Considering travelling from London to Liverpool by train? Here’s what you need to know to make a train trip to Beatlemania ground zero a winner.

Overview of train services

There are three major operators that provide a London to Liverpool train — Avanti West Coast and West Midland Trains.

Avanti West Coast

If you want a fast train from London to Liverpool, Avanti West Coast operates high-speed trains directly from London Euston Station to Liverpool Lime Street Station. It offers the fastest and most frequent high speed train from London to Liverpool, completing the journey in roughly 2 hours and 1 minute. These fast, modern trains have all the comforts and amenities expected from contemporary high-speed trains, including three classes of service with escalating comfort, dining, privacy and connectivity.

West Midlands Trains

West Midland Trains offers a secondary option for London to Liverpool train service. There are fewer itineraries daily and the journey takes longer – usually between 3 and 4 hours. This is because the itinerary usually includes extra stops between the two destinations. Some itineraries even require you to change trains in Birmingham. The itineraries usually offer two classes of service, but also generally fewer amenities than an Avanti West Coast high-speed train. For all of the above reasons, tickets are usually less expensive. If you need a cheap train from London to Liverpool, West Midland Trains is a viable option.

Schedule detailsLondon to Liverpool train time

The quickest trains from London Euston to Liverpool take roughly 2 hours and 1 minute, covering a total distance of roughly 286 kilometres. The West Midland Trains route makes several stops and sometimes requires a train change, so that journey is closer to 3-4 hours.

London to Liverpool train times – earliest and latest departures

  • The earliest weekday train from London to Liverpool departs London Euston station at 05:27.

  • The latest weekday train from London to Liverpool departs London Euston station at 22:00.

  • The earliest weekend train from London to Liverpool departs London Euston station at 06:33.

  • The latest weekend train from London to Liverpool departs London Euston station at 21:21.

Average number of daily trains

An average of 48 trains make the journey from London to Liverpool every day.

Ticket informationLondon to Liverpool train price

Train ticket prices from London to Liverpool depend on the popularity of the itinerary and the season, as well as advanced notice, class of service, etc. West Midland Trains also tend to be less expensive than Avanti West Coast, reflecting the fact that the West Midland Trains journey is longer with fewer amenities. Here is our current live estimate of ticket prices for London to Liverpool train tickets.

  • Cheapest ticket on the route: AU$29.20

  • Average cost of a ticket on this route if you book 30 days in advance: AU$77

  • Average cost of a ticket on this route if you book 7 days in advance: AU$77

Importance of booking in advance

If you book at least 7 days in advance — ideally more than 30 days in advance — you will enjoy access to better pricing, a better selection of operators and itineraries and more choices of seating and service class.

How to set up booking alerts with Rail Europe

If the itinerary or service class is not yet available for the date you want, your Rail Europe search will return a “no results” page with a button that invites you to “Alert me when booking opens up.” When you click this button, you will have the opportunity to enter your email address.

You have now set up a booking alert. You will get an email when new seats are released for this date or itinerary. If you have an account with Rail Europe, you can manage your booking alerts from the dropdown menu that appears when you hover over your profile image. If you don’t have an account, create one under the email address you used to create the alert and your booking alert will appear in the new account, ready to be managed.

Train stations servedLondon Euston Station

One of London’s oldest train stations, Euston was opened in 1837. Its controversial 1960s upgrade resulted in the demolition of the recognizable doric arch entryway, replacing it with contemporary modernist architecture. It is currently undergoing another renovation to offer more high-speed service. Roughly 37 million passengers a year pass through London Euston Station.

Facilities and services available

  • Connections to the London Underground, buses and taxis.

  • Stationwide free wifi.

  • A variety of dining options including fast food, restaurants and cafes.

  • Luggage storage facilities.

  • Luggage trollies.

  • Waiting areas, including exclusive first-class lounges.

  • Short-term and long-term parking facilities.

  • ATM cash machines and currency exchange facilities.

  • Information stations with knowledgeable agents.

  • Accessibility services for impaired persons.

Liverpool Lime Street Station

One of the oldest train stations still in operation, Liverpool Lime Street Station opened for passengers in 1836. A mix of historic and modern, its 19th century expansions to accommodate its growing popularity were major architectural achievements of the age. Today Liverpool Lime Street Station serves 14 million passengers a year.

Facilities and services available

  • Connections to Merseyrail local and regional trains, buses and taxis.

  • Free wifi hotspots.

  • Shopping and dining.

  • A variety of dining options including fast food, restaurants and cafes.

  • Luggage storage facilities.

  • Bicycle storage.

  • Short-term and long-term parking facilities.

  • ATM cash machines and currency exchange facilities.

  • Accessibility services for impaired persons.

Travelling with Avanti West Coast and West Midlands TrainsBoarding process

Boarding a London to Liverpool train at London Euston Station is a relatively straightforward process. Passengers may be subject to random security checks, but in general there is no stringent security process on this short regional route. Simply look at the numerous electronic departure boards or listen to intercom announcements to find your platform, go to that platform at the appointed time, have your ticket ready to be checked and all aboard!

Tips for navigating the stations and boarding

  • Try to arrive at least 20-30 minutes early to give yourself time to find your platform and pass any necessary checks.

  • If you take the Underground to London Euston, your lines are either Victoria or Northern.

  • Use the electronic departure boards to find your platform.

  • If you need help, feel free to ask a station agent.

The train classes and servicesAvanti West Coast

  • Standard Class: Comfortable seats with tray tables and sufficient legroom. Free wifi, power outlets in every seat. Onboard snack shop, luggage storage, clean restrooms.

  • Standard Premium: More spacious seating with extra legroom. Extra luggage storage.

  • First Class: Luxurious reclining seats with larger tray tables and even more legroom. Higher wifi speeds. Complimentary hot meals and tasty beverages served to your seat. Priority boarding.

West Midlands Trains

  • Standard Class: Comfortable seats, decent legroom, tray tables. Wifi and power outlets available on select trains. Drink and snack trolly attended by train staff for the purchase of snacks and drinks. Luggage storage, clean bathrooms.

  • First Class: Extra legroom, spacious seats with more comfortable layout. Wifi and power outlets at seats. Complimentary snacks and drinks served at your seat.

Travel documentation and customs requirementsNecessary Travel Documents

As the route from London to Liverpool is entirely domestic, there is no need for passport control or immigration clearance. Just make sure to have your photo ID handy along with your ticket, including your passport and UK visa if need be.

Customs process

Since the train trip from London to Liverpool is entirely domestic, there is no customs check and no need for a customs declaration.

Frequently asked questionsHow long does it take to get from London to Liverpool by train?

The train journey time from London to Liverpool depends on the train and the operator. The high-speed direct train from London to Liverpool operated by Avanti West Coast takes roughly 2 hours and 1 minute from station to station.

West Midland Trains offers cheap train tickets from London to Liverpool, but the journey takes longer because the train makes several stops. In some cases you may have to change trains in Birmingham. As such, the journey on West Midland Trains takes 3 to 4 hours.

What is the distance from London to Liverpool by train?

The distance by train from London to Liverpool is approximately 286 kilometres.

How much do train tickets to Liverpool from London cost?

The London to Liverpool train cost varies based on time of year, advanced booking and other factors. The Avanti train from London to Liverpool costs more than West Midland Trains tickets because the Avanti train is faster and more direct. West Midland Trains make several stops along the way.

Is there a direct train from London to Liverpool?

Yes, Avanti West Coast offers direct high-speed trains from London to Liverpool. Itineraries offered by West Midland Trains include several stops and may also require a train change in Birmingham.

Is there a direct train from London Heathrow to Liverpool?

No, there is no direct London Heathrow to Liverpool train. To get from London Heathrow to Liverpool you must use local transit to reach London Euston station and board an Avanti West Coast or West London Trains service to Liverpool.

Is there a direct train from London Gatwick to Liverpool?

There is not a direct London Gatwick to Liverpool train either. To get from London Gatwick to Liverpool you must use local transit to reach London Euston station and board an Avanti West Coast or West London Trains service to Liverpool.

Is there a Merseyrail Train from London to Liverpool?

No, Merseyrail is a local train serving Liverpool and the immediate surrounding area. The service is fantastic for getting around Liverpool, but it doesn’t go as far as London.

Is there a first class train from London to Liverpool?

Yes, both Avanti West Coast and West Midland Trains offer classes of service from London to Liverpool, including first class. The first class offerings vary by train operator, so if you want a specific amenity or set of amenities, make sure to check in advance that the operator offers it.