Budget-friendly rail company Lumo has announced a new direct service from London King's Cross to Glasgow Queen Street, offering tickets expected to cost less than £50. The all-electric operator, previously dubbed the 'Ryanair of trains', already runs a London to Edinburgh route with one-way fares starting at £49.
The extension, approved by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), will see two northbound and one southbound service on weekdays, plus one in each direction on Sundays. Lumo's head of communications, Richard Salkeld, said the company aims to serve travellers who cannot afford 'extortionate' rail prices, noting that Lumo takes full commercial risk without government subsidy.
Current Avanti West Coast services between London Euston and Glasgow cost up to £133 for an off-peak single and £208 at peak times, though advance fares start at £36.50. Lumo's exact Glasgow fares have not been set, but the company promises 'fantastic value tickets' on its website.
Lumo has been compared to low-cost airlines due to its lack of first class, no buffet cart, and baggage limits. The new Glasgow service is expected to complement existing routes while offering a cheaper alternative for travellers.
