- Recommended
The Atkinson Museum
Compact local museum charting Southport's growth as a resort through photography, objects and social history displays.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Formby to Southport
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Formby to Southport among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £4 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 48m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £4, while a train costs an average of £4.
Distance: 11 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£4 Average Price | £4 Average Price Cheapest | £2 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
48m Average total duration Fastest 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 53m Average total duration 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 17m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Formby to Southport is a coach with an average price of £4.
This is compared to other travel options from Formby to Southport:
A coach is £0.90 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Formby to Southport costing on average £4.
The fastest way to travel from Formby to Southport is by train with an average journey time of 18m.
Other travel options to Southport take longer:
Coach takes on average 23m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Formby and Southport including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around £4 compared to roughly £2 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-2.03. The journey takes 18m versus 17m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Compare prices and tickets Formby to Southport by train or coach
Compare train and coach prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Thu
17 Sept
17 Sept
Fri
18 Sept
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
23 Sept
Journey information
Overview: Train from Formby to Southport
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Formby to Southport run on average 3 times per day, taking around 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £4 but you can travel from only £3 by coach.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:06, the last at 23:25. The fastest train covers the 11 km distance in 17m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £3
Distance 11 km |
Average train duration 18m |
Cheapest ticket price £4 |
Trains per day 3 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 17m |
First train 0:06 |
Last train 23:25 |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 14 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £3
Train companies: Mersey Rail, Merseyrail from Formby to Southport trainsMersey Rail, Merseyrail trains will get you between Formby and Southport from £3. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Mersey Rail
About
Mersey Rail is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates a network of commuter and regional services in the North West of England. Mersey Rail operates a variety of train types, including the Class 507 and Class 508 electric multiple units, and the Class 142 and Class 150 diesel multiple units. It also operates the Merseyrail Electrics, a fleet of electric multiple units. Mersey Rail offers a range of ticket types, including single, return, and season tickets. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. The most popular routes for Mersey Rail are Liverpool to Southport, Liverpool to Chester, and Liverpool to Ormskirk.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Mersey Rail Duration
18m
Cheapest Mersey Rail Price
£6
Mersey Rail frequency
7 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Refunds available according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund available if service is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and ramps for boarding
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be leashed
Quiet zone
Family area
Merseyrail
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Merseyrail Duration
17m
Cheapest Merseyrail Price
£4
Merseyrail frequency
25 a day
Complete guide to Southport
Things to do in Southport
Discover the best of Southport — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Southport trip today.
- Recommended
The Atkinson Art Gallery
Art gallery within The Atkinson showing historic and changing exhibitions, with a strong focus on regional artists and themes.
Botanic Gardens Museum
Volunteer-run heritage centre with transport, military and local history exhibits that offer a grassroots view of the town's past.
- Must visit
Lord Street
Southport's grand boulevard lined with shops, gardens and canopies, ideal for strolling and seeing the town's Victorian character.
- Recommended
Marine Lake
Lakeside promenade beside the marine lake, popular for walking, views and easy access to the seafront attractions.
- Recommended
Botanic Gardens
Historic public park with lakes, mature planting and a museum, offering a quieter green retreat away from the main seafront.
- Gluten-free
Lancashire Hotpot
A warming Lancashire hotpot of lamb or mutton, onions and sliced potatoes, slow-cooked and closely associated with the county around Southport.
Potted Shrimps
Crisp local potted shrimps from the Lancashire coast, preserved in spiced butter and traditionally served on toast. A classic north-west seaside delicacy.
- Gluten-free
Lancashire Cheese
A crumbly northern cheese from Lancashire, often eaten with pickles or bread. It is a long-standing regional staple across the county.
Bistrot Verite
Stylish restaurant serving modern British cooking with seafood and seasonal dishes in a relaxed but polished setting on Lord Street.
Remedy
Contemporary independent restaurant known for brunch, lunch and evening plates with good coffee and a relaxed town-centre feel.
Auberge Brasserie
Well-known seafood restaurant specialising in fresh fish, shellfish and classic British dishes in an elegant, established dining room.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for a UK seaside town. Hotels are often cheaper than major UK cities, while dining and local transport sit around typical regional UK tourist prices.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple cafe meal.
- Mid-range
- £15-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. Cafes usually do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
Merseyrail
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.55
- Day pass
- £5.90
To the city centre
Southport Station -> Lord Street, Southport
- Distance
- 0.6 km
- Travel time
- 8 min
- On buses in Merseyside, the official Solo 1-day ticket is £5.90 and is valid all day on any bus service in Merseyside.
- For rail from Southport, Merseyrail states standard ticket prices start from £2.55 and Day Saver fares vary by journey and are off-peak only.
FAQs: Formby to Southport train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Formby to Southport by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Southport, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Formby to Southport can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £4, while the average price tends to be around £4.
The train journey from Formby to Southport covers a distance of 11 km and takes approximately 17m. Trains run 3 per day.
The train distance from Formby to Southport is 11 km.
The first train from Formby to Southport leaves at 0:06.
The last train from Formby to Southport departs at 23:25.
Trains from Formby to Southport run approximately 3 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Formby to Southport.
Yes, there is a direct train between Formby and Southport. The service operates 3 times per day, provided by Mersey Rail, Merseyrail.
To get from Formby to Southport, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Formby to Southport.
The train station in Formby that goes to Southport is Formby station (FBY), and it arrives at Southport station (SOP).
The cheapest way to get from Formby to Southport is by coach, costing approximately £3.
Booking trains from Formby to Southport in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Formby to Southport offers a picturesque experience, as it passes through stretches of lush green landscapes and occasional glimpses of the coast, providing a pleasant view for travellers.
Yes, a day trip from Formby to Southport is feasible. The journey takes 17m and the distance is 11 km. Trains run 3 times per day.
For a well-rounded experience in Southport, plan to spend about 2 to 3 days. This allows time to explore its beaches, visit attractions like the Southport Pier and Botanic Gardens, and enjoy shopping and dining in the town centre.
Yes, you can take the train from Formby to Southport.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Formby and Southport
Most Formby to Southport trains use the Formby to Southport station pair, with some services arriving at Hillside. Use this guide to compare Formby and Southport train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Formby
Arrival train stations in Southport
Which Formby station do trains to Southport leave from?
Trains from Formby to Southport leave from Formby. The station is from Formby city centre at Formby station, Kirkland Road, Formby, Merseyside, L37 2JF.
FormbyFormby station, Kirkland Road, Formby, Merseyside, L37 2JF+44 1515551111
City-centre transport
Getting to Formby from Formby city centre
BusF2 · 3m · £2 · every ~2 min
Formby train station facilities and services
Formby has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Formby.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Formby. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0151 555 1111, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Formby: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Formby: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Formby: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A: “This station has step free access to all platforms / the platform” The station can be accessed via street level and platforms via lifts, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible ticket machines: There are no accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
FreshfieldFreshfield station, Victoria Road, Freshfield, Merseyside, L37 7DD+44 1515551111
City-centre transport
Getting to Freshfield from Formby city centre
Freshfield is 1 km from Formby city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainLiverpool Central - Southport, Sandhills - Southport · 2m · £0.90 · every ~8 min
BusF1 · 1m · £2 · every ~2 min
Freshfield train station facilities and services
Freshfield has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Freshfield.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Freshfield. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0151 555 1111, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Freshfield: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Freshfield: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Freshfield: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A: “This station has step free access to all platforms / the platform” The station can be accessed via street level/ramps, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Which Southport station do trains from Formby arrive at?
Trains from Formby to Southport most often arrive at Southport. Some services arrive at Hillside, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Southport arrival station.
SouthportSouthport station, Chapel Street, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 1BE
City-centre transport
Getting to Southport from Southport city centre
Bus15A, 748, 714, 40, 15 · 6m · £2 · every ~6 min
Southport train station facilities and services
Southport has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Southport.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Southport.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Southport. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0151 555 1111, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Southport: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Southport: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Southport: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A: “This station has step free access to all platforms / the platform” Ticket office is step free. Both platforms accessed via concourse, Accessible ticket machines: There are no accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
HillsideHillside station, Waterloo Road, Southport, Merseyside, PR8 4QR
City-centre transport
Getting to Hillside from Southport city centre
Hillside is 3 km from Southport city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainSouthport - Liverpool Central · 6m · £2 · every ~8 min
Bus47 · 7m · £2 · every ~6 min
15A, 15 · 16m · every ~4 min
Hillside train station facilities and services
Hillside has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Hillside.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Hillside. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0151 555 1111, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Hillside: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Hillside: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Hillside: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category C: “This station does not have step-free access to any platform.” The nearest station with disabled access is Ainsdale, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
More options for your journey from Formby to Southport
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Southport and Formby
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
