Trains to Liverpool

Catch a train to Liverpool for an energetic mix of history, originality and culture. From Romans to The Beatles, industrial heritage to comedy, art to football – this city welcomes you with a warm smile and a story on every corner.

Culture and heritage

Liverpool's cultural journey embraces Roman origins, 19th-century industrial prowess and vibrant history. The famous Royal Albert Dock echoes its maritime legacy. The Georgian Quarter ’s cobbled streets and townhouses create a beautiful district for pubs, restaurants and cultural venues. And neoclassical structures like the Royal Liver Building blend with landmarks and modern icons like Liverpool Cathedral .

The city's essence is captured through world-class museums and galleries, including The Museum of Liverpool , Maritime Museum and International Slavery Museum . While The Royal Court Theatre and Liverpool Playhouse stage captivating shows for culture enthusiasts.

Music pulses in Liverpool's veins, giving birth to The Beatles, big-hitters Gerry and the Pacemakers, and Elvis Costello. Fans can relive the Beatles' magic at the Liverpool Beatles Museum , Cavern Club and Penny Lane. Also check out the ultimate guide to British Rock and Pop at the British Music Experience.

Sports thrive in Liverpool with wholehearted passion and pride. Premier League giants, Liverpool FC and Everton FC, ignite a global football frenzy, a far cry from their humble beginnings in the 1870s.

And everybody loves to laugh in Liverpool. England's unofficial comedy capital has a strong tradition of comedy clubs, supportive audiences and produced comic legends, such as John Bishop.

Guided tours unveil the city's stories, while public transport via buses, trains and ferries makes exploring Liverpool effortless.

Attractions

Liverpool offers an affordable break by train.

Starting at Liverpool Lime Street station, in the heart of the city centre, walk towards Liverpool Waterfront with the Royal Albert Dock , a bustling riverside hub with River Mersey views, shops and restaurants. Enjoy Tate Liverpool ’s artworks by Picasso, Pollock and Warhol, and relive history at The Beatles Story , where Abbey Road Studios and The Cavern come alive.

Get ready to twist and shout at Liverpool Beatles Museum on Mathew Street, stepping into the Fab Four’s world with over 1,000 personal Beatles items.

National Museums Liverpool venues are free (closed Mondays): explore nature, science and culture at The World Museum , delve into Liverpool's past at the Museum of Liverpool , and reflect on history at the International Slavery Museum . Admire masterpieces at Walker Art Gallery and Lady Lever Art Gallery .

Explore the city's pivotal role and lesser-known contributions to the Titanic tragedy at Titanic and Liverpool: The Untold Story , part of National Museums Liverpool Maritime Museum .

Get city views at the landmark Royal Liver Building and St John’s Beacon , a funky radio tower-turned-viewing deck.

For a deeper dive into the city, book a themed tour. Get exclusive 2FOR1 tickets on Liverpool tours.

Food and drink

Dive into Liverpool's vibrant food scene, spanning modern European delights and local scouse - a hearty 18th-century sailor's "lobscouse" inspiring the endearing "scouser" term and accent. Try scouse at Maggie May's cafe on Bold Street, a hotspot for relaxed dining, lined with indie cafes and restaurants.

Experience authentic scouse and hearty British dishes at Smugglers Cove , a pirate-themed spot with 150+ rum, gin, tequila, whisky varieties at Royal Albert Dock . Dockside venues include Peaberry Coffee House for tasty food from breakfast to dinner.

Explore Europe's oldest Chinatown on Nelson Street and Duke Street, with the tallest arch outside China, a piece from Shanghai. Discover bakeries, emporiums and eateries like Chamber 36 on Berry Street for pan-Asian cuisine.

Next, tuck into Duke Street Food and Drink Market , the award-winning culinary hub with six kitchens and indie restaurants. Nearby, Castle Street brims with high-quality eateries and charming cocktail bars.

For traditional pubs, try Beatles' favourites The Grapes in Mathew Street and Ye Cracke in Rice, or head to The Georgian Quarter and along Dale Street.

In summer, experience Sefton Park’s Food and Drink Festival , and don't miss Taste Liverpool. Drink Bordeaux 's May takeover, featuring feasts from 50 independent restaurants.

Sports and outdoors

Liverpool offers plenty of things to do for sports and outdoor enthusiasts.

Football fans can delve into the city's football culture by attending a game at Liverpool FC and Everton FC . Tours of Anfield, Liverpool FC's legendary home, offer a must-see experience with its historic "This Is Anfield" sign and passionate Kop stand. Similarly, the echoes of historic moments resonate at Goodison Park , the home ground of Everton FC. Get exclusive 2FOR1 tickets on stadium tours.

Alternatively, soak up Liverpool’s scenery by boat and ferry across the Mersey. The 50-minute River Explorer Cruise departs from Pier Head and Seacombe Ferry Terminal, and cruises along Liverpool's and Wirral's historic waterfront.

Breathe in fresh air and take in the outdoor charm of Sefton Park , a heritage-listed park, 20 minutes by bus from the city centre. Wander lush gardens, explore the botanical displays in Sefton Park Palm House , unwind at the cafe or tearoom, or take a pedalo out on the boating lake.

Nearer the centre, explore the free-to-enter evocative atmosphere of St. Luke's Bombed Out Church ruins, hosting regular events, markets and pop-up cinemas within its grounds.

And on warm days, head to North Wirral Coastal Park's Wallasey Beach for a refreshing swim or sunbathe on the golden sands.

Music and nightlife

Liverpool pulsates with its music and nightlife scene.

Liverpool's musical heritage echoes as the birthplace of The Beatles' birthplace. Dive into Mathew Street's bars and clubs, like the legendary Cavern Club , where The Beatles began their journey, celebrating rock 'n' roll's spirit and the city's musical legacy.

Dubbed the UK's unofficial comedy capital, Liverpool has a proud history of comedians like John Bishop, Ricky Tomlinson and Chris Cairns. Get ready to chuckle at the Hot Water Comedy Club , one of the UK’s best comedy promoters. Or laugh ‘til you cry with top-tier comedians at the Laughterhouse Comedy and The Slaughter House .

Experience the exceptional acoustics of Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Hall , indulge in Broadway and musicals at the historic Liverpool Empire Theatre , and enjoy lively entertainment at Royal Court Theatre Catch diverse performances at Everyman and Playhouse Theatres , and witness youth and activism at The Unity Theatre .

Liverpudlians love a good time. Embrace Liverpool's nightlife with late-opening bars and clubs across locales like The Baltic Triangle - a repurposed warehouse district around Jamaica Street - where galleries and studios add an artistic touch. Alternative Seel Street draws night owls to chic bars and clubs, while Concert Square is known for lively clubbing.

Shopping

High-street fashion, unique boutiques, luxury brands and local markets - discover Liverpool’s shopping all within easy walking distance of Liverpool Lime Street station.

Bold Street is a must-visit for its bohemian vibe, housing independent boutiques, vintage shops and an eclectic mix of retro fashion, vinyl records, artisanal goods and quirky gifts.

Narrow Queen Avenue, adorned with Victorian street lamps, is a historic gem connecting Dale and Castle Street, often likened to Harry Potter's Diagon Alley. Explore its charming independent stores, characterised by quaint vintage signs and large bay windows.

For high street brands, explore the sprawling open-air Liverpool ONE , with 170 stores, dining venues and a cinema. For luxury shopping, head to Metquarter for its exclusive high-end designer labels spanning fashion, accessories and beauty.

Immerse yourself in historic markets such as The Greatie Market on Great Homer Street for fresh produce, clothing and homeware. Don't miss the Baltic Market in Baltic Triangle, a hip street food market open Wednesday to Sunday. Experience Makers Market on the first Sunday of every month at Royal Albert Dock, featuring art, craft, food, drink, music and street food. Keep an eye out for regular pop-up markets and artisan fairs happening across the city.

Stations

Liverpool South Parkway (LPY)

Address:
Liverpool South Parkway station
Holly Farm Road
Garston
Merseyside
L19 5NE
Visit station page

Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)

Address:
Liverpool Lime Street station
Lime Street
Liverpool
Merseyside
L1 1JD
Visit station page

Where do LNR trains to Liverpool arrive and depart?

LNR trains arrive and depart from Liverpool Lime Street station, as well as Liverpool South Parkway station. Liverpool Lime Street is the main station serving the city centre and is the key interchange point for travellers using the Merseyrail network.

The Merseyrail network consists of three lines: the Northern Line, Wirral Line, and City Line, which provide commuter rail services connecting various parts of the Liverpool City Region.

Which train services run direct to Liverpool?

We operate one direct trains an hour from Birmingham New Street station. Our fastest train takes just 1 hour 43 minutes, and the cheapest advance ticket is £11.50 one-way.

When is the best time to travel to Liverpool by train?

A ticket to ride by train to Liverpool is cheap and easy. By opting for off-peak times to travel, you’ll enjoy less-crowded trains and cheaper ticket prices too. If you know when you want to travel, be sure to book an Advance ticket to take advantage of our cheapest fares.