Recently I rode Lumo and LNER's services between London and Edinburgh, to compare the two rival services - and I am now certain which one is best. The two train operators have been going head to head on the east coast line since Lumo turned up during the coronavirus pandemic, promising to disrupt the UK rail scene and offer those who love to ride the rails a second choice. Like Ryanair does in the skies, Lumo's offer is budget and brash, with a one-size-fits-all approach that has no time for anything but standard class.
LNER on the other hand, is the more established competitor and offers a luxurious first class service. Earlier this month I put the train firms to the test to see which is best - riding in LNER's premium seats on the way up to Edinburgh and back down on the cheapest Lumo ticket on offer. Here's what I found.
Comfort Like the airlines which may have inspired it, Lumo is cheap, cheerful and a little rough and ready. My seat was covered in crumbs when I found it, the train doors having been opened just five minutes before we were due to depart - prompting a bit of a scramble to get on. The actual seats are comfortable though and have well designed head rests which make nodding off after a long weekend at the Fringe relatively easy.
The leg room is decent and the foldable tables sturdy and clean. Perhaps unsurprisingly, LNER first class is a whole different kettle of fish. The shared tables are vast and substantial, the seats leather-bound and plush, and the carpe.