So-so fish and chips may top $20, and hotel rates may be out the wazoo, however not all elements of London have to be expensive.
You know– like leaving the city!
Kidding aside, the UK’s the majority of iconic location has actually captured our hearts here at Travel Off Path time and time again with impressive marvels, world-renowned landmarks, and traditional pubs at every corner.
There’s no doubt you’ll find eye-watering prices here, no matter the season, whether it’s a required red bus trip or just grabbing a pint with local lads.
However the very same can’t be said for all of the UK, and let’s be sincere, the lack of affordability isn’t stopping tourists from checking out one of Europe’s leading cities. For those who do have their sights set on London, why not contribute to your journey with an economical train trip to
one of the UK’s most ignored cities? Lumo, an affordable, all-electric rail operator, is introducing new journeys from London to Glasgow, Scotland’s buzzing city loaded with Old World beauty and vibrant swagger, with a booming arts scene– and it’s much cheaper than London!
Get Your Money’s Worth In Scotland
< img width ="1200"height =" 1200"src="https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Rainbow-over-historic-building-in-Glasgow.jpg.webp"alt=" Rainbow over historical building in Glasgow"/ > If you have a gap in your London itinerary, Glasgow is the perfect area to fill in. According to MyLifeElsewhere, London is 41%
more expensive than Glasgow, a pretty hefty amount that can build up fast. Think of it– Scotland has ageless charm, even funnier accents, comparable traditional bars, and who knows, maybe you’ll discover a pot o’ gold at the end of a rainbow.
If you pay a visit to Glasgow, expect to come back to London with more money to spend. For example, you can quickly score a 4-star hotel here for under $75 per night.
In London, that would be an almost difficult task unless you squander your loyalty points.
< img width="1200"height= "1200 "src ="https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Historic-street-in-Glasgow-Scotland.jpg" alt="Historical street in Glasgow, Scotland"/ > A quick search found the best offer was Leonardo Royal Hotel Glasgow for$67 in December (when the new path is slated for launch). It’s stated dining establishments are 1/3 of the price here usually compared to London too, and there are some intriguing menus for adventurous foodies with offerings such as Haggis, a traditional meal comprised of sheep organs, and Black Pudding, a blood sausage frequently paired with breakfast (what a way to begin your day!).
And simply in case you missed it– United will soon operate America’s only nonstop path to Glasgow if you want to begin here and take the train trip in reverse order than most travelers.
Lumo’s New London-Glasgow Path Is Surprisingly Budget Friendly
According to The Scottish Sun, there’s no official date for the first journey. Nevertheless, we do understand it will happen in December as the regional specialists keep in mind travelers’will be able to go on the new
service from December this year, just in time for Christmas’. The journey will connect both methods from Glasgow Queen Street station and London’s King’s Cross station.
Whether you’re getting here or leaving King’s Cross, you’ll wish to make the most of the closest thing to a real-life “Hogwarts” as the renowned Platform 9 3/4 photo op waits for just actions away.
Accio selfie!
To score the very best fares, travelers should go to Lumo’s
main website well ahead of time. With the rate points they’re currently listing, it’s certainly worth preparing ahead.
Tickets are noted as low as $45 one-way, a take of a deal for the UK’s typically triple-digit fares.
If the unsightly winter season weather isn’t in the cards, there are cheap fares still on sale throughout 2026 for the 5-hour, 22-minute journey.
All Aboard! What It resembles Riding Lumo Trains
If you’re a sustainable tourist, you will definitely like what Lumo has to offer on its all-electric trains.
Not just are they quiet, climate-friendly, and 100 % digital with no paper tickets, the rides are smooth and have a lot of modern-day features for a 5+ hour adventure throughout the UK:
- Free wifi
- USB and basic outlets at every seat
- Comfortable, ergonomic seating with ample legroom
- Trolley service offering treats, coffee, and locally-sourced food
- Scenic windows for beautiful countryside views
- Reading lights and fold-out tables
In 2024, Lumo got the highest honor possible for reliability.
Sam Sears Sam, our Lead Author & Reporter based in San Diego has actually gone to 36 nations and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
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