New Low-Cost Train Connects London To UK Hidden Gems & Stunning Scottish Cities

Share The Article

Here in the Motherland, we all know Frontier and Spirit, but blokes “across the pond” are more familiar with saving money by rail to avoid Ryanair’s sardine seating and fees for practically breathing recycled air.

Americans may not know names like Lumo firsthand, but if you’re planning a trip to the UK anytime soon, it’s one to keep in mind for a grand adventure without denting your wallet.

In fact, it’s safe to say you can venture around amazing UK and Scottish cities for less than a weekend getaway in London alone — have you seen their prices? Yikes!

Lumo is an all-electric England-based train operator specializing in low fares. Their latest route announcement caught the attention of our expert team here at Travel Off Path, so we just had to share.

Having launched in December, Lumo’s new route makes escaping London’s bank-bleeding expenses more enticing than ever now that you can hop aboard a cheap train to discover hidden gems and Scotland’s most renowned cities.

Great Scot! Zoom Across The UK To Glasgow & Edinburgh

Exploring Scotland’s countryside is something that will stick in your mind forever, but don’t become so mesmerized that you skip out of Edinburgh and Glasgow.

While there’s really no wrong place to visit, Scotland’s cityscapes are somehow both nightmarish and dreamy all in one, with eerie gothic architecture looming overhead.

Wandering both of these cities is truly a delight, even if you’re not a history buff or subscriber to Architectural Digest.

Anyone will appreciate the timeless facades and towering cathedrals seemingly plucked from Old World eras, especially Edinburgh’s Victoria Street and Glasgow’s Buchanan Street.

Lumo’s new route is a game-changer given how flying from London or opting for another train can often be pricey, so this will reshape how travelers build multi-city itineraries moving forward.

From London, it’s estimated to take roughly 4 and a half hours to Edinburgh, and another hour or so to Glasgow.

The UK Stops Most Travelers Never See

Beyond London and Scotland’s most sought-after cities, much of the UK is still considered off-path for many U.S. tourists.

Lumo’s latest adventure should change that.

Not only can you visit 3 of the UK’s most gorgeous cities, but you can also go back home with bragging and photos of places they may have never heard of before.

Your first stop is Newcastle, but if you really want to sound like a proper lad, the official name is Newcastle upon Tyne — a perfect topic to stick your pinky out while sipping tea.

This vibrant riverside city may be mostly known for soccer (yes, the real name for the sport 😉), but don’t sleep on its postcard bridges, incredible food and beer scene, and undeniable authenticity compared to London’s hordes of tourists.

Obviously, it’s much cheaper too.

The other lesser-known stopping point on this route is in Scotland too. The town of Falkirk, located in between Edinburgh and Glasgow, is one of the UK’s biggest surprises.

Known for modern architectural marvels like unmissable horse head statues known as The Kelpies, as well as the Falkirk Wheel, if you want to immerse yourself in everyday Scottish life without the hustle and bustle, this is just the place!

Ticket Prices & On-Board Amenities

Lumo is living up to their ‘low-cost’ reputation any way you divvy up this route.

Should you hop on in London and enjoy the full journey to Glasgow, that will run you just $44 on the low end.

Say you spend some in Newcastle and book the rest of the trip from there, those fares start at just $15.

Of course, prices vary for a variety of reasons, but we’ve confirmed these prices do exist for the lowest class.

Unlike budget carriers in the States, you won’t be crammed in like a Frontier flight.

Here is a quick rundown of what to expect on board a Lumo train:

• Ergonomic seats
• Power outlets
• Reading lights,
• Extendable tray tables
• Coat hangers
• Free basic Wi-Fi (LumoGo)

The Full Route

In order from London to Glasgow, here is Lumo’s full route in order from start to end:

• London — King’s Cross
• (Passes through North East England via the East Coast Main Line)
• Newcastle upon Tyne — Newcastle Central
• Edinburgh — Waverley
• Falkirk — Falkirk High
• Glasgow — Queen Street

Should you be traversing the UK late spring or summer, keep an eye out for Lumo’s May launch of another London-Scotland route to little-known Sterling, brimming with a timeworn townscape and beautiful castles.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.