A new direct train from London to Scotland is set to launch in the spring of 2026.
Operated by Lumo, the service will stop at 11 stations, with five daily trains running each way.
Departing from London Euston, the train will journey through central Scotland, arriving in Stirling. It will be the first time three of the destinations – Whifflet, Greenfaulds and Larbert – have had a direct service to the capital.
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.
According to Zoe, tickets will ‘certainly be cheaper’.
This will come as good news to seasoned travellers. An advanced single ticket from Euston to Stirling with LNER currently costs a hefty £95.50.
And, with new 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.
‘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.
Full list of stops on the new Euston to Stirling Lumo train service
- London Euston
- Milton Keynes
- Nuneaton
- Crewe
- Preston
- Carlisle
- Lockerbie
- Motherwell
- Whifflet
- Greenfaulds
- Larbert
- Stirling
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‘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 also get more choice.
‘The increased frequency of services will also provide greater scheduling flexibility and reduced waiting times,’ she concludes.
Plus, 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,’ says Zoe.
Travel by train
- Competition for the Eurostar has been hotting up. Richard Branson’s Virgin Group announced said there are ‘no more major hurdles to overcome’ in its £700million rail project to operate cross-channel trains. Meanwhile Italy’s national state-owned railway company, Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane (FS Group)said it will launch a new high-speed rail service between London and Paris by 2029.
- A popular European train line is operating again, after being closed since August 2023. The direct route takes passengers from Paris Gare de Lyon station in France all the way to Milan in Italy (via Turin), with tickets starting from as little as £25.33 each way (just under €30) if you book in advance, according to Trainline.com.
- A brand-new sleeper train is set to connect five European countries in one route for the first time, spanning an impressive 745 miles. Starting in the Polish capital of Warsaw, the new link will run all the way to the Croatian city of Rijeka, known for its glistening beaches, waterfalls, and 13th-century castle.
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