On Saturday 4 July, rail operator Lumo operated the highest capacity domestic intercity train in the UK.
The sold-out service carried 772 customers in each direction between Edinburgh, Newcastle, and London; meaning more than 1,540 people were onboard the record-breaking return service. Travel on one of Lumo’s fully electric services helps save 96% of CO₂e compared with flying.
Customers on the 08:26 from Edinburgh Waverly to London King’s Cross and returning 14:15 service enjoyed Lumo’s award-winning customer service, generous legroom, and recently refreshed seating. Customers can also look forward to revolutionary Starlink Wi-Fi technology launching on Lumo’s East Coast services this autumn, marking a significant step forward in onboard connectivity for the route.
The special 10-coach length train service follows a particularly successful period for Lumo, which recently launched new services on the West Coast Main Line between London Euston and Stirling. The new offering has already created around 100 new jobs and brought an impressive level of affordability and enhanced connections to communities in Scotland and England.
Stuart Jones, managing director of First Rail Open Access, said: “As an open access operator, we’re always looking for new ways we can provide affordable and reliable services to even more customers. Our team have worked hard to make this record-breaking return service happen and I think it’s a clear example of how we can benefit the wider rail network.
“Lumo and its sister operator Hull Trains are going from strength to strength in 2026, with industry leading customer satisfaction and a number of other exciting developments helping enhance the customer experience. As we head into the summer, we look forward to welcoming even more customers with us in the coming weeks.”
The 10-coach length Lumo service with the potential to carry 772 customers in each direction between Edinburgh and London saves around 189 tonnes of CO₂e compared with the same journeys being made by domestic air, based on UK Government greenhouse gas conversion factors.
John McCabe, chief executive of the North East Chamber of Commerce, commented: “This is a really positive trial and an encouraging step for connectivity on the East Coast Main Line.
“Improved capacity between Newcastle, Edinburgh and London is good news for our visitor economy, cultural attractions and local businesses. It also helps people with roots in the North East and beyond stay better connected with the South of England.
“We hope the trial proves successful and paves the way for increased capacity to become a more permanent fixture on this important route.”
The trial 10-car Lumo service follows the latest rail passenger statistics from the Office of Rail and Road, the industry watchdog.
The ORR reported a 4% increase in passenger numbers on UK railways for the three months between January and March, compared with the same period in 2025 – with Lumo leading the way for helping attract more people to rail.
The ORR said: “Lumo (East Coast) had the largest percentage increase in passenger journeys. The 0.4 million journeys in the latest quarter was a 23% increase on the 0.3 million recorded in the same quarter in the previous year.”
Image credit: Lumo