How to Get from Manchester to Liverpool: Train, Coach, Car or Flight?

*All figures are estimates as of October 2025 and vary by time, date and how far ahead you book.

Quickest way from Manchester to Liverpool: Train (from 35 minutes)

Cheapest way from Manchester to Liverpool: Coach (from ~£3 when booked early)

Our recommended way to travel: Train

Why?: Frequent departures, reliable journey times and city-centre to city-centre travel make the train the most convenient overall - especially on busy match or concert days.

Travelling by train from Manchester to Liverpool is the fastest and most comfortable way to move between these two major UK cities. Northern operates the majority of direct services, supported by TransPennine Express and some East Midlands Railway trains depending on the time of day.

Stations, duration & frequency

Direct trains run from Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester Victoria and Manchester Oxford Road, arriving at Liverpool Lime Street — right in the heart of the city centre. Trains depart every 10–30 minutes throughout most of the day, with:

• Fastest services via the Chat Moss route: ~35–45 minutes
• Slower stopping routes (incl. via Warrington Central): up to ~55–60 minutes

If you’re near Manchester Victoria, the Victoria → Lime Street trains are typically fastest and most frequent.

Tickets & costs

Advance and Off-Peak fares usually offer the best value, especially outside rush hours. Prices typically range from around £4 up to £25, depending on when you book and travel.

Money-saving tips

• Book in advance to avoid peak prices
• Railcards save up to 1/3 on most fares
• Compare departures from all Manchester stations on Trip.com to find the quickest option

Onboard experience & arrival benefits

Most services on this route offer:

• Free Wi-Fi
• Power sockets
• Luggage racks
• Accessible seating

Arriving at Liverpool Lime Street places you steps from St George’s Hall and an easy walk to the Waterfront, shops and bars — plus quick Merseyrail links to key areas like the Albert Dock, business district and Anfield.

Coaches are a great choice if you want the lowest fare and don’t mind a bit of extra time. Services are mainly operated by National Express and FlixBus. Coaches run between Manchester Coach Station (Chorlton Street) → Liverpool One Bus Station

Journey times range from 1h 5m to 1h 40m, depending on traffic around Warrington and Liverpool city centre. Advance fares often start from just a few pounds, making coaches the cheapest transport option for most dates.

What to expect onboard

• Reserved seating
• Wi-Fi & charging points
• Air-conditioning
• Onboard restroom

Pros

• Cheapest travel method
• Relaxing, seated journey
• Ideal when trains are expensive

Cons

• Traffic delays are possible, especially on event days
• Slower than the train

Driving offers maximum freedom, especially if you're travelling late, carrying luggage or planning stops along the way. It works best for groups, families or late-night returns, but traffic can be unpredictable - especially when both cities host major football fixtures on the same day.

Route & duration

• The simplest drive is along the M62 motorway westbound. Distance: ~35 miles
• Light traffic: ~45 minutes
• Peak hours/match days: 1 hour+

Costs & parking

There are no tolls on the M62. Fuel costs typically run £10–£20 each way, depending on vehicle type and current prices. Parking near the centre is plentiful - especially around Liverpool ONE, the Commercial District and the Waterfront.

To avoid manoeuvring in the city centre, a good option is parking at Liverpool South Parkway and finishing the journey by a short local train ride to Lime Street.