Getting Around Liverpool
Liverpool is a major city in North West England with a well-developed public transport network. Public transport services within the city are controlled and run by Merseytravel, making it relatively straightforward to navigate as a visitor. The city centre is walkable, though public transport options are readily available for longer journeys or when needed.
Buses
Buses are a primary way to move around Liverpool. Two main bus operators—Arriva and Stagecoach—provide the vast majority of local bus services, with smaller operators serving specific routes. Local buses serve the whole city and its surrounding areas.
Bus fares are straightforward: a single adult journey costs £2 across all operators. Payment can be made using contactless card or cash (having the correct change or a small note is advisable). Bus providers strongly encourage contactless payment.
The two principal bus termini are:
- Queen Square Bus Station (located near Lime Street railway station) for services north, east, and west of the city
- Liverpool One bus station (located near the Albert Dock) for services to the south and east
Long-distance coach services arrive at and depart from the National Express stop at Liverpool One bus station. Tour bus services also operate in the city centre.
Merseyrail: Local Underground and Suburban Rail
Liverpool has a local hybrid suburban-urban rail network known as Merseyrail, which is partially underground in the city centre. This network is managed and run by Merseyrail and services are managed by Merseytravel. It comprises two main lines:
- The Northern line, which runs to Southport, Ormskirk, and Kirkby to the north of the city, and Hunts Cross to the south
- The Wirral line, which runs through the Mersey Railway Tunnel and has branches to New Brighton, West Kirby, Chester, and Ellesmere Port
Both the Northern and Wirral lines are electrified. Within the city centre, the majority of the network is underground, with four city centre stations. Merseyrail provides a frequent, reliable way to travel within the metropolitan area and beyond.
Mainline Rail Services
Liverpool is served by national mainline rail services centred on Lime Street station in the city centre. The station is served by five train operating companies.
Key services include:
- To London: The West Coast Main Line runs to London Euston with services operated by Avanti West Coast. One train per hour departs for London, with two trains per hour during peak times.
- To Manchester: Northern operates frequent local links, with multiple trains per hour to Manchester and other North West destinations including Blackpool, Preston, Warrington, and Wigan.
- To Birmingham, Leeds, Sheffield, Nottingham, and other major cities: Services are provided by West Midlands Trains, TransPennine Express, East Midlands Railway, and others.
- To Chester and North Wales: Transport for Wales operates an hourly service to Chester via the Halton Curve, extending to Wrexham General at peak times.
Various other stations within the city—including Broad Green, Edge Hill, Hunts Cross, Huyton, South Parkway, and Watertree Technology Park—are also served by mainline trains.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are readily available in Liverpool. Black cabs can be found throughout the city, and ride-hailing apps including Uber, Ola, and the local operator Delta are plentiful. Taxis are a practical option for visitors, particularly those with mobility impairments or who prefer not to use public transport.
Walkability
Liverpool's city centre is walkable, making it easy to explore many attractions on foot. This is a good option for visitors who are able to walk and wish to experience the city at a leisurely pace.
Cycling
National Cycle Routes 56, 62, and 810 pass through Liverpool, providing options for cyclists. E-scooter-sharing systems are also available in the city.
Getting from Liverpool John Lennon Airport to the City
Liverpool John Lennon Airport is located about 12 kilometres south of the city centre. Several transport options are available:
By Bus
Several bus routes serve the airport, with fares costing £2 per single adult journey (contactless payment accepted; cash also accepted but have the correct change or a small note):
- Bus 500: The best option for tourists heading to the city centre. It serves the city centre with limited stops, operates every 30 minutes, and takes roughly 30 minutes to reach the city centre.
- Bus 80A (Arriva): Runs every 15 minutes and takes 45 minutes to the city centre.
- Bus 82A (Arriva): Runs every 30 minutes, takes around 40 minutes, and runs directly to Paradise Street interchange.
- Bus 86A (Arriva): Runs every 15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes at night. Takes approximately 40 minutes but may be longer at peak traffic times. More frequent than the 500 but journey time is longer.
- Bus 81A: Does not go into the city centre but may be useful for visiting Woolton or the north of the city, as it runs around the city ring road and terminates in Bootle.
By Bus and Train Combined
Buses 80A and 86A also stop at Liverpool South Parkway station. From there, a frequent train service runs to the city centre in about 15 minutes. This may be a better option during peak traffic times (8AM–9AM and 5PM–6PM).
By Taxi
Taxis are available immediately outside the arrivals area. A taxi to the city centre costs around £20–25 for the approximately 25-minute journey. There is a £6 additional fee for taxis hailed at the airport. Pre-booking a taxi in advance can sometimes offer better rates.
By Car
The airport has two onsite car parks, and Skypark is located nearby for those wishing to rent a vehicle or use a private car service.
Alternative Airport Options
Manchester Airport is also an option, located about 45–60 minutes' drive away. Direct train services run between Liverpool Lime Street Station and Manchester Airport, operated by Northern Rail. This can be useful if your origin point has better flight connections to Manchester, though it will add travel time to your journey to Liverpool.