Lumo launches London-to-Scotland tickets under £35, billed as the 'Ryanair of trains'
Budget operator rolls out fares as low as £33.10 for London to Glasgow and as little as £10.90 on select routes, linking Glasgow with Edinburgh, Falkirk, the North East and London.
Lumo, the budget rail operator nicknamed the 'Ryanair of trains' for its low fares, has launched new London-to-Scotland tickets priced from about £33.10. The service runs from London King's Cross to Glasgow, and Lumo has announced a new Glasgow-origin service that connects Falkirk, Edinburgh, the North East of England and London. The inaugural service left Glasgow Queen Street at 6:16 p.m. on 16 December and arrived in London King's Cross one minute early. A launch celebration featured music performances and comedy.
Stuart Jones, managing director of First Rail Open Access, called it a landmark moment that will boost connectivity between Scotland and England, offering a sustainable travel option while also boosting economic growth. Richard Salkeld, head of communications and partnerships at Lumo, said the company operates as an open-access operator, meaning it takes full commercial risk for running the services and does not rely on government subsidies. He noted that the fares include tickets priced from £33.10 for London to Glasgow, with some routes as low as £10.90 between Newcastle and Glasgow. Lumo has been branded the 'Ryanair of trains' because of its low fares and luggage restrictions, which are published on its site. The inaugural services mark a push to broaden the carrier’s footprint beyond its established London-to-Edinburgh route.
Travel times between Glasgow and London are expected to be longer than those offered by Avanti West Coast, which runs a direct Glasgow Central to London Euston service. Avanti’s off-peak fare listed for January was £130.80, with an anytime single around £205.50 on 18 December, highlighting the contrast with Lumo’s lower introductory prices. Lumo’s journey is powered by an all-electric fleet and aims to offer a cheaper, more sustainable option for travelers who previously found rail prices prohibitive. The new timetable strengthens the route by linking Glasgow to Falkirk, Edinburgh, the North East of England and London, expanding options for both business and leisure travelers.
Lumo has been operating in the UK since 2021 and has built its identity on providing affordable fares and a simplified baggage policy. The airline-like label reflects its approach to pricing, while the rail operator emphasizes that passengers may bring on board a maximum of one small bag or holdall and one medium suitcase (63 x 41 x 27 cm). Golf clubs and large musical instruments are not allowed, and travelers who do not comply with the rules may be refused travel. The company says the policy is intended to streamline loading and ensure faster turnarounds on services that carry a high volume of passengers.
The expansion to Glasgow and the new links to Edinburgh, Falkirk and the North East come as Lumo seeks to complement existing services rather than replace them. Jones described the move as a chance to boost connectivity and economic activity in Scotland while offering a sustainable travel option for cost-conscious travelers. For its part, Salkeld underscored the company’s willingness to absorb commercial risk in pursuit of growing demand and broader market share, noting that the prices reflect the model of an open-access operator working without public subsidies.
From a traveler’s perspective, the focus remains on value and reliability. While the cheapest fares are limited and subject to availability, the entrance of Lumo into more UK rail corridors may encourage more competition and put downward pressure on standard fares. Industry observers say the development could encourage more residents to consider rail travel for longer intercity trips, improving regional connectivity and potentially stimulating local economies along the routes involved.