Virgin Trains carrying more Glasgow Christmas shoppers

20th November 2018

New figures have shown that increased numbers of shoppers are crossing the border with Virgin Trains to enjoy Glasgow’s Christmas attractions. With reduced day return fares from the North of England, the numbers have grown by more than a quarter in just three years.

Following this success, Virgin Trains has now cut the cost of a day return “Shopper” ticket to Glasgow by a third, valid on any train after 9.30am. Return fares are available for just £17 from Carlisle, £22 from the Lakes (Oxenholme and Penrith) and £27.50 from Preston. First Class returns are available from between £35 and £56 from Carlisle/Preston respectively until the promotion ends on January 6.

In 2017, figures show that nearly 15,000 people took advantage of Virgin Trains’ flexible Shopper tickets between November and early January, a 28% increase on 2014/5. It's not only day return tickets that have seen an increase, advance tickets for the festive period from Northern England have also increased with 5700 journeys per week made last December, an increase of a third from the same period in 2013.

Michael Stewart, Virgin Trains General Manager for Anglo-Scottish services, said:

“Glasgow’s world class shopping, Christmas markets, attractions and atmosphere makes it the perfect day out and we are seeing lots more people from the north of England taking advantage of our reduced fares in the run-up to Christmas. With three Virgin Trains services every two hours to Glasgow, it’s a quick and enjoyable way to visit Scotland’s biggest city"

Councillor David McDonald, Chair of Glasgow Life and Depute Leader of Glasgow City Council, said:

“We welcome Virgin Trains’ ongoing commitment to Glasgow and we’re delighted that this great value offer will once again make the city even more accessible to leisure visitors from the North of England throughout the festive season. As the success of this joint promotion shows, flexible, affordable rail travel together with a compelling destination offering is a winning combination for Glasgow. As the UK’s largest and most successful shopping destination outside London with a huge selection of world-class brands and retailers we’re confident there’s something to suit every shopper and budget. Together with a packed programme of magical events and festive fun, it’s true that Glasgow Loves Christmas like nowhere else.”

Author: Darren Porter
Image: Virgin Trains