Trains from Manchester to Liverpool

Trains from Manchester to Liverpool

Around 40 trains leave Manchester for Liverpool every day, all day. All of the routes from Manchester to Liverpool are direct, with an average journey time of approximately 55 minutes. Depending on the train operator, trips take between about 40 minutes and 1 hour 15 minutes. The distance between Manchester and Liverpool is 31 miles.

Manchester to Liverpool train times: Daily departures

Manchester to Liverpool trains start leaving just before 5 a.m., and the last one leaves at approximately 11:30 p.m. Trains from Manchester to Liverpool depart every 30 minutes during the morning and evening rush hours and at one-hour intervals at less busy times. Passengers are more likely to get a comfortable seat when travelling outside peak periods. 

How long is the journey by train from Manchester to Liverpool?

The average journey by train from Manchester to Liverpool takes approximately 58 minutes, with the fastest taking about 40 minutes and the slowest taking about 1 hour 15 minutes. There are no changes on this route - each journey is direct.

What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Manchester to Liverpool?

Departure train station: Trains from Manchester to Liverpool leave from Manchester Piccadilly, Victoria, Oxford Road, or Deansgate. All stations are around a mile from the city centre and have shuttle bus, metro, and taxi connections. Station facilities include ticket offices, cafés, newsagents, and toilets.

Arrival train station: When travelling by train from Manchester, passengers arrive at Liverpool Central or Liverpool Lime Street Station. Both are under one mile from the centre of the city. There are taxi ranks and bus stops by both stations. The train stations have ATMs, public WiFi, cafés, shops, toilets, and baby-changing facilities.

Which train companies travel from Manchester to Liverpool?

Train companies operating Manchester-to-Liverpool services include East Midlands, Northern Rail, and First TransPennine Express. First TransPennine Express provides the quickest route, with a journey time of around 40 minutes. When travelling from Manchester to Liverpool by train, each service is direct. None of the operators offers sleeper services on this route. 

East Midlands Manchester to Liverpool

East Midlands trains leave Manchester for Liverpool every 40 minutes. All of the high-speed train journeys are direct, and seats are standard or first class. Journeys take about 45 minutes to just over one hour, depending on departure time.

Northern Rail Manchester to Liverpool

Northern Rail runs two direct trains every hour from Manchester to Liverpool. They depart from Manchester train stations approximately every 30 minutes, taking from 40 minutes to just over one hour. There are cheap standard single, off-day peak single, first-class, and advanced single tickets.

First TransPennine Express Manchester to Liverpool

First TransPennine Express Manchester-to-Liverpool trains leave every hour. The high-speed direct trains take just under one hour to reach Liverpool Lime Street Station. Both standard and first-class tickets are available. 

Manchester to Liverpool trains: Services on board

East Midlands trains' luggage allowance is three items; this comprises one piece of hand luggage and two large pieces that must be stored in luggage racks. Cats, dogs, and other small domestic animals are allowed on board, free of charge. Bikes can also be taken on board for free, although there are only two spaces on each train. 

Northern Rail passengers have a luggage allowance of 23 kg. Larger items must be stored in the luggage areas provided. Dogs, cats, and other animals are allowed on board as long as they don't inconvenience other passengers. There are generally only two spaces for bikes.

On First TransPennine Express trains, luggage racks are provided to store large bags up to 25 kg. Overhead racks above seats can be used for smaller items. Pets can travel free of charge if they're well behaved, and dogs must be kept on a lead at all times. If you want to take a bike, reserve a space at least 15 minutes before travelling. All three train operators offer boarding assistance to people with disabilities.

How to find cheap train tickets from Manchester to Liverpool

The best way to save money on trains from Manchester to Liverpool is to book tickets in advance. For cheaper tickets, travellers should be flexible with their travel dates and consider booking a train with a longer journey.