Buses
Merseyside has an extensive bus network providing transport across the city of Liverpool, to the outer city suburbs and in the local Merseyside area. There are services in Birkenhead, Southport, St Helens and across the Wirral. Local bus services and timetables are shown at: Merseytravel.
The main bus terminals are located at Liverpool ONE and at Queen Square in the city centre.
Trains
Trains in Liverpool serve a number of routes across the centre of Liverpool with the Liverpool loop and the outskirts including the Merseyside area. There are several mainline rail routes offering local and regional services including services to London, Manchester Chester, Birmingham and Scotland. Liverpool is served by three main railway stations around the city centre, Liverpool Lime Street railway station is used for services from London Euston. The service is operated by Virgin Trains. The approx journey time from London to Liverpool is 2 hours 10 minutes via Virgin trains.
Merseyrail operates trains that includes the Liverpool city and suburban area and Merseyside.
Liverpool Central Station includes services to Southport, West Kirby, Ellesmere Port and Chester.
Liverpool James Street Station is located in the city centre and includes services to New Brighton, West Kirby and Ellesmere Port.
Moorfields Station offers services to all Merseyside stations on the Merseyrail network including New Brighton, Kirby, Chester, Southport and Hunts Cross.
For more information please see National Rail Enquiries
Bicycle
The Merseyside area including the city of Liverpool, St Helens, Knowsley, Sefton and Speke can be explored by bicycle via a number of cycle routes that cyclists can use to see the city and its various attractions up close. The area includes some quiet country roads ideal for a leisurely cycle ride, urban areas including historic Liverpool city centre and coastal areas in the Wirral and Southport.
For more information please see: Liverpool Cycling
Public Transport Safety Tips
Most journeys on public transport in Merseyside go ahead without incident, in order to minimise the chances of any incidents, passengers may wish to consider the following safety tips:
- Be aware of your belongings at all times.
- Do not leave your bags and belongings unattended at any time.
- Stay alert and aware of your environment and those around you.
- Do not show valuables including money and jewellery in public.
- If you are carrying a bag/handbag, ensure you use a bag that has a strong good quality strap and wear it across your shoulder (not on your shoulder), with the pockets closed facing towards your waist. Carrying the bag on your shoulder makes it much easier for criminals to snatch the bag or cut the strap.
- Be careful and cautious in crowds and beware of pickpockets, do not leave anything valuable showing in public including wallets in back trouser pockets.
- Sit in carriages with other passengers do not sit in carriages with no/fewer passengers.
- Try not to use smaller/isolated stations especially at night.
- When waiting for buses, trains, boats and taxis stand with other passengers in an area that is well lit, do not stand/wait in isolated areas.
Car
There are a number of car hire firms in Liverpool that offer car rental services for both short and longer term car hire offering a range of vehicles from small budget cars to family cars to larger mini-buses and luxury cars. Liverpool does experience traffic congestion along with many other cities, the traffic is usually at its peak during the peak morning and evening rush hours however road incidents and unforeseen circumstances can create traffic congestion at all times.
Liverpool has good road connections to Motorways, with the M6, M56 and M62 close by offering good road connections to and from the surrounding areas. The M53 motorway gives access to the Wirral area.
The car journey from London to Liverpool via the M1, M6 and M62 is a journey of approx 4 hours to 4 hours 30 minutes (210 miles) depending on traffic and time of day.
Parking in Liverpool is available in the main car parks and on street parking. Among the main city car parks are the Capital Car Park at Fazakerley Street in the Commercial District and the Queen Square Car Park located in Queen Square in the heart of Liverpool close to Liverpool ONE.
Drivers should note there are parking restrictions in the city and there may be driving restrictions in and around the city centre. Following the rules is advised as any infringement is likely to be met with strict enforcement of fines.
For more information please see: Liverpool Parking & Travel for more details on Liverpool parking and council car parks.
Coach
Liverpool is easily accessible by coach with coach services from a number of UK towns and cities including from London where there are regular coach services to Liverpool with a journey time of between 4 hours 30 minutes to 6 hours depending on the service. There are also coach services from London to St Helens, Southport and Birkenhead in Merseyside.
Both National Express and Megabus offer coach services from London to Liverpool. There are also coach services to Liverpool from Manchester, Birmingham and York.
Whilst travelling by coach to Merseyside is usually more time consuming than using rail and road, it is usually more cost effective.
Taxis
Licensed taxis are available across the city with taxi ranks located in travel and business areas including Liverpool Lime Street, James Street, Albert Dock and in shopping areas including Bold Street, Hanover Street and Whitechapel. Licensed taxis operate with fares metered and may have a minimum charge. Taxis offer a convenient way to travel around the city especially for visitors who have heavy shopping or are travelling in the evenings or at night.
Minicabs
Minicabs offer visitors a cheaper option to using taxis; in general they usually charge cheaper rates and need to be pre-booked in advance. Unlike taxis they cannot be hailed from the street, licensed minicabs from reputable firms offer a good option to get around Liverpool. Visitors should be aware vehicles are not recognisable as taxis are; they usually look just like ordinary cars.
Minicabs can usually carry 4 passengers with larger vehicles available to carry more. When using minicabs it is recommended visitors only use those that are licensed as a Private Hire Operator with the local council ensuring the vehicle and river are subject to regular checks.
Please Note: Visitors should be aware of unlicensed, unbooked minicabs and those touting for business on the street including outside tourist attractions, stations and public places, it is strongly recommended not to use these for your own safety
Sea
There are services between Liverpool (from Birkenhead) and Belfast services are operated by Stena Line Irish Sea Ferries.
There are services between the Isle of Man and Liverpool & Birkenhead operated by Isle of Man Steam Packet Company. Travelling by sea offers visitors a relaxing way to see Liverpool’s historic port and waterfront.
Air
Liverpool Airport is located 9 miles from Liverpool city centre. Liverpool airport is conveniently located to provide good access across Merseyside.
Manchester Airport is located 45 miles from Liverpool via the M62, M6 and M56 offering good access to the Merseyside region. The airport has domestic, short haul and long haul international flights.
For more information on public transport in Merseyside including information on public transport and timetables please see: Merseyside Travel
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.