A new train service dubbed the 'Eurostar of Scotland' officially launches today, offering tickets from London to Stirling starting at just £29.90. The Lumo service, which connects London Euston directly with Stirling, was unveiled with fanfare near the Wallace Monument on Thursday but begins regular operations on Bank Holiday Monday, May 25, just ahead of the peak tourist season.
Route and Stops
The new route includes stops at Milton Keynes, Nuneaton, Crewe, Preston, Carlisle, Lockerbie, Motherwell, Whifflet, Greenfaulds, and Larbert. This marks the first time Stirling has been linked to the West Coast Main Line, eliminating the need for passengers to travel via Glasgow. The service saves travelers from having to go to Glasgow and then south, or vice versa.
Affordable Fares
The service is a game-changer for affordability. A single ticket from London to Stirling starts at £29.90, while London to Preston is £23.90 and Preston to Stirling is £14.90. For comparison, on May 25, a direct Lumo ticket costs £36.90 for a journey of 5 hours 56 minutes, whereas an Avanti West Coast ticket for a similar journey (with changes) costs £97.50 and takes 5 hours 37 minutes. The Caledonian Sleeper, taking 7 hours 44 minutes, is sold out for May 25 but offers seats from £65 the following day.
Customer-Centric Approach
Stuart Jones, managing director of First Rail Open Access, emphasized that the low fares are about putting customers first. 'By offering simple, low-cost tickets and direct services between Scotland, the North West of England and London, we’re making it easier and more affordable for people to travel for work, leisure and family visits,' he said. He added that the new base in Preston will create jobs and support the local economy.
Train Features
The trains feature sleek grey and silver interiors with standard-class seating only, designed to offer all passengers the best views of the picturesque scenery. Sixteen apprentice drivers have moved from the classroom to the cab of these upgraded Class 222s, having started training in June 2025.
Why 'Eurostar of Scotland'?
Zoe Adjey, senior lecturer at the Institute of Tourism and Hospitality at the University of East London, compared the service to the Eurostar due to its convenience and lower cost versus flying. 'Air travel requires a transit to an airport, a two-hour wait, and a two-hour flight,' she said. In contrast, the train involves just a trip to Euston and a five-hour ride with WiFi and refreshments. There is no need for extra time for security or buying mini toiletries, similar to taking the Eurostar from St Pancras to Paris. The service is also the only 'open-access' service on the line, meaning it is not government-subsidized, allowing for competitive pricing.
