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 223 trains per day travelling from Manchester to Liverpool and tickets for this journey start from £3.50 when you book in advance.
First train | 04:30 | |
---|---|---|
Last train | 23:39 | |
Departure station | Manchester | |
Arrival station | Liverpool | |
Journey time | From 37m | |
Distance | 31 miles (50 km) | |
Frequency | 223 trains per day | |
Changes | Direct trains available | |
Price | From £3.50 | |
Train operators |
Thinking of spending some time in the home of The Beatles and need more information on how to take the train from Manchester to Liverpool? We’ve got you covered!
On average, the train from Manchester to Liverpool takes around 53m, but can take just 38m on the fastest services. With around 203 direct trains running on this popular route each day from Manchester to Liverpool, there’s no need to change along the way.
When travelling on this route, you’ll board either a Transpennine Express from Manchester Victoria station or an East Midlands Railways service from Manchester Piccadilly station. Either way, you’ll arrive at Liverpool Lime Street in no time! If you like travelling in style, why not upgrade to First Class? On a TransPennine Express service, you’ll enjoy a selection of complimentary snacks and drinks, as well as reclining seats and generous legroom. With East Midlands Railway, you’ll take advantage of a complimentary breakfast, wider tables, free WiFi and quieter carriages.
Located where the River Mersey meets the Irish Sea, Liverpool is a historic maritime city, revered for its deep-rooted connection to music, sport and history. Once you’ve arrived at Liverpool Lime Street station, you’re well positioned to start exploring the city. Not sure where to start? You can’t go wrong with Liverpool Cathedral, the Royal Albert Dock and the Beatles Story – a museum celebrating the life and work of the Fab Four.
If you want to save money on your train tickets from Manchester to Liverpool, try travelling Off-Peak – tickets are usually cheaper if you travel during quieter times on weekdays and weekends. Also, get yourself a Railcard and you’ll save up to 1/3 on eligible journeys for a whole year. Head to our Journey Planner at the top of the page to compare ticket prices and book the cheapest fares.
Keen to book? There’s no need to wait, start a search for cheap train tickets from Manchester to Liverpool with us today! However, if you want to learn a bit more about the journey first, continue reading for our train timetable, tips on booking cheap tickets and FAQs including first and last train times.
*Calculations are based on CO2 / passenger km, comparing an average petrol car, using statistics and conversion factors published in the government’s greenhouse gas reporting conversion factors published 7 June 2023 and revised 28 June 2023. See here for more.
The average journey time by train between Manchester and Liverpool is 54 minutes, with around 223 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.
The fastest journey time by train from Manchester to Liverpool is 37 minutes.
Train ticket prices from Manchester to Liverpool can start from as little as £3.50 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.
Yes, it is possible to travel from Manchester to Liverpool without having to change trains. There are 223 direct trains from Manchester to Liverpool each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
The first train from Manchester to Liverpool leaves at 04:30. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
The last train from Manchester to Liverpool leaves at 23:39. 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.
Trains travelling from Manchester to Liverpool cover a distance of around 31 miles (50 km) during the journey.
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Liverpool to Manchester. If you’re looking for other options, you can also catch the bus from Manchester to Liverpool.
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.
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.
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.
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.