Low-cost rail operator Lumo has launched new services connecting the North East to Glasgow Queen Street and Falkirk High as well as Edinburgh
Stuart Jones (Managing Director of First Rail Open Access), Jen Clare (Service Delivery Director – Lumo) with Sue Webber MSP, Lumo Customer Experience Ambassadors and performers Storm Electric Strings
All-electric train company Lumo has launched a new service linking the North East with Glasgow, Falkirk and Edinburgh. The service was unveiled on Monday at an event where train guests were treated to high-speed electric violin as well as performances from Scottish comedian Connor Burns and boyband Just The Brave.
The new service is designed to be an affordable option, and passengers will be able to travel between London and Glasgow for fares starting from £33.10, with tickets between Newcastle and Glasgow available from £10.90. Lumo, which scores highly on its onboard customer satisfaction results, believes its customer service combined with the low fares will make travelling between the popular destinations more accessible, particularly for events like the Commonwealth Games, due to take place in Glasgow next July.
Lumo held a launch celebration for the inaugural service on Monday. It departed Glasgow Queen Street at 18:16 and arrived into London King’s Cross one minute early. Storm Electric Strings performed hits for customers, and there was comedy from new talent Connor Burns from the Glasgow International Comedy Festival, which Lumo is supporting in 2026 as well as Glasgow Pride. Scottish boyband Just The Brave also made a special appearance.
Storm Electric Strings performing onboard Lumo’s new Glasgow service for customers and guests
Stuart Jones, managing director of First Rail Open Access, said: “This is a landmark moment which will boost connectivity between Scotland and England, offering a sustainable travel option whilst also boosting economic growth.
“It was a particular pleasure to celebrate the launch of our inaugural services in style with a brilliant range of guests from our dedicated team, as well as our partners from Scotland and across the border. We’re proud to champion Scotland and look forward to providing the unique Lumo service to even more customers from this week.”
To mark the occasion, Lumo enlisted the help of Houston Kiltmakers to design an official Lumo tartan which was revealed at the launch, with guests receiving a limited edition scarf. Ken MacDonald, vice-chairman of the Scottish Tartans Authority, said: “It’s a pleasure to work with like-minded people who appreciate Scotland and all it has to offer. I’m absolutely delighted that we were able to play a part in Lumo launching in Glasgow and look forward to seeing our new tartan design out and about in Scotland and across the border.”
Scottish band Just The Brave treating Lumo guests to a surprise appearance as the rail operator launches a new Glasgow service
Scottish broadcaster Bev Lyons joined the Lumo team to welcome customers onboard. She said: “The Lumo team are fabulous and I’m so thrilled that they have officially brought their unique service to my home city of Glasgow! We’ve been crying out for an affordable and direct link to the North East and London and I know that this service will be valued by many people.”
Paul Tetlaw from Transform Scotland, said: “We welcome the new Lumo services from Glasgow and Falkirk via the East Coast Main Line. There is a significant market of people who currently drive or fly to the North East of England and London who now have the opportunity to switch to the train. The new services soon to be launched from Stirling will help to build on that modal shift to rail.”
The new service will operate two northbound services each weekday and one southbound. Lumo is also set to launch a brand new route connecting Stirling with London Euston along the West Coast Main Line from May 2026.
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