Lumo Unveils Budget Fares for New West Coast Main Line Services

Lumo’s upcoming open access service on the West Coast Main Line is set to introduce lower-cost travel options between Scotland, the North West of England and London.

The operator has confirmed that tickets are now available for journeys starting from 10 July through to the end of the summer season. The new services, which are expected to launch in the coming weeks, will provide direct connections along one of the UK’s busiest rail corridors.

Among the introductory fares announced are:

• London / Stirling for £29.90
• London / Preston for £23.90
• Preston / Stirling for £14.90

Passengers can reduce the price further by using Railcards, and Lumo has confirmed that bookings made through its website will not incur any booking fees.

The new service will run between London Euston and Stirling, with stops planned at Milton Keynes, Nuneaton, Crewe, Preston, Carlisle, Lockerbie, Motherwell, Whifflet, Greenfaulds and Larbert. Lumo intends to operate four daily return journeys between Stirling and London, along with an additional Preston–London return service.

Operations will be supported by a new headquarters in Preston, which is due to open on 20 March 2026. The facility has already created around 100 new jobs linked to the launch of the service.

Trains used on the route will be refurbished Class 222 units, featuring refreshed interiors and new seating in some carriages. As with Lumo’s existing services, the trains will offer a single-class standard layout aimed at providing straightforward, low-cost travel.

The company says the expansion will increase travel choice while offering direct long-distance links for communities that currently have limited rail connections.

While tickets are currently available for journeys from 10 July, additional services are expected to go on sale soon, with the possibility that operations could begin earlier than July.

Stuart Jones, Managing Director of First Rail Open Access, said:

"These fares are about putting customers first. By offering simple, low-cost tickets and direct services between Scotland, the North West of England and London, we’re making it easier and more affordable for people to travel for work, leisure and family visits. Launching Lumo on the West Coast Main Line is an exciting step forward, and with our new base in Preston creating jobs and supporting the local economy, this is a service that will benefit both passengers and communities along the route."

Image: Lumo