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Lumo shares update on 'Eurostar of Scotland' train launching from London soon

Mar 6, 2026 Europe News views: 130

The service will run from London Euston to Stirling,in Scotland (Picture: Getty Images)

A new train from London to Scotland is set to launch this spring,stopping at 11 stations,with five daily services running each way.

Departing from Euston,the Lumo route will travel through central Scotland to Stirling,becoming the first direct service to the capital for three stations — Whifflet,Greenfaulds and Larbert.

Ahead of its inaugural journey,the rail operator has now shared fresh 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.

The interior of the new Lumo Euston to Stirling trains (Picture: Lumo)

Lumo’s Class 222 fleet is currently being refurbished ahead of the launch (Picture: 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.

The service will compete with Avanti and others operating on the West Coast Main Line (Picture: Lumo)

According to Zoe,tickets should ‘certainly be cheaper’,which will come as good news to seasoned travellers,given an advanced single from Euston to Stirling with LNER currently costs a hefty £95.50.

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.’

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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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