Travelling between major UK cities has often been seen as expensive, especially when it comes to long-distance rail fares. But that could be about to change. A new budget train service is set to connect London and Glasgow, two of the country’s most important cities, with ticket prices starting at under £20. For many travellers, this announcement marks a welcome shift toward more affordable, sustainable, and competitive rail travel.
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A New Era of Budget Rail Travel
The operator behind this move is Lumo, a relatively new open-access rail company already known for providing affordable travel between London and Edinburgh. With approval from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), Lumo will expand its services further north, launching a direct route between London King’s Cross and Glasgow Queen Street.
The first trains are expected to run by the end of this year, and fares will be significantly cheaper than standard long-distance rail tickets, particularly if booked in advance.
Ticket Prices Under £20
One of the biggest draws of this new service is its low price point. Advance fares are expected to start from £19.90, making it one of the most affordable long-distance rail journeys in the UK. While not every seat will be available at this price, the announcement signals Lumo’s intention to compete directly with more expensive operators like Avanti West Coast, which frequently charges much higher fares for the same journey.
This approach mirrors Lumo’s existing London–Edinburgh service, where many passengers have enjoyed budget-friendly tickets well below the cost of traditional rail providers.
Service Frequency and Schedule
According to the plans, the new London–Glasgow route will initially run:
- Two northbound trains per weekday
- One southbound service per weekday
- One train in each direction on Sundays
While the schedule is modest compared to existing operators, the service is designed to provide a cost-effective alternative, especially for budget-conscious travellers who can book early and secure the cheapest fares.
Sustainable Travel Option
Another key feature of Lumo’s service is its commitment to sustainability. The company operates an all-electric fleet, reducing carbon emissions and positioning itself as a greener alternative to both car and air travel. For many passengers, the combination of affordability and eco-friendliness will make the new service an attractive choice.
Competition in the Rail Industry
This new budget connection between London and Glasgow is part of a broader push toward increased competition in the UK rail industry. By offering cheaper fares, open-access operators like Lumo are challenging established train companies and encouraging price reductions across the board.
In addition to the London–Glasgow service, Lumo has also received approval for other potential routes, including services to Stirling, Newcastle, and Hull. These expansions highlight a trend toward greater consumer choice and affordability in UK rail travel.
What This Means for Passengers
For passengers, the biggest benefit is obvious—lower fares on one of the country’s busiest long-distance routes. Students, families, and budget travellers stand to save significantly, especially when compared to the high costs of peak-time tickets with traditional operators.
However,the availability of the cheapest tickets will depend on early booking. Just like with budget airlines, the lowest fares are likely to sell out quickly, while later bookings may still cost substantially less than current alternatives.
FAQs
When will the new London–Glasgow budget train service begin?
It is expected to launch at the end of this year, though an exact date has not yet been confirmed.
How much will tickets cost?
Advance fares will start at £19.90, but prices will vary depending on demand and booking time.
How often will trains run?
On weekdays, there will be two northbound and one southbound service. On Sundays, one train will run in each direction.
Is this the cheapest way to travel between London and Glasgow?
For advance bookings, yes. It will likely be one of the cheapest long-distance rail options in the UK.
Will there be stops along the route?
Full details of intermediate stops have not been confirmed, but the route will be a direct service between London King’s Cross and Glasgow Queen Street.
