HOW TO VISIT LIVERPOOL FROM LONDON : TRAVEL TIPS, DAY TRIP ITINERARY, TRAIN INFO, MAP
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I'll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.
This post is about how to get to Liverpool from London including train information, travel tips, a perfect day trip to Liverpool itinerary
Are you looking to plan the perfect one day in Liverpool itinerary but feel a little stressed out and overwhelmed about it?
Liverpool is my hometown and it’s one of the most popular cities to visit in the UK. If you are visiting London and want to explore the rest of the UK a little I highly recommend jumping on a train and heading to the home of The Beatles (and me!)
This one day Liverpool day trip from London itinerary is the perfect helping hand from a savvy local, not a tourist.
So, if you want to quickly and easily plan your day trip to Liverpool this guide is for you as everything is laid out simply for you to make sure you see some top attractions in Liverpool and help you make the most of your time in this wonderful and friendly city.
Planning your trip? Use my favourite resources!
🏨 Accommodation : I recommend Booking.com
✈️ Flights : for the cheapest flights, I use Skyscanner
🚗 Rental Car : I recommend Rental Cars
🛡️ Travel Insurance : for the best deals I rely on HeyMondo
LIVERPOOL CHECKLIST
✅ An excellent pair of walking shoes for all the walking you’re going to do around the capital.
✅ A hoodie or warm sweater to stay warm in the cold British winter.
✅ A decent raincoat as it rains quite a lot in England.
✅ A good quality compact camera to record those memories.
NO TIME TO READ NOW? 📍PIN FOR LATER
This post is about how to get to Liverpool from London including train information, travel tips, a perfect day trip to Liverpool itinerary
About this Liverpool 1 day itinerary
Liverpool is one of the most popular cities to visit in the UK. It is the home of the Beatles and also my home town so this guide is written by a local to give you all the best travel tips you will need when visiting Liverpool.
It’s definitely worth spending longer than a day in Liverpool as there is so much to do but it is possible to visit Liverpool from London and see many of the main highlights of the city in just one day.
As a local, I know Liverpool like the back of my hand and I have travelled between London and Liverpool more times than I can remember and in this guide I will give you all the information you need to plan the perfect Liverpool day trip from London. I’ll explain how to get to Liverpool from London and how you can make the most of your time in Liverpool.
Let’s get in to it.
It’s really easy to organise your own day trip to Liverpool from London and this highly rated tour will help you if you are unsure after reading this guide. It includes return train travel from London to Liverpool, a 2-hour live guided Magical Mystery Tour bus of Liverpool including the Cavern Club and entrance to the Beatles Story Exhibition.
How to get to Liverpool from London
Liverpool is in the north west of England about 220 miles (355km) from London. You can drive to Liverpool from London. I have done it myself many times but the easiest and least stressful way is by train. We’ll take a look at all the ways you can get to Liverpool from London.
By train
The best and easiest way to travel to Liverpool from London is by train. Train travel is the mode of transport I recommend if you’re just visiting the city on a day trip.
A direct train goes from London Euston (which is a main transport hub in London as well as being connected to the London Tube) to Liverpool Lime Street many times a day. The journey takes 2 hours 20 minutes and there are a couple of stops on the way but you don’t have to change trains.
Direct trains from London Euston to Liverpool Lime Street run every hour at 43 minutes past the hour. There are additional trains you can get to Liverpool from London but they are not direct trains and you will have to change partway through your journey. These trains take slightly longer than the direct train so I wouldn’t recommend taking these trains for a day trip as your time is precious.
I recommend you try and get a train as early as possible to give you as much time as possible in Liverpool. The 6:43am is a good option if you can get to London Euston that early. It’s also usually quite a cheap time to travel and you can usually pick up a ticket for that leg of the journey for only £14.
Top Tip #1 : If you are leaving London to get to Liverpool early, which is recommended if you’re only travelling to Liverpool for a day trip, you should book your train ticket well in advance. Tickets are released around 12 weeks in advance and I recommend booking them as early as possible. The early trains to and from London are peak travel times and can be very busy so you need to book to confirm you seat. Peak travel in England is before 9:30am on weekdays.
Top Tip #2 : The best place to book train travel from London to Liverpool is at Trainline. They usually offer the best deals and I have been using them for around 20 years with no issues. You will get a digital ticket that you can store on your phone.
By Car
You can drive from London to Liverpool in around 4 hours without any stops or delays. It’s a pretty straightforward route along the M1 and then the M6 pretty much all the way to Liverpool. It’s a 220 mile (355km) journey and as it’s all on motorways it’s not a particularly scenic drive.
You will need to take a break on this 4 hour trip so all in all you should probably allow yourself around 5 hours for the journey.
Also, when you arrive in Liverpool you will have to find parking (there’s some good parking at Liverpool One Q car park) and pay for that which can be expensive so it’s just not doable for a one day trip. You’d be travelling for 10 hours!
If you want to stay in the north of England longer than a day and visit other places driving may be a good option but for one day in Liverpool you definitely shouldn’t drive.
London to Liverpool Day Trip Itinerary
Overview and Map
6:45am train from London Euston to Liverpool Lime Street
10am River Mersey Cruise
11:30am Royal Liver Building Tour
1pm Albert Dock for lunch
2:30pm The Beatles Story
5pm The Cavern Club
6:30pm Dinner
8/9pm Train to London
To help you get orientated for your one day trip to Liverpool here is a handy map to see all the places to see in Liverpool in a day.
The places of interest are marked with a red star and there are two walks - one from Lime Street Station to the Pier Head that you will do in the morning and one from the Liver Building to the Albert Docks to The Cavern Club on Matthew Street.
One Day in Liverpool
Train to Liverpool
Catch the 6:45am train from London Euston. This train will arrive in Liverpool around 9am.
River Mersey Cruise
When you arrive in Liverpool you can head straight to the river for a sightseeing cruise on the River Mersey. The walk from Liverpool Lime Street to the docks is around half an hour. The walk takes you through Liverpool town centre so it’s quite nice to see the pedestrianised centre of the city.
It’s a great way to see Liverpool from the water and this river cruise departs from opposite the Liver Building. You will be able to see both Liverpool and the Wirral (the peninsula on the other side of the river) skyline. The cruise will take in the major sights on the River Mersey, including the Albert Dock, the 3 Graces, and Liverpool’s 2 cathedrals. You’ll learn about Mersey Ferries and the performances of the Beatles on board and also see the Razzle Dazzle Ferry Snowdrop which is a design by pop artist Sir Peter Blake who also designed The Beatles Sgt Peppers album.
Top Tip : Make sure you prebook your River Mersey Cruise
Address: Liverpool Waterfront, Liverpool, L3 1DP
Hours: You can book this cruise everyday for 10am
Price: £12 Prebook here
Getting There: After arriving at Lime Street Train Station head through the city centre where all the shops are and you will arrive at the waterfront. Walk to the left of the Liver Buildings and you will be at the pier.
Royal Liver Building Tour
After your cruise along the River Mersey you’ll visit one of the most famous buildings in Liverpool - The Royal Liver Building. The building is right next to where the cruises depart from at Pier Head so you won’t have to go far. If you’re in doubt, look up and it’s the building with the big liver bird statues on top.
The Royal Liver Building itself dates back to the early 1900s and is a Grade I listed building. The liver birds that sit atop the building are the symbols of Liverpool. If you look at Liverpool Football Clubs emblem you will see a liver bird right in the middle.
On the ground floor there is a visitor centre that is free to enter. You can check out the exhibitions inside that detail how the building was constructed and the history of the building. As well as the free visitor centre I highly recommend the Royal Liver Building 360 Experience.
During the Liver Building tour you will visit the West Clock Tower of the building, witness an Audio Visual experience and see spectacular panoramic views of the city of Liverpool from the different outdoor viewing platforms.
You should allow around 1.5 hours for this trip up to the top of the Liver Buildings.
Good to know : There’s around 130 steps to climb in total during the tour. You can get to the 10th floor via a lift if needed but from there the rest of the way is steps only. This means the tour may not be suitable if you have mobility issues.
Address: Pier Head, Liverpool L3 1HU
Hours: Opening dates and times vary depending on the time of year with tours usually starting every 15 minutes from 9am, subject to demand.
Price: Adult (16+) – £16, Child (5-15) – £11 Children under 5 are not permitted on the tour
Getting There: The main entrance to Royal Liver Building 360 is located in the courtyard of the building, just off Canada Boulevard.
Albert Dock for lunch
The Royal Albert Dock is a UNESCO World Hertitage Site and it’s a great place for a little stroll and to grab some lunch after your busy morning.
You will see the historic Salthouse Dock which is the oldest dock in Liverpool. Parts of the dock date back to the mid 18th century and it’s walls are Grade II listed.
Depending on how much time you feel you have you can choose to get a meal in a restaurant or pub or grab something that you can eat as a quick picnic. Personally, when I haven’t got a lot of time in a place I like to grab and go for my lunch as I don’t particularly want to spend my precious time sitting in a restaurant. But you do whichever is right for you.
The Pumphouse is a great pub that simply can’t be missed as you approach the docks. It serves classic British foods like steak and ale pie and lots of burgers and salads.
If you fancy something a little different and fun you can head to Smugglers Cove, which is a pirate themed pub. It has an extensive drinks menu with many world-famous rums and hearty comfort food dishes. They offer delicious kebabs and tasty roast dinners as well as acoustic live music.
If you choose to grab and go there are a number of street food options such as So Greek Full which serves authentic Greek dishes from classic Souvlakis filled with your choice of marinated meat, chips and salad to specials, including their eight hour slow-cooked lamb Greek Stifado bagel, and authentic Greek snacks such as a feta & spinach pastie.
Address: Albert Dock Liverpool, L3 4AD
Hours: You can walk around the docks any time of day. The restaurants and museums there all have different opening times.
Price: Free to walk around.
Getting there: From the Liver Building walk along the river, across the swing bridge and you will arrive at the Albert Dock.
The Beatles Story
Liverpool is home to one of the most famous bands there has ever been and visiting The Beatles Story is a must do when in Liverpool.
It’s handily located at the Royal Albert Docks along with many other Liverpool museums. As you’re already at the Albert Dock for lunch you don’t have to go far for this next place on your Liverpool one day itinerary. Once you’re on the Albert Dock it is well signposted and you shuld be able to find The Beatles Story Museum easily.
Inside The Beatles Story you will learn about the Beatles from the time they were formed until they broke up. There is an impressive collection of fascinating memorabilia including original instruments, clothing, John Lennon’s glasses, Ringo Starr’s drum kit, rare album sleeves and original handwritten lyrics.
You have the chance to walk through recreations of key locations and moments from the band’s career including The Casbah Club, Hamburg, The Cavern Club, Abbey Road Studios and many more.
The Beatles Story is a self guided tour so you can stay as long or as little as you want. I’d recommend around 1.5 hours.
The Beatles Story is open daily from 9am and last admissions are 4pm during the week and 5pm at weekends. The Beatles Story is a popular attraction in Liverpool so you may be best to prebook your tickets here.
Address: The Beatles Story Museum, Albert Dock
Hours: Open daily from 9am with last admissions are 4pm during the week and 5pm at weekends.
Price: £19 for adults
The Cavern Club
After your visit to The Beatles Story you’re going to head back into the centre of Liverpool slightly to The Cavern Club. The Cavern Club is where The Beatles launched their career and it is still a live music venue today.
It’s located on Matthew Street which is full of bars and eateries.
When I was younger my friends and I would go out in Liverpool quite a lot and I’ve spent many an evening down Matthew Street and we always ended up in The Cavern Club. It’s a great place with a brilliant atmosphere.
There is a main stage where there is daily live music from 11:15am and there is also a separate live lounge for special events. If you want to check out the lineup for the day you’re visiting you can do so on The Cavern Club website.
You can not book to go in The Cavern Club and must pay a £5 charge on the door.
TIP : There’s also some statues of famous Liverpudlians - John Lennon and Cilla Black on Matthew Street as well as Elenor Rigby which you can visit whilst on Matthew Street.
Address: 10 Mathew St, Liverpool L2 6RE
Hours: Sunday to Wednesday: 11am – Midnight, Thursday: 11am to 1am, Friday & Saturday: 11am to 2am.
Price: £5 pay on the door.
Dinner
Before you head back to London after your great one day in Liverpool you will proabably want some dinner. As with lunch, if you’d rather spend more time seeing the sights of Liverpool you could just get something to go and have a late dinner on the train back to London. If you want to eat in Liverpool though there are many options available to you.
As you’re already at The Cavern Restaurant you could stay there and eat at their restaurant. It’s pretty affordable and is located two floors above the basement music venue. They serve traditional British food and you can also try ‘Scouse’ which is a traditional Liverpool dish.
A short walk from Matthew Street is Bold Street where you will find Akasya which is a hugely popular Turkish restaurant with some of the most delicious food.
Back to London
Once your belly is full you can head back to Lime Street to get the train back to London Euston. The station is about half a mile from The Cavern Club and only takes about 10 minutes to walk to from there or the other restaurants.
The direct trains back to London leave once every hour and will take around 2 hours 15 minutes. The last direct train from Liverpool to London Euston is at 8:48pm.
You could catch an earlier train if you wanted but by leaving this late you get to enjoy Liverpool for a whole day and spend as much time as possible there.
MORE IN ENGLAND
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Liverpool from London?
The distance between London and Liverpool is around 200 miles (320 km) by road and rail.
What is the best way to travel from London to Liverpool?
The most efficient way to travel from London to Liverpool is by train. Trains leave regularly from London Euston station, and the journey takes around 2 to 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive, taking around 4 to 5 hours depending on traffic.
What are the must-visit attractions in Liverpool?
Liverpool is known for its rich maritime history, cultural heritage, and being the birthplace of The Beatles. Some must-visit attractions include the Albert Dock, Liverpool Cathedral, The Cavern Club, the Royal Liver Building, and the World Museum.
Is the Beatles Story museum worth a visit?
Yes, the Beatles Story museum in Albert Dock is a popular attraction for fans of The Beatles. It provides an immersive experience into the lives and careers of the legendary band.
Are there guided tours available in Liverpool?
Yes, there are various guided tours available in Liverpool, including walking tours, bus tours, and boat tours. These tours often cover key landmarks, historical sites, and The Beatles-related locations.
What is the best time to visit Liverpool?
The best time to visit Liverpool is during the spring (March to May) or summer (June to August) when the weather is generally pleasant and outdoor activities are enjoyable. However, the city has events and attractions throughout the year.
Does Liverpool have good shops?
Liverpool offers a diverse shopping experience, with popular areas like Liverpool ONE and Bold Street. Liverpool ONE is a large shopping and leisure complex, while Bold Street features independent shops, cafes, and boutiques.
Are there good dining options in Liverpool?
Yes, Liverpool has a vibrant food scene with a wide range of dining options. From traditional British cuisine to international fare, you'll find diverse choices across the city, especially in areas like the Baltic Triangle and Ropewalks.
Top Liverpool Experiences
Tips for visiting Liverpool from London
When you’re planning your day trip to Liverpool from London it will be helpful to know some travel tips from someone who’s done the journey many times. As I’ve previously mentioned, I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve travelled between my hometown of Liverpool to London.
Here are my best practical tips for travelling between London and Liverpool.
Book your train in advance. Your train ticket should be booked in advance to ensure you can get a seat. Trains between Liverpool and London can be exeptionally busy so make sure you book in advance to get the best price and the train time you want.
Take an early train from London Euston and a late train back. It’s a full on day but you really want to make the most of your time in Liverpool. You’ve got a 2 hour train journey at the start and end of the day where you can sleep if you really need to.
Book Liverpool activities in advance. With only a day in Liverpool you don;t want to be spending any of that time in queues. Once you’ve decided where you want to visit in Liverpool, book any tours or attractions you’re visiting. This will ensure you get to do the things you want in Liverpool. You should also book a restaurant for dinner in advance, particularly if you’re travelling during peak times. At the weekend you often have to wait for a table in a restaurant.
Weekend train tickets tend to cost more so avoid those days if you’re on a budget.
There you have it! That completes this guide to the perfect day trip to Liverpool from London.
If you found this post useful, don’t forget to pin this post now so that you can read it again later and check out my other articles about London and other UK destinations.
More Information about the UK
If you’re struggling to decide other places to visit in the UK read Best Cities to Visit in the UK
I also have many other UK city guides and which you can read by clicking on the links.
ENGLAND: How to visit Liverpool from London, visit best beaches near Liverpool and find out the best things to do in Liverpool, must sees in Manchester, make the most of your time in Brighton. Visit the Roman city of Chester or head to the stunning Lake District.
SCOTLAND: Discover the best things to do in Edinburgh
WALES: Llangollen
Information About London
LONDON ITINERARY: In our article The Perfect 2 Days in London you’ll find a detailed itinerary for exploring London. If you only have one day in London you can find out the most important things to fit into your day in this 1 Day London Itinerary.
LONDON TRAVEL ADVICE: Here are the important things to know if it will be your first time in London. Included in this article are all my best hints and tips for visiting London for the first time. The Best 49 Things to do in London article will help you plan your London itinerary. If you’re wondering what foods you should try when in London read this Best British Foods You Have to Try.
WHERE TO STAY: If you’re unsure on the different areas in London and where would be best to stay make sure you read this Best Places to Stay in London article.
PACKING FOR LONDON: If you’re wondering what you should pack when visiting London read this Packing for London and the Rest of the UK Guide.
LONDON AT CHRISTMAS: For an overview of the best things to do in London at Christmas here are 15 things to do in London at Christmas. I also have guides to the best Christmas lights, best London Christmas window displays and best Christmas markets in London. Learn how to put it all together in this great London Christmas Itinerary.
Read all of my articles about England in the United Kingdom Travel Guide.
ENGLAND ESSENTIALS
Planning a trip to England? Here are some of the resources and tools I personally use to organise my travel plans to anywhere in the UK.
FLIGHTS : Find the best deals on flights to London using Skyscanner.
VISAS : Use iVisa to check if you need a tourist visa for the UK and apply for an expedited visa online. Use OneWayFly to obtain proof of onward travel/hotel reservation for your visa application if needed.
TRAVEL INSURANCE : Insure your trip with my preferred insurance for single trip and annual cover HeyMondo
AIRPORT TRANSFER : Pre-book your hotel transfer from Stanstead Airport, Gatwick Airport or Gatwick Airport
ACCOMMODATION : Find the best hotel deals in London on Booking.com.
BUS TICKETS : It is easy to book your transport once you’re in London but if you’d like to book in advance you can buy private transfers online through Bookaway .
DAY TRIPS : Find the best city tours and day excursions in London on Viator or Get Your Guide.
Did you know that …
When you purchase something through my links I earn a small fee. However, you still pay the same. Win-win!
