up the market with one-way tickets from London to Glasgow priced from just £33.10.
A Landmark Launch for Low-Cost Rail
The inaugural service departed Glasgow Queen Street station at 6.16pm on December 16, arriving at London King's Cross a minute early. The launch was celebrated with live music and comedy performances. Stuart Jones, Managing Director of First Rail Open Access, hailed it as a "landmark moment" that will boost connectivity and offer a sustainable travel option while stimulating economic growth.
Lumo, which first launched in the UK in 2021 with its all-electric fleet, is now extending its successful London-to-Edinburgh model. The new route links Glasgow to Falkirk, Edinburgh, the North East of England, and the capital. Remarkably, fares between Newcastle and Glasgow start as low as £10.90.
Undercutting the Competition
Lumo's pricing dramatically undercuts its main competitor on the route. For a direct journey from Glasgow Central to London Euston in January, Avanti West Coast charges £130.80 for an off-peak single and £205.50 for an anytime single on December 18. While Lumo's journey takes slightly longer than Avanti's approximate 4 hours and 35 minutes, the massive saving is a clear draw for cost-conscious travellers.
Richard Salkeld, Lumo's head of communications and partnerships, explained that their typical customer wants to travel between London and Glasgow but finds standard rail prices prohibitive. As an open-access operator, Lumo takes full commercial risk without government subsidy, aiming to complement existing services. "We're confident we can make it as successful as our London to Edinburgh route," Salkeld stated.
The Budget Travel Model: Know the Rules
Like its airline counterpart, Lumo's low fares come with specific luggage restrictions to keep costs down. Passengers are allowed a maximum of one small bag or holdall and one medium suitcase (63 x 41 x 27cm). Golf clubs and large musical instruments are not permitted onboard, and travellers who exceed the limits may be refused carriage.
This expansion represents a significant shift in intercity travel, providing a viable, eco-friendly alternative for those priced out by traditional rail operators. With its commitment to an all-electric fleet and no-frills, point-to-point service, Lumo is carving out a substantial niche in the UK's transport landscape.
