Lumo shares fresh details inside new cross-country trains as it prepares to launch more UK routes

Sarra Gray
Wed, 22 Apr 2026 14:54:30 +0000

Budget rail operator Lumo has shared more details on its refurbished Class 222 trains as it prepares to launch a brand-new West Coast service this spring.

Travellers looking for affordable cross-border journeys will soon be able to enjoy a fresh route as the low-cost operator prepares to connect London with more parts of Scotland.

The newly refreshed train showcases Lumo's signature blue livery and features updated interiors designed to offer passengers a comfortable ride.

The pioneering open access service promises to bring Lumo's popular approach to affordable travel to the West Coast Main Line, with the operator already well-known for its East Coast operations.

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The trains are getting their makeover at Alstom's modernisation facility in Widnes, with Beacon partnering on the project.

Inside, passengers will find refreshed existing seats alongside brand new ones in some coaches, sporting sleek grey and silver tones.

The operator will stick to its single standard class approach – meaning everyone gets equally good seats to enjoy the scenic cross-border views.

The refurbishment work is also being done with sustainability in mind, following Alstom's commitment to sending no waste to landfill, with materials from the process set to be recycled. Tickets are already on sale for the phased launch, with travel dates starting from June 9.

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Those ready to book can pick up affordable fares, with journeys between Preston and Stirling starting from just £14.90.

Those heading from London to Preston can grab seats from £23.90, while the full London to Stirling route begins at £29.90.

The service will call at London Euston, Milton Keynes, Nuneaton, Crewe, Preston, Carlisle, Lockerbie, Motherwell, Whifflet, Greenfaulds, Larbert and Stirling. Customers can secure the best prices by booking directly with Lumo.

Managing director of First Rail Open Access, Stuart Jones, said: "This is a real milestone as we prepare to launch our new West Coast service this spring. The refurbished trains are certainly eye-catching with our signature Lumo blue. I'm also proud of the updated interiors that are ready to provide the comfortable service that we're renowned for."

Chief executive officer of Beacon, Adam Cunliffe, added: "Beacon is proud to continually invest in its fleets, and the Class 222 refurbishment will give passengers on the new Lumo West Coast service a refreshed, comfortable interior together with enhanced wifi for improved connectivity."

Five more refurbished trains are set to follow, with Lumo already boasting impressive customer satisfaction scores and reliability on its existing East Coast route.