Cheap Train Tickets to Liverpool

Located in the north-west region of England, about 30 miles west of Manchester, Liverpool is a city well worth exploring. From its shipbuilding past to its cultural contributions, from its number of listed buildings to the home of popular sports clubs & events, there’s more to do there than you may initially think. The city also has a population from a variety of cultures, particularly including Ireland, with there also being long-standing communities of people from Black and Chinese backgrounds.

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Getting to Liverpool

Access by rail can be found into Liverpool Lime Street from many locations across the country, including London, Birmingham, Manchester, and Newcastle. There’s also a direct train from Norwich via Nottingham and Sheffield if you live in that region and are considering buying rail tickets to get to Liverpool.

Getting Around

In terms of getting around the city, Merseyrail is the local suburban rail network, with services to the Wirral, Chester, Ellesmere Port, Southport, Ormskirk, Kirkby, and Hunts Cross. Buses and coaches serve the Liverpool One and Queen Square bus stations. Tickets can cover travel on the entire Merseyrail network, ideal for exploring the city. James Street station provides local access to attractions around the docks.

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Tips for Exploring Liverpool

Use the Merseyrail network: Merseyrail is the local train network that covers Liverpool and the surrounding area. It's a great way to get around the city and to visit some of the surrounding attractions, such as the Wirral Peninsula and Southport. View the Merseyrail network map HERE.
Walk or cycle: Liverpool is a relatively compact city, so it's easy to get around on foot or by bike. This is a great way to see the sights and to get a feel for the city.
Use the bus: The bus network in Liverpool is extensive and covers most parts of the city. It's a good option if you're on a budget or if you're not up for walking or cycling.
Take a taxi: Taxis are a convenient way to get around Liverpool, but they can be expensive. They're a good option if you're short on time or if you're carrying a lot of luggage.
Hop-on hop-off bus: The hop-on hop-off bus is a great way to see the city and to learn about its history and attractions. You can get on and off the bus as many times as you like, so you can tailor your journey to your interests.

Additional tips:

Buy a Merseytravel day pass: This gives you unlimited travel on the Merseyrail network, the bus network, and the ferry. If you’re planning on doing a lot of sightseeing, it’s a great value option. More info HERE.
Use the Merseytravel app: This app is a great way to plan your journeys and to find out about the latest travel information.
Be mindful of traffic congestion: Liverpool’s road network can get congested at times, especially during the peaks. If you’re driving to the city, we’d advise you take this into account when planning your journey.
Be prepared for changing weather: The weather in Liverpool can be unpredictable, as it can in the UK in general, so it's a good idea to plan for all eventualities.

The Trainsplit app makes it easy to find cheaper alternative journeys through split ticketing.

The app is available on both iOS and Android devices. Just search for "Trainsplit" in your app store and download the app today.

If you’re coming from further afield, then Liverpool John Lennon Airport has good access to the city via Liverpool South Parkway station. If you’re interested in visiting places on the western side of the Mersey, there is of course the aptly-named Mersey Ferry, and you can take boat trips which tell the stories of some of the city’s most well-known landmarks.

Getting the best-value rail tickets possible is something that we at Trainsplit are sure many people want to do. This can include booking in advance, using a Railcard if you have one, travelling outside peak times, and – of course – splitting tickets via our website. If you’d like further information on any of these, please get in touch, and we’ll do what we can to assist you. We do have a comprehensive guide here at Trainsplit on the booking process, which we hope will be very useful, and we’ve covered some of the main points below.

Image credit: Shinjan Bhattacharya | Unsplash

Getting the Best-Value Rail Tickets

Tips for saving on rail tickets:

Book early: The earlier you book, the more likely you are to find a good deal on train tickets. It may seem somewhat obvious, but booking in advance can really help you save money over the standard fare.
Be flexible with your travel dates: If you're flexible with your travel dates, you're more likely to find a good deal.
Travel off-peak: Travelling in the busiest times, such as during rush hours, can inflate prices. By travelling off-peak, you can usually get a much better deal, and the trains may also be quieter as well. If you’d like a more peaceful start/end to your break, then off-peak travel could be a very good choice for you to make.
Consider splitting your journey: If you're traveling a long distance, you may be able to save money by splitting your journey and taking two or more trains. You can easily do this on Trainsplit, a website that allows you to split your train journey into multiple tickets. This can often be a cheaper way to travel, as you can take advantage of different fares for different parts of your journey. In 2022, one of our customers enjoyed an extraordinary discount of 95.64% off their train journey. Imagine paying only £8.06 for excellent-value tickets that would have cost you £187.70 elsewhere! You could put the savings on your train tickets towards your hotel, a nice meal, or visit one of the city’s many attractions. 

To use Trainsplit, simply enter your travel dates and the website will show you the different options available. You can then choose the option that best suits your needs and budget. 

Here are some of the benefits of using Trainsplit:
- You can often save money on your train tickets, making your journey even better value.
- It's a convenient way to book your tickets.
- You can be sure that you're getting the best deal.
Railcard discounts: If you don’t have a Railcard, then it’s worth looking into getting one. There are many different types, and most will offer about a third off the price of most fares. If you’re planning on making a lot of journeys, or are travelling a long way, then it’s definitely worth investigating – it may not take much effort for the Railcard to pay for itself through making your tickets even cheaper.
Look for discounted group fares: Take a look at Groupsave train tickets – these are a great way to get discounted train fares for groups of between 3 and 9 people travelling. 
Consider an alternative route: Sometimes, the cheapest way to travel is not the most direct route. For example, if you're traveling from London to Liverpool, you might be able to save money by traveling via Birmingham or Manchester. There are a few things to keep in mind when considering an alternative route: - The total travel time may be longer. - You may need to change trains at one or more stations. - The alternative route and timings may not be as convenient. However, if you're on a tight budget, it's worth considering an alternative route to save money on your train ticket.

Trainsplit is the only site that finds you cheaper alternative journeys not shown on other sites. It's a great way to save money on your train travel, especially if you're flexible with your travel dates and times. To use Trainsplit, simply enter your travel details and it will show you a list of alternative routes with the cheapest prices.

Claim Delay Repay compensation for any delays on your journey: If you are delayed on your journey, you may be entitled to delay compensation on your train tickets. By using these tips along with Trainsplit's unique journey planner to search for the best train ticket deals, now is the time to explore new destinations.

Albert Dock | Image credit: Phil Kiel | Unsplash

The Trainsplit app makes it easy to find cheaper alternative journeys through split ticketing.

The app is available on both iOS and Android devices. Just search for "Trainsplit" in your app store and download the app today.

What is there to do in Liverpool, then? Read on and find out.

Music

The Beatles Museum Liverpool | Image credit: Bobbie M | Unsplash

Liverpool is well-known for its music scene, with perhaps the most iconic band from the city being the Beatles. Other famous names from the city include Cilla Black, Gerry and the Pacemakers, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, and Atomic Kitten. The 1950s and 1960s saw the rise of the Merseybeat music genre, which – among other acts – saw the rise to fame of the Beatles. The group frequently performed at the Cavern Club in their early years, with the original venue closing in 1973 due to Merseyrail construction works and reopening on Mathew Street in 1984 (nearest station – Moorfields). For music history, the British Music Experience is found in the Cunard Building on Pier Head by the Waterfront, and has a variety of exhibits dating from 1945 to the present day. The biggest venue in the city is arguably the M&S Bank Arena. Located on the former Kings Dock, it’s hosted acts including Girls Aloud, Beyoncé, Muse, Guns ‘n’ Roses, and many more. In May 2023, the arena played host to the Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of Ukraine following their win in 2022, with other events taking place elsewhere in the city. Liverpool does have a twin city in Ukraine in the form of Odesa. Make sure your tickets include James Street if you want to travel to the arena – the arena’s close to some of the docks if you want to explore the area before an event there.

Culture

Image credit: Neil Martin | Unsplash

Liverpool has made a sizeable contribution to culture over the years, and it’s not just because of music. After all, the city was the European Capital of Culture in 2008. There are a vast number of art galleries and national museums in Liverpool, second only to London. One well-known example is Tate Liverpool on the Albert Dock, which houses a large collection of modern art. It should be noted that this is closing in October 2023 for a major refurbishment, with events and other projects being hosted elsewhere in the city during that time. Some of the area’s most famous literary figures include author Dame Beryl Bainbridge, who was born in Liverpool and lived in nearby Formby, and poet Roger McGough. One of the most notable contributors to the arts is Craig Charles, known for his work as a DJ, performance poet, actor, and TV presenter.

Some of the best things to do in Liverpool

Visit the Beatles Story: The Beatles Story is a museum dedicated to the lives and careers of the Fab Four. It's a great place to learn about the history of the band and to see some of their memorabilia. Click HERE for more info.

Image credit: Jiamin Huang | Unsplash

Go on a Beatles walking tour: There are a number of Beatles walking tours available in Liverpool. These tours take you to some of the most famous Beatles landmarks, such as Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields.
Visit the Albert Dock: The Albert Dock is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to a number of museums, galleries, and restaurants. It's a great place to wander around and take in the views of the Mersey River. Click HERE for more info.
Visit the Cavern Club: The Cavern Club is a famous music venue that was once frequented by the Beatles. It's still a popular live music venue today and is a must-visit for any Beatles fan. Click HERE for more info.
See a show at the Liverpool Empire: The Liverpool Empire is a historic theater that has hosted some of the biggest names in showbusiness. It's a great place to see a musical or a comedy show. Click HERE for more info.
Go shopping on Bold Street: Bold Street is a vibrant shopping street that is home to a variety of independent shops and boutiques. It's a great place to find unique souvenirs or gifts. Click HERE for more info.
Visit the Walker Art Gallery: The Walker Art Gallery is one of the largest art galleries in the UK. It's home to a collection of over 4,000 paintings, sculptures, and other works of art. Click HERE for more info.
Take a walk through Sefton Park: Sefton Park is a beautiful park with gardens, lakes, and a boating lake. It's a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Click HERE for more info.

These are just a few of the many things to do in Liverpool. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning waterfront, Liverpool is a city that has something to offer everyone.

Food

As with any major city, Liverpool has a wide variety of restaurants to suit a range of price points and cuisines. If pizza is your thing, then Rudy’s is a very solid option, with three outlets in the city. Rudy’s is known for its authentic Neapolitan pizzas, and has a variety of reasonably-priced pizzas on its menu, with well-priced drinks to match. If you want a fine dining experience, then The Art School on Sugnall Street (closest station – Liverpool Central) is worth considering for its British & European cuisine. It’s highly-rated on TripAdvisor, has two AA Rosettes, and is recommended in the Michelin guide. Indian cuisine is popular in the UK, and there are many options in Liverpool. One such restaurant is Barton Rouge on Exchange Street East (closest station – Moorfields), with a variety of traditional curries and other dishes to suit a variety of tastes. There are of course plenty of other choices, but we hope that these will give a good indication of the variety on offer.

Image credit: Atanas Paskalev | Unsplash

Here are some recommendations for places to eat in Liverpool catering to all budgets:

££££ (Expensive)

- The Art School- 1 Sugnall Street, Liverpool L7 7EB England
  ££££ European, British, Contemporary
  Located on Sugnall Street (closest station - Liverpool Central), The Art School offers exquisite British & European cuisine. Highly-rated on TripAdvisor, it holds two AA Rosettes and is recommended in the Michelin guide.
- Panoramic 34 - Unit 34.01 8 Brook Street West Tower, Liverpool L3 9PH England
  ££££ European, British, Contemporary
  Panoramic 34 is a modern European restaurant in Liverpool that offers stunning views of the city. The restaurant is located on the 34th floor of the West Tower (closest station – Moorfields), one of the tallest buildings in Liverpool. The menu features a variety of modern European dishes, with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. Panoramic 34 is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, and reservations are recommended, especially for weekends.
- Röski - 16 Rodney Street, Liverpool L1 2TE England
  ££££ European, Fusion, Vegetarian Friendly
  The menu at Roski Restaurant (nearest station – Liverpool Central) changes seasonally, but always features dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. Some of the signature dishes include the roasted squab pigeon with black truffle and foie gras, and the grilled sea bass with fennel and citrus. The wine list at Roski Restaurant is extensive, with a wide selection of wines from around the world. The restaurant also has a good selection of cocktails and beers.

££ - £££ (Mid-Range)

- Barton Rouge - 26 Exchange Street East, Liverpool L2 3PH
  ££ - £££ Indian, Asian, Grill
  If you enjoy Indian cuisine, Barton Rouge on Exchange Street East (closest station - Moorfields) is a fantastic option. The menu features a wide variety of dishes, including tandoori chicken, lamb biryani, and butter chicken. Barton Rouge also has a good selection of cocktails, beers, and wines. Barton Rouge is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.
- Wreckfish Bistro - 30 Slater Street, Liverpool L1 4BS England
  ££ - £££ European, British, Vegetarian
  Wreckfish Bistro is a seafood restaurant in Liverpool that serves fresh, locally-sourced seafood. The restaurant is located in the city centre (nearest station – Liverpool Central), close to the Royal Albert Dock. The menu at Wreckfish Bistro changes seasonally, but always features dishes made with fresh, local seafood. Some of the signature dishes include the grilled monkfish with chorizo and fennel, the pan-fried sea bream with samphire and lemon, and the lobster bisque. The wine list at Wreckfish Bistro is extensive, with a wide selection of wines from around the world. The restaurant also has a good selection of cocktails and beers. Wreckfish Bistro is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. Reservations are recommended, especially for weekends.
- Maray - Unit 4 Britannia Pavilion Albert Dock Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4AD England
  ££ - £££ Mediterranean, European, Healthy
  Maray is a small chain of Middle Eastern-inspired restaurants in Liverpool that serves small plates of mezze and grilled meats. The restaurants are known for their vibrant atmosphere and delicious food, making them a popular spot for both locals and tourists. Maray was founded in 2014 by brothers Omar and Tomi Rahim, and the name "Maray" means "market" in Arabic. The restaurants are decorated in a casual and stylish style, with exposed brickwork and hanging plants. The menu features a wide variety of Middle Eastern dishes, including hummus, baba ganoush, falafel, and grilled meats. Maray also has a wide selection of cocktails, beers, and wines. If you're looking for a delicious and vibrant dining experience in Liverpool, Maray is a great option.
- Barnacle - 46 29 Duke Street, Liverpool L1 5AQ England
  ££ - £££ Fast Food, British, Vegetarian
  Barnacle (nearest station – Liverpool Central), a Michelin-starred restaurant in Liverpool, serves modern British cuisine with a focus on locally-sourced ingredients. The restaurant is known for its innovative take on British classics, using seasonal ingredients to create dishes that are both delicious and visually stunning. The tasting menu changes seasonally, but some of the signature dishes include the pan-fried sea trout with fennel and seaweed, the roasted lamb shoulder with celeriac and black garlic, and the chocolate ganache with salted caramel and hazelnuts.
- Rudy's Pizza Napoletana - 3-7 Castle St, Liverpool L2 4SW
  ££ - £££ Italian, Pizza, Neapolitan
  With three outlets in the city, Rudy's is a solid choice for authentic Neapolitan pizzas. The pizzas at Rudy's Pizza Napoletana are made with fresh, seasonal ingredients, and are cooked in a wood-fired oven. The pizzas are Neapolitan-style, which means that they are thin and crispy, with a charred crust. Some of the signature pizzas at Rudy's Pizza Napoletana include the margherita, the diavola, and the capricciosa. The restaurant also has a good selection of salads, pasta dishes, and desserts. Their reasonably-priced menu and well-priced drinks make it a great option for pizza lovers. Rudy's Pizza Napoletana is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. Reservations are recommended, especially for weekends.

£ (Inexpensive)

- The Egg Cafe - 16-18 Newington Top Floor, Liverpool L1 4ED England
  £ Quick Bites, Cafe, British
  The cafe (nearest station – Liverpool Central) was opened in 2013 by chef and owner, James Boulter, who wanted to create a space where people could enjoy delicious, healthy food without having to compromise on taste. The menu at The Egg Cafe changes seasonally, but always features a variety of vegetarian and vegan options. Some of the signature dishes include the avocado smash on sourdough, the full English breakfast with vegan sausages and beans, and the chocolate chip pancakes. The Egg Cafe is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. Reservations are not required, but the cafe can get busy, especially on weekends.
- Maggie May's Cafe Bar - 90 Bold Street, Liverpool L1 4HY England
  £ Cafe, British, Vegetarian Friendly
  A popular Liverpool haunt, serves up hearty pub grub and classic cocktails in a cozy setting. Maggie May's Cafe Bar is located in the heart of Liverpool city centre, on Bold Street (nearest station – Liverpool Central). The bar has been a popular spot for locals and tourists alike for over 20 years. The menu at Maggie May's Cafe Bar features a variety of classic pub grub, such as fish and chips, burgers, and pies. The bar also has a good selection of cocktails, beers, and wines. Maggie May's Cafe Bar is a great place to go for a casual meal or a drink with friends. The bar is open late, making it a popular spot for after-work drinks. 
- Dale Street Kitchen & bar by Shino - 90 Dale Street Unit 3 Westminster Chambers, Liverpool L2 5TF England
  £ International, Healthy, Vegetarian Friendly
  Located in the city centre of Liverpool, close to the Royal Albert Dock (nearest station – Moorfields). The restaurant was opened in 2019 by chef Shino Iwami, who has over 20 years of experience in Japanese cuisine. The menu at Dale Street Kitchen & Bar by Shino features a wide variety of Japanese dishes, including sushi, sashimi, tempura, and ramen. The restaurant also has a good selection of Japanese beers and sake. Dale Street Kitchen & Bar by Shino is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. Reservations are recommended, especially for weekends.

Restaurants in Liverpool by budget, cuisine, and features

Dining options in Liverpool

Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly option or a luxurious dining experience, Liverpool has something to satisfy every palate and budget. Bon appétit!

History

Liverpool’s maritime past cannot be ignored. Located on the edge of the River Mersey, it has been a key location past and present. It would be remiss to not mention Liverpool had a role in the slave trade, with slave ships departing the city between 1699 and 1862. The famous White Star Line was founded in 1845 in Liverpool, and merged into Cunard Line in 1934. Some of its most well-known ships include the Oceanic, Olympic, Britannic, and perhaps most infamous of all, the Titanic. Other ships registered in the city include the Carpathia, which helped rescue more than 700 people from the wreckage of the Titanic and was sunk by a torpedo from a German U-boat in 1918, and the Lusitania, which was also sunk by a German U-boat in 1915 – one of the Lusitania’s salvaged propellers is on display at the docks. Nearby is the Merseyside Maritime Museum, which should be of interest, and also incorporates the International Slavery Museum. Liverpool’s history in the development of the railways is also of great importance. The railway between Liverpool and Manchester opened in 1830, and was designed by George Stephenson. In the run-up to this opening, the famous Rainhill Trials were held in 1829, with Stephenson’s now-famous and innovative locomotive Rocket being the overall winner.

Architecture

Cunard Building in Liverpool | Image credit: Kenneth Coffie | Unsplash

Liverpool has a high number of listed buildings – more than anywhere in the UK other than London. Three of the most well-known ones are located on Pier Head – the Royal Liver Building (topped by the city’s famous mythical liver birds), the Cunard Building, and the Port of Liverpool Building. Collectively, these are known as ‘the Three Graces’, and are a short walk from James Street station. It should also be noted that Liverpool has a wide variety of architectural styles. Also of interest are Liverpool Town Hall and St Georges Hall. Liverpool has two cathedrals. The Anglican cathedral was built between 1904 and 1978, is the largest cathedral in the UK, and is one of the largest cathedrals in the world. The Metropolitan Cathedral, located by Liverpool University, was completed in 1967, and is known for its unique design.

cheap fares to Liverpool
Inside Liverpool Cathedral | Image credit: Patrick Shaw | Unsplash

Sports

Liverpool Football Club, Anfield | Image credit: Jonny Gios | Unsplash

Liverpool is well-known for two sports in particular – football and horse racing. Football is covered by two major clubs in the shape of Liverpool, who play at Anfield, and Everton, who play at Goodison Park (closest station for both – Kirkdale, with transport options from Sandhills), but they’ll be moving into a new stadium on Bramley-Moore Dock in the next few years (closest station – Sandhills). The rivalry between the two is one of the most hotly-contested in British football, and one of the most well-known rivalries in the world, having been contested over 240 times in total. Stadium tours are available at both Anfield and Goodison Park, and it seems likely that these will be an option at the new stadium on Bramley-Moore Dock when it opens. Liverpool FC is unfortunately associated with one of football’s greatest tragedies, where 97 fans died in the Hillsborough disaster in 1989, with a memorial being located at Anfield. One of the most iconic horse racing venues in the UK (and indeed the world) is at Aintree (closest station – Aintree), where the world-famous Grand National is held each year, traditionally in April. There have also been some concerts held at Aintree, as well as a nine-hole golf course. It’s also a little-known fact that it played host to the Formula 1 British Grand Prix on five occasions in the 1950s and 1960s. Other popular sports include rugby league in some of the surrounding towns, boxing, and golf, with the course in Hoylake playing host to the Open Championship on many occasions.

Liverpool One | Image credit: Jorge Percival | Unsplash

There are many other reasons to visit Liverpool, including the Liverpool ONE Shopping Centre and leisure complex, which is the largest open-air shopping centre in the UK and the tenth largest overall. Some of the leisure facilities there include a multiscreen cinema and a mini-golf course with a total of 36 holes, along with a variety of other facilities. Some well-known toy companies can trace their roots to the city, including Meccano and Hornby, which were founded in the late 1890s/early 1900s by Frank Hornby – parts of his legacy can be found in nearby Maghull, which is accessible via the Merseyrail network.

Image credit: Atanas Paskalev | Unsplash

We hope this has persuaded you to visit Liverpool. If it has, then fantastic. Don’t forget to use our website to get the best-possible value when it comes to rail tickets, and we hope you enjoy what the city has to offer. If you have any questions about your journey at all, please email us, and we’ll be more than happy to assist you.

Looking to extend your stay? Click here to explore the variety of accommodations for an overnight break.

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