Trains to Liverpool
Unarguably the great port city of the north of England, Liverpool has spent hundreds of years absorbing global influences without ever losing its local identity. Just think of The Beatles - they may have been inspired by American rock'n'roll and trained in the clubs of Hamburg, but the Fab Four remained Liverpudlian through-and-through. The city's Mersey waterfront, visited by huge ships and presided over by the iconic 'Three Graces', is a natural focus for visitors, but there's much more to discover here, from Georgian and industrial architecture to the passion of one of Britain's proudest and most successful football clubs.
How to find cheap train tickets to Liverpool
There are a number of ways in which you can find cheap train tickets to Liverpool to help you save money and explore the city. Whether you are getting a train to Liverpool for work or leisure, our Journey Planner can help you find the cheapest available tickets on the days you want to travel.
Our top tips for finding cheap train tickets to Liverpool:
- Get a Railcard: Save up to 1/3 for a whole year
- Book tickets to Liverpool in advance: Northern, Merseyrail and Avanti West Coast usually release tickets 12 weeks in advance
- Travel Off-Peak: Tickets are usually cheaper during quieter times on weekdays and weekends
- Use GroupSave: If you're travelling in a group of 3-9 people you could save 34%
1. Get a Railcard
The first way you can get your hands on cheaper train tickets to Liverpool is by using a National Railcard. If you travel more than a few times a year, buying an eligible Railcard can allow you to save up to 1/3 off the price of your train tickets*, meaning you can spend more on things to see and do in the city. To see the different types of Railcards, eligibility requirements and to buy one online, check out our Railcards page.
2. Book tickets to Liverpool in advance
Another way to save money on train tickets to Liverpool is by purchasing an Advance ticket. In most cases, the earlier you book Advance tickets, the more you will benefit from cheap fares to Liverpool. Advance tickets typically go on sale 12 weeks in advance, so if you are off to hit the shops or have a night out on the town in mind, simply look out for the “Advance ticket” type when you search for tickets using our Journey Planner, or sign up to our Ticket alert to find out as soon as your tickets go on sale. Make sure you book these tickets as early as possible, because the longer you wait, the more the price can go up.
3. Travel during Off-Peak times
You could also travel at Off-Peak periods (any time outside of Monday-Friday rush hours) as cheaper tickets are usually available during these times. Why not try buying Return train tickets instead of two singles as well.
4. Travelling as a group? Use GroupSave
Heading for a day out or weekend in Liverpool with friends? Catch the train with 3-9 people and benefit from a GroupSave discount of up to 34%. To find out more, visit our types of train tickets page and see useful ways to get the best value train fares.
Want even more handy hints on how to save money on train tickets? Check out our cheap train tickets page.
*Conditions and peak travel time exclusions may apply on some Railcard types.
London to Liverpool on the West Coast Main Line
Trains from London to Liverpool depart from Euston station and arrive into Lime Street station, the city’s main railway terminus. Liverpool is connected to London via the West Coast Main Line, which is operated Avanti West Coast. You’ll still travel on a Class 390 Pendolino train. Pendolinos are Avanti’s flagship electrified train; the fleet is in the process of being refurbished.
The fastest services reach Liverpool in just 2h 01m. Standard Class carriages are comfortable, with seats arranged four-a-breast. There is luggage storage at the ends of carriages and above seats. First Class is extra-spacious, with plug sockets at every seat and an at-seat meal service.
How to find cheap tickets from London to Liverpool
The cheapest tickets from London to Liverpool are Advance Singles. These will usually be flagged as ‘cheapest’ in your search results page. The next cheapest tickets are Off-Peak Singles; these allow you to catch any Off-Peak train, rather than the one specified ticket. The Off-Peak window for weekday services falls outside of commuter hours – in general, after 10:00 on weekdays. While the cheapest tickets are available a few weeks ahead of the date of travel, you can still find good deals the night before you intend on travelling if you’re willing to catch a midday train.
Railcards can also save you a third on trains to Liverpool from London all year round. You can buy a digital railcard online with us, which lives in your Trainline app – so you can do away with those easily-forgettable paper Railcards.
Visiting Liverpool
Liverpool’s power and influence came from its docks, and they are still major attractions today. Take a trip on one of the famous Mersey Ferries, or visit Albert Dock – one of the most advanced in the world when it opened. Today you’ll find the old industrial buildings transformed into shops, restaurants and cultural institutions, including the Tate Liverpool art gallery, The Beatles Story and the Merseyside Maritime Museum. Beside the dock is Pier Head, home to the famous Three Graces: the Royal Liver, Cunard and Port of Liverpool buildings.
As you’d expect from the city that the Guinness World Records calls the ‘World Capital City of Pop’, there is music to be heard around every corner. You can still catch a gig at the famous Cavern Club, where the Beatles cut their teeth, and pay a visit to Lennon and McCartney’s childhood homes. The Ropewalks district is the place for late-night bars and clubs, including the legendary Cream club night at Nation.
Shoppers can indulge themselves too – Liverpool ONE has the high-street names, while the Cavern Walk and Metquarter centres host upmarket and designer brands. And football fans will jump at the opportunity to tour Anfield and Goodison Park, the homes of the city’s rival teams.
If you're thinking of going on a day trip from Liverpool and are looking for inspiration, check out our dedicated guide to 7 of the best day trips from Liverpool.
Frequently asked questions
What's the main train station in Liverpool?
The main train station in Liverpool is Lime Street, located north-east of the city centre. Depending on where you’re travelling from, you’re likely to arrive into Lime Street or Central, James Street or Moorfields – the other stations in the city.
Which train companies run trains to Liverpool?
There are a number of trains companies in the UK that operate trains to Liverpool, including TransPennine Express, East Midlands Railway and Avanti West Coast.
How can I get cheap train tickets to Liverpool?
It’s easy to grab yourself cheap train tickets to Liverpool. We’d recommend using a Railcard, buying your ticket in advance or travelling during Off-Peak hours if you can. Read our cheap train tickets guide to find out more.
Are trains running to Liverpool?
Trains run frequently almost every day to Liverpool, although there may be less services during the weekends and bank holidays. Check our live train times for up-to-date information on trains to Liverpool.
Can I use my Railcard to save up to 1/3 on my trip to Liverpool?
Yes, there are several types of Railcards you can use to save up to 1/3 on your trip to Liverpool, these include:
- Two-Together Railcard (Great for couples and friends who always travel together)
- 16-17 Saver (You can save up to 50% with this one)
- 16-25 Railcard (Ideal for students)
- 26-30 Railcard (Also known as the Millennial Railcard)
- Senior Railcard (For those aged 60 and over)
- Friends & Family Railcard (Great for families of up to 4 adults with up to 4 kids)
- Disabled Railcard (If travelling with another adult they can save too)
Having a Railcard means you can use it whenever you want outside of Peak times for a whole year too.