Trains from Norwich to London Liverpool Street from US$21.54

Travelling from Norwich to London Liverpool Street by train is a well-trodden route for business commuters and curious travellers keen to explore the capital. With a distance of around 97 miles and an average journey time of under two hours, it’s a comfortable and direct trip made even more convenient by the regular service run by Greater Anglia.

Upon arrival at London Liverpool Street, you're perfectly placed for business in the City, lunch in Shoreditch, or shopping in Spitalfields. In this article, we’ll guide you through everything from leaving Norwich Station to what to expect on the journey and how to navigate London Liverpool Street on arrival.

Setting off from Norwich

Departing from Norwich begins at one of the region’s most notable transport hubs. Norwich Station, overseen by Greater Anglia, is a Grade II‑listed building combining period charm with modern amenities. The station opens early from around 04:45 and remains accessible until after 20:45 throughout the week, with weekend hours following a similar pattern.

Inside the station, travellers will find everything needed for a smooth start. Accessible ticket machines and counters, staffed from early morning, are joined by customer help points, baby changing rooms, and waiting areas. Many shops offer coffee, snacks, newspapers, and travel essentials. Active Wi‑Fi ensures you can book a ticket via Trip.com or check online timetables before you board.

Norwich Station is well integrated into the city’s transport network. The station forecourt is served by First Bus routes, especially lines 25 and 35, which take you to the city centre, Norwich University, and beyond. Taxi stands are located just outside the entrance, and if you're biking, a secure, sheltered area with 442 cycle stands, most under CCTV, is available to store bicycles. The station provides more than 70 car park spaces for those arriving by car, including designated accessible bays and CCTV surveillance.

If there is a disruption in train services, rail replacement buses are usually available at the station forecourt. The bus stops are positioned directly outside, so it’s simple to transfer if needed. Assistance for passengers requiring mobility or other help is arranged via Greater Anglia’s Passenger Assist service. Booking at least two hours in advance for this service lets the station staff arrange what’s necessary: ramps, help with luggage, moving between platforms, and boarding the train.

When you're using Trip.com, the platform offers an easy-to-navigate booking interface. Simply enter Norwich as your departure and London Liverpool Street as your destination, select your date and desired timeframe, and you’ll be presented with all available options.

What to expect on your journey to London Liverpool Street

Once aboard a Greater Anglia service, expect a straightforward, comfortable ride to London. The route covers approximately 97 miles, passing through scenic East Anglia countryside and stations like Diss, Stowmarket, Ipswich, Manningtree, Colchester, and then into the Greater London region. The operator runs around 42 direct services daily, with departures spread at roughly 15 to 30‑minute intervals during peak weekday hours. The earliest service leaves Norwich around 05:00, and the last departs at 23:05.

Journey times vary from 1h 46m on the fastest express services to an average of around 1 hour 51 minutes. When travelling Off‑Peak, which is after 09:30 on weekdays and all day on weekends, your ticket will be cheaper and the carriages quieter.

Greater Anglia offers both Standard and First Class seating. First-class trains provide more spacious seating, ample legroom, quieter surroundings, table trays for working or eating, and complimentary light refreshments like hot drinks, snacks, or water for selected services. Seat reservations are usually included in First Class fares.

Standard Class remains comfortable, featuring clean seats, free Wi‑Fi (on most trains), large windows, luggage racks, at-seat power sockets, and accessible toilets. Onboard services include a trolley offering hot and cold drinks, snacks, confectionery, and sometimes sandwiches. These run for longer journeys or during peak hours.

The rail company encourages the purchase of Railcards to complement individual journeys, and season ticket holders can choose weekly, monthly or annual options to save substantially if travelling frequently. Standard discount Railcards, such as the 16–25, Senior, Two Together, or Disabled Person’s Railcard, offer up to one-third off most fares. Season tickets and SplitSave deals through Trip.com can also reduce cost, especially on repeat or grouped ticket purchases.

National Express coaches can take you from Norwich to London Victoria Coach Station if budget matters more than speed. While fares are often cheaper, typically in the US$21.54 range if booked early, travel time extends to around {averageTime}, and service frequency is less than that of trains. Coaches also lack onboard Wi‑Fi and have more limited luggage options.

Arriving at London Liverpool Street

Stepping off your Greater Anglia service at London Liverpool Street brings you right into the centre of Zone 1, London. The station is managed by Network Rail and is designed to handle heavy traffic while remaining accessible and user-friendly. Expect bright signage, clear departure boards, and audible announcements to guide you through the station.

Facilities at Liverpool Street are extensive. There is a staffed ticket office and numerous automatic ticket machines, many lowered for accessibility, as well as Oyster card purchase and top-up stations. The First Class Lounge, open between 07:00 and 20:00, offers comfortable seating, complimentary refreshments, newspapers and Wi‑Fi.

Surrounding Liverpool Street are attractions and areas worth exploring. Spitalfields Market is a lively, covered market offering crafts, street food and independent stalls. The Brick Lane area is known for its vintage shops, curry houses and an eclectic mix of street art and galleries. Iconic City landmarks such as The Gherkin and The Walkie Talkie are nearby, while the Museum of London offers insights into the capital’s past. Sky Garden, with its public rooftop terrace, provides panoramic views, though advance booking is recommended.

Business travellers will appreciate London’s Square Mile just outside the station, as many companies and financial institutions are within walking distance. Shoreditch, a hotspot for tech start-ups and creative businesses, is easily accessible on foot or by a short bus ride.

The station connects to the London Underground’s Central, Circle, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan lines for onward travel. Outside the station are numerous Transport for London (TfL) bus routes, licensed black cabs waiting on Liverpool Street itself, and a Stansted Express platform for airport transfers. Direct rail connections to Harwich International are also ideal for international travellers or cruise passengers.

If you wish to take the Tube, lines from the station can quickly transport you east to Canary Wharf, west to Leicester Square, north to Baker Street, or all the way to Heathrow and Wimbledon areas via the Central line.