London to Liverpool by train
It takes an average of 2h 45m to travel from London to Liverpool by train, over a distance of around 178 miles (287 km). There are normally 35 trains per day travelling from London to Liverpool and tickets for this journey start from $18.87 when you book in advance.
| First train | 05:31 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 22:00 | |
| Departure station | London | |
| Arrival station | Liverpool | |
| Journey time | From 2h 15m | |
| Distance | 178 miles (287 km) | |
| Frequency | 35 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From $18.87 | |
| Train operators |
Travel from London to Liverpool in 2 hours and 15 minutes
Thinking about a trip to Liverpool by train? This guide will give you all the information you’ll need to know to make the most out of your journey.
The average journey time between London and Liverpool is around 2 hours and 55 minutes. On the fastest direct trains with Avanti West Coast it can take as little as 2 hours and 15 minutes. There are around 40 trains a day running this route.
Trains to Liverpool leave the capital from London Euston station. You’ll be travelling with Avanti West Coast. On board, you’ll be able to make use of free WiFi, plug sockets and an onboard shop where you can buy food and drink.
You’ll arrive at Liverpool Lime Street station, right in the centre of the city. From there it is only a short walk to the city’s major attractions, including the Royal Albert Dock, the Museum of Liverpool and the Cavern Club.
Ready to book? Start your search for cheap train tickets from London to Liverpool today. Just head to the journey planner at the top of this page. Select the dates of your trip and we’ll do the rest. If you’re looking for more information on the journey, continue reading:
- Today’s train times
- Avanti West Coast trains
- Classes on board Avanti West Coast trains
- Services on board Avanti West Coast trains
- How to get to London Euston station
- Everything you need to know about London Euston station
- Arriving at Liverpool Lime Street station
- Discover Liverpool
- Where to travel next after Liverpool
Journey details
Want to know more about your journey from London to Liverpool? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How long does the train from London to Liverpool take?
The average journey time by train between London and Liverpool is 2 hours and 45 minutes, with around 35 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between London and Liverpool by train?
The fastest journey time by train from London to Liverpool is 2 hours and 15 minutes.
How much does the train from London to Liverpool cost?
Train ticket prices from London to Liverpool can start from as little as $18.87 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.
Is there a direct train from London to Liverpool?
Yes, it is possible to travel from London to Liverpool without having to change trains. There are 35 direct trains from London to Liverpool each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from London to Liverpool leave?
The first train from London to Liverpool leaves at 05:31. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from London to Liverpool leave?
The last train from London to Liverpool leaves at 22:00. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between London and Liverpool by train?
Trains travelling from London to Liverpool cover a distance of around 178 miles (287 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Liverpool to London. If you’re looking for other options, you can also catch the bus from London to Liverpool.
Cheap train tickets from London to Liverpool
Book in advance
Look out for Advance tickets – they usually come out up to 12 weeks before the departure date and can be cheaper than buying on the day. If you’re here a tad early, sign up for our Advance ticket alert today to get notified when your tickets are released.
Consider a Season Ticket
If you catch this train more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly and weekly options available, find out if a season ticket for London to Liverpool is right for you.
Use your Railcard
National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel a few times or more in a year. Find out how you can save with a National Railcard here.
Split your tickets
Download our app to find split tickets — courtesy of SplitSave, our handy feature which 'splits' your train tickets where possible to find you a better deal. Learn more about the clever tech behind split tickets, and how to spot SplitSave discounts in our app.
For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.
Avanti West Coast trains from London to Liverpool
Your train from London to Liverpool will be operated by Avanti West Coast.
Avanti West Coast has been operating on Britain’s West Coast Main Line since 2019. Its fleet of high-speed intercity trains links London to major British stations, such as Birmingham New Street, Manchester Piccadilly, Liverpool Lime Street, Glasgow Central and Edinburgh Waverley.
Between London and Liverpool, you’ll be on Avanti’s recently refurbished Pendolino trains. These are the ‘tilting’ trains that lean into curves on the tracks, allowing a top speed of 125mph.
Avanti West Coast train classes from London to Liverpool
Avanti West Coast trains offer seats in three different classes.
Standard Class
In Standard Class on Avanti West Coast services from London to Liverpool, you’ll be able to make use of the following onboard services:
- Free onboard WiFi.
- Access to the onboard shop where you can purchase food and drink.
- Refurbished seats and tables.
- Plug sockets at selected table and window seats.
Standard Premium Class
In Standard Premium Class, you’ll receive the same amenities as Standard Class, plus:
- Larger seats.
- A guaranteed table at your seat.
- Plug sockets at every window seat.
First Class
In First Class, you’ll receive all the above, as well as:
- At-seat service.
- Complimentary food and drink on board.
- Access to First Class lounges at London Euston and Liverpool Lime Street (up to two hours before departure and up to one hour after arrival). Complimentary snacks, soft drinks and coffee are available.
Onboard services from London to Liverpool
You'll find these services available on board Avanti West Coast trains from London to Liverpool.
Luggage
Food and drink
WiFi
Bikes
Pets
Passenger Assist
How to get to London Euston station
Whether by tube, bus, taxi or foot, London Euston is easy to reach.
London Euston station is located on Euston Road on the northern edge of central London. It’s easily accessible by public transport.
- Tube: Euston Underground station is on the Northern line and Victoria line. Take the escalators up to reach the mainline station concourse. You can also reach Euston mainline station by taking the Metropolitan, Circle or Hammersmith & City lines to Euston Square station and walking 5 minutes.
- Bus: The bus station in front of the station serves 9 daytime bus routes departing in all directions: 1, 18, 30, 68, 73, 91, 205, 253, 390.
Everything you need to know about London Euston station
Did you know? London Euston has been serving passengers since 1837.
London Euston is one of the busiest train stations in London and is the southern terminus of the West Coast Main Line. It welcomes over 31 million passengers every year.
You’ll find the following services in the station:
- Restaurants and cafés
- Shops
- Cash machines
- Avanti West Coast First Class Lounge
- Lost property
- Luggage storage
- Photo booths
- Seating and waiting rooms
- Telephones
- Toilets (incl. accessible and changing places toilets)
- Trolleys
- Water fountain
- Wheelchairs
- Free public WiFi
Arriving at Liverpool Lime Street station
We'll show you how to make your way through Liverpool once you arrive at Liverpool Lime Street station.
You’ll arrive at Liverpool Lime Street station, which is right in the centre of the city. Either make use of the facilities at the station—First Class passengers also have access to the First Class lounge for an hour after arrival—or head straight out into the city.
The station is well-connected by public transport options:
- By foot: Liverpool’s historic waterfront is around a 20-minute walk from Liverpool Lime Street, cutting through the centre of the city.
- By Merseyrail: You can catch Merseyrail’s Wirral Line from Liverpool Lime Street, which connects you to Birkenhead and surrounding areas. You can also change to the Northern Line by taking the Wirral Line one stop and changing at Liverpool Central.
- By bus: You can catch over 30 bus services from Queen Square Bus Station, which is less than a 5-minute walk from the entrance of Liverpool Lime Street station.
Discover Liverpool
If you're looking for inspiration for how to fill your time in Liverpool, look no further!
Tourists often first make their way to Liverpool’s historic waterfront, which is now filled with museums and galleries showcasing the rich culture and history of the city:
- Museum of Liverpool
- Tate Liverpool
- Maritime Museum
- Royal Albert Dock
- The British Music Experience
The Cavern Quarter attracts Beatles fans. The Cavern Club is the birthplace of The Beatles and is just next to the Liverpool Beatles Museum.
Just opposite Liverpool Lime Street station is St George’s Quarter, home to:
- St George’s Hall
- Walker Art Gallery
- World Museum
For more inspiration, check out our article on how to spend a weekend in Liverpool.
Where to travel next after Liverpool
There are so many fantastic destinations to visit by train from Liverpool. Why not extend your adventure?
