‘Eurostar of Scotland’ tickets finally on sale with £30 fares from London

A new train from London to Scotland finally has a launch date, with tickets available for travel from Friday, July 10.

Stopping at 11 stations, Lumo’s new route from London Euston to Stirling, will be significantly cheaper than other rail operators.

Announced today, the following tickets are now available for purchase:

• London to Stirling from £29.90
• London to Preston from £23.90
• Preston to Stirling from £14.90

Currently, a single ticket with LNER from London to Stirling on Friday, 29 May (tickets are currently only available up to Wednesday, June 3) costs £49.20, with two changes.

The Lumo train will travel through central Scotland, becoming the first direct service to the capital for three stations — Whifflet, Greenfaulds and Larbert.

And if you’re planning on going north before the summer, fear not. In a statement Lumo said: ‘Services departing after 10 July are now on sale, however earlier services are expected to be added in the coming weeks as it’s anticipated services will launch ahead of July.’

Lumo added that the expansion is ‘intended to improve travel choice for customers while providing direct long-distance connections for communities currently underserved by rail.’

Ahead of its inaugural journey, the rail operator also shared updates on what passengers can expect, including sneak peek images of the refurbished fleet being used.

Carriages will feature ‘sleek grey and silver’ interiors, with standard class seating only, ‘offering all customers the best seats to take in the picturesque views’ during their journey.

A total of 16 apprentice drivers have also switched ‘from the classroom to the cab’ of these upgraded Class 222s, after starting their training in June 2025.

‘We’re proud of the progress of our new apprentices preparing to help us launch our new route connecting London Euston and Stirling,’ commented Lindsay Gauntlett, head of people and culture at Lumo.

This progress bodes well for the launch to go ahead in spring 2026 as proposed; although no official date has been released, the rail firm claims ‘timetables, fares and onboard details will be announced soon’.

While Avanti West Coast, LNER and TransPennine Express already operate on this line, Lumo will be the only ‘open-access’ service — meaning it’s not subsidised by the government.

And that means competitive prices and better service, Zoe Adjey, senior lecturer at the Institute of Tourism and Hospitality at the University of East London tells Metro.

Plus, with more competition, the overall travelling experience is likely to be improved.

‘The service enhancement will significantly improve the passenger experience, especially compared to air travel,’ says Zoe.

‘Air travel requires an initial transit to one of London’s airports, followed by a two-hour wait for the flight, then a two-hour flight time.’

She continues: ‘In contrast, rail travel involves just a quick journey to Euston station, followed by a five-hour train journey with WiFi, refreshments, and enhanced onboard services.

‘Passengers will get city center to city center connectivity, eliminating lengthy airport transfers and security procedures.

‘It’s like choosing between Eurostar and flying when traveling to Paris or Brussels,’ she adds. ‘The train offers greater convenience despite the longer journey time.’

Zoe says travellers will get more choice thanks to this launch.

Additionally, ‘the increased frequency of services will provide greater scheduling flexibility and reduced waiting times.’

She also highlights how the new train route could see some of the stops become tourist destinations.

‘Visitors from London will find it easier easier access to Scotland’s historic sites and natural landscapes around Stirling, while Scottish tourists gain improved access to London’s attractions,’ Zoe concludes.

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