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Manchester to Liverpool by train
It takes an average of 54m to travel from Manchester to Liverpool by train, over a distance of around 31 miles (50 km). There are normally 246 trains per day traveling from Manchester to Liverpool and tickets for this journey start from $4.90 when you book in advance.
| First train | 4:30 am | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 1:04 am | |
| Departure station | Manchester | |
| Arrival station | Liverpool | |
| Journey time | From 32m | |
| Distance | 31 miles (50 km) | |
| Frequency | 246 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From $4.90 | |
| Train operators |
Traveling by train from Manchester to Liverpool in 38 minutes
Hoping to spend some time in the home of The Beatles and need more information about the journey from Manchester to Liverpool by train? You’ve come to the right place!
Usually, you can expect the journey from Manchester to Liverpool by train to take around 54 minutes, but on the fastest services it can take as little as just 38 minutes. As there around 171 direct trains traveling the 31 miles between these two cities, you can sit back and make yourself comfortable as you don’t need to make any changes.
On this route, you can travel with two train operators. If you travel with East Midlands Railway, you’ll board a train at Manchester Piccadilly station. If you opt for Transpennine Express, you will depart from Manchester Victoria station. No matter who you end up traveling with, you’ll enjoy onboard amenities such as free WiFi and comfortable seating. Also, on both services, your train will arrive at Liverpool Lime Street station, close to the city centre.
From the station, you’re just a short walk from some of the city’s most famous landmarks. If you’re not sure where to start, you can’t go wrong with the Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool Cathedral or the Titanic museum. Also, no trip to Liverpool is complete without a visit to the Beatles Story – a museum celebrating the life and music of the Fab Four. Take a look at our full Liverpool city guide for more inspiration.
If you’d like to save money on your train tickets, try traveling during Off-Peak times. In the UK, tickets tend to be cheaper outside of morning/evening rush hours on weekdays. Also, to save more money, keep an eye out for Advance tickets, as they are usually cheaper than buying tickets on the day of travel.
Ready to start? Begin a search for cheap train tickets from Manchester to Liverpool in our Journey Planner at the top of the page. For more information about the journey, keep reading for FAQs, tips on finding cheap tickets and train timetables.
FAQs for Manchester to Liverpool
Want to know more about your journey from Manchester to Liverpool? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How long does the train from Manchester to Liverpool take?
The average journey time by train between Manchester and Liverpool is 54 minutes, with around 246 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between Manchester and Liverpool by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Manchester to Liverpool is 32 minutes.
How much does the train from Manchester to Liverpool cost?
Train tickets from Manchester to Liverpool can start from as little as $4.90 when you book in advance and are usually more expensive when purchased on the day. Prices can also vary depending the time of day, route and class you book.
Is there a direct train from Manchester to Liverpool?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Manchester to Liverpool without having to change trains. There are 246 direct trains from Manchester to Liverpool each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from Manchester to Liverpool leave?
The first train from Manchester to Liverpool leaves at 04:30. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Manchester to Liverpool leave?
The last train from Manchester to Liverpool leaves at 01:04. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Manchester and Liverpool by train?
Trains travelling from Manchester to Liverpool cover a distance of around 31 miles (50 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Liverpool to Manchester.
Cheap train tickets from Manchester to Liverpool
Book in advance
Look out for Advance tickets – they usually come out up to 12 weeks before the departure date and can be cheaper than buying on the day. If you’re here a tad early, sign up for our Advance ticket alert today to get notified when your tickets are released.
Consider a Season Ticket
If you catch this train more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly and weekly options available, find out if a season ticket for Manchester to Liverpool is right for you.
Use your Railcard
National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel a few times or more in a year. Find out how you can save with a National Railcard here.
Split your tickets
Download our app to find split tickets — courtesy of SplitSave, our handy feature which 'splits' your train tickets where possible to find you a better deal. Learn more about the clever tech behind split tickets, and how to spot SplitSave discounts in our app.
For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.
Tips and tricks from our Trainline team
We love helping our customers find inspiration for their next train journey. Discover some travel stories written based on our employees' experiences.
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.