There's something rather special about travelling between Christmas and New Year - that gentle lull where the world slows down just enough to savour it.
On 30 December, Lisa and I swapped the post-festive haze for something far more energising: a first experience aboard Lumo’s new all-electric service from Newcastle to Glasgow.
The route has been talked about with no shortage of enthusiasm, and rightly so. In just two hours and 20 minutes, with only four brief stops – Morpeth, Edinburgh Waverley, Edinburgh Haymarket and Falkirk – we were carried smoothly from the North East to the heart of this Caledonian cultural powerhouse.
It’s fast, it’s efficient and, crucially, it drops you right into Glasgow Queen Street, where the city’s main attractions are practically on your doorstep.
From the moment we boarded, the atmosphere felt different to the usual long-distance rail experience. Lumo’s interiors are bright and modern, the staff upbeat, and the quiet hum of the all-electric train lends a calmness that’s rare during the festive rush.
With fares starting from an impressive £10.90 between Newcastle and Glasgow, it’s also one of the most accessible ways to travel between the two cities – a point not lost on the many families, couples and solo adventurers sharing our carriage.
The company’s recent launch celebrations have only added to the sense of momentum. The inaugural service departed Glasgow Queen Street to great fanfare, complete with performances from Storm Electric Strings, a comedy set by rising talent Connor Burns and a special appearance from Scottish boyband Just The Brave.
In a nod to Scottish heritage, Lumo even unveiled its own official tartan, created with Houston Kiltmakers, with guests receiving limited edition scarves.
Our own journey north was smooth and scenic, the winter light casting a soft glow over the coastline before giving way to the dramatic approach into Edinburgh and the rolling central belt beyond. Before we knew it, we were stepping out into a lively, festive Glasgow – the perfect base for a pre New Year escape.
Fast forward to 2 January, and the return leg was every bit as seamless. While many were still easing themselves into the new year, we boarded the southbound service and settled into that same relaxed rhythm. The train pulled away from Queen Street with the city still carrying the last traces of Hogmanay reverie, and by early afternoon we were back in Newcastle, refreshed and ready for 2026.
Lumo’s Managing Director, Stuart Jones, described the new service as “a landmark moment” for connectivity between Scotland and England – and it’s hard to disagree. With two northbound services each weekday, one southbound, and a Stirling-London Euston route launching in May 2026, the company is clearly on an upward trajectory.
For Lisa and me, this new Newcastle-Glasgow link felt like a genuine gamechanger: fast, affordable, sustainable and surprisingly serene.
A smart choice for anyone looking to travel between two great cities with ease – and a what a way to get the new year off to a flier!
For more information, visit www.lumo.co.uk