In 2025, I finally made my long-held dream a reality: visiting Scotland for the first time! I had been in London visiting a friend, a city I’ve explored several times before, but I had never ventured further north. Edinburgh had always been at the top of my travel list, so after my time in London, I decided it was finally time to go. As I planned the trip, I debated flying, but my love for scenic, comfortable train journeys won out. The London-to-Edinburgh route is one of the UK’s most celebrated rail trips, and I’d heard the landscapes along the way are breathtaking. To make the journey even easier, I booked with Lumo, the new budget-friendly train operator offering lower fares and a greener way to travel, avoiding the hassle of airports and short-haul flights. This is everything you need to know!
Quick Summary
Date: July 21, 2025|
Train: Lumo #LD1103
Class: Standard (LumoFixed, Non-Flexible)
Departure: 12:18 PM – London King’s Cross
Arrival: 4:41 PM – Edinburgh Waverley (City Centre)
Duration: 4 hours 23 minutes
Seat: Coach B, Seat 56 (Window, Forward-Facing)
Cost: CA$186.35 (incl. booking fee & refund protection)
Ticket Type: Mobile ticket (non-refundable, only valid on booked service)
WiFi: Complimentary
Power Outlets: Available at each seat
Food Service: Onboard café trolley with snacks & drinks
Baggage: Two items of luggage + one small bag
Booking & Cost of the Lumo Train
I booked my ticket through Rail Europe about a month in advance. Lumo offers some of the lowest fares between London and Edinburgh, often cheaper than airlines. My total came to CA$186.35 including a booking fee and refund protection.
The ticket type I purchased—LumoFixed, Non-Flexible—was the cheapest, but it comes with restrictions: you can only travel on your booked train and tickets are non-refundable. If you’re someone who needs flexibility, I’d recommend upgrading, but for me, the savings were worth it.
Pro Tip: Lumo releases tickets around 12 weeks in advance, and prices are significantly cheaper if you book early.
Departing London King’s Cross
London King’s Cross is one of the busiest train stations in the UK, but it’s also one of the most iconic. Arriving about 45 minutes early, I had time to grab a coffee, a meal deal and, of course, snap a quick photo at the Harry Potter Platform 9¾ spot. There are endless food and beverage outlets at Kinds Cross – I got an M&S meal deal before boarding to take on the train with me. Boarding for Lumo was smooth and clearly signposted. Trains are all-electric and painted a bright blue, making them easy to spot. Once boarding opened, staff checked tickets at the platform and directed passengers to their assigned coaches.
Seating & Comfort
I had Coach B, Seat 56, which was a window seat and forward-facing—a win for anyone who loves watching the countryside roll by. Lumo’s seating is 2 x 2 across, with slim but comfortable seats. Legroom was decent (though not quite as generous as VIA Rail in Canada), and each seat had a fold-down tray table, power outlet, and overhead luggage storage. The windows are large, which made the journey especially scenic! I was travelling solo, so had someone sitting next to me, however I still found the seating sizes ample and comfortable.
Insider Tip: If you want the best views, try to book a seat on the right-hand side when heading north—the train hugs the coastline after Newcastle and the sea views are spectacular.
WiFi & Connectivity
Lumo offers free WiFi for all passengers, which I found relatively reliable enough for browsing and emails but not strong enough for heavy streaming. With a power socket at each seat, I was able to keep my devices fully charged throughout the journey, making it easy to get some work done.
Food & Beverage Service
About 30 minutes into the journey, the onboard trolley service came through with snacks, sandwiches, and drinks (including tea, coffee, beer, and wine). Prices were fairly standard for train travel—more expensive than a shop but not outrageous.
Pro Tip: If you’re traveling on a budget, stock up at King’s Cross before boarding. There are plenty of takeaway options inside the station.
Scenic Views Along the Route
The views were without a doubt the highlight of the trip. Leaving London, the train passed through rolling English countryside, quaint villages, and wide open fields. After Newcastle, the route becomes truly spectacular: the train runs right along the North Sea coastline with dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and endless ocean views. This section alone makes the train worth taking over flying—you simply don’t get views like this from a plane!
Arrival in Edinburgh
We arrived at Edinburgh Waverley Station right on time at 4:41 PM. Located in the heart of the city, Waverley is within walking distance of the Royal Mile, Princes Street, and many hotels. Compared to flying, it was a huge advantage to step off the train and be instantly in the city centre, with no airport transfers required.
Final Thoughts: Is Lumo Worth It?
I would absolutely take the train from London to Edinburgh again! Lumo made it affordable and super comfortable. I was almost sad when the train arrived, as I felt so relaxed reading my book and watching the Scottish countryside roll by! Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons:
Pros
- Cheaper than flying (especially with early booking)
- Scenic coastal views after Newcastle
- Comfortable seating with power outlets and WiFi
- Smooth boarding process at King’s Cross
- Arrival directly in Edinburgh city centre
Cons
- Non-flexible tickets can be risky if your plans change
- Seats are narrower than some other train operators
Overall, I’d recommend Lumo to anyone traveling between London and Edinburgh who values price, convenience, and stunning scenery over speed and luxury!
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