A brand-new train service, dubbed the 'Eurostar of Scotland', is set to debut in June, a month earlier than originally planned. The Lumo route will connect London Euston to Stirling, stopping at 11 stations, with the first tickets available from June 9 instead of the previously announced July 10. Travelers are advised to monitor the website, as tickets could go on sale as early as May, depending on driver training and train rollout progress.
Route and Pricing
The new service will call at Milton Keynes, Nuneaton, Crewe, Preston, Carlisle, Lockerbie, Motherwell, Whifflet, Greenfaulds, Larbert, and Stirling. It will be the first direct service to London for Whifflet, Greenfaulds, and Larbert. Fares start at £29.90 for a single ticket between London and Stirling, significantly cheaper than current options. For example, a London to Preston ticket costs £23.90, and Preston to Stirling is £14.90. On June 9, an Avanti West Coast ticket from London to Stirling is £47.20 and requires a change at Glasgow Central and Queen Street. The LNER service costs £48 and involves three trains, taking over six hours, while the Lumo train completes the journey in 5 hours 56 minutes. The Caledonian Sleeper takes 7 hours 44 minutes and costs £97.50.
Benefits and Features
Stuart Jones, managing director of First Rail Open Access, stated that the affordable fares prioritize customers by offering simple, low-cost tickets and direct services. The trains feature sleek grey and silver interiors with standard class seating and large windows for scenic views. Sixteen apprentice drivers have been trained on the upgraded Class 222 trains since June 2025. The service is an open-access operation, not subsidized by the government, allowing competitive pricing.
Comparison to Eurostar
Zoe Adjey, senior lecturer at the University of East London, compared the Lumo service to Eurostar, noting that train travel offers greater convenience than flying. Passengers avoid airport transit, security waits, and extra costs, similar to the St Pancras to Paris route. The train provides WiFi and refreshments, making it a viable alternative for travel to Scotland.
