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Trains from Manchester to Liverpool

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East Midlands Railway
TransPennine Express

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Each fare is the lowest adult economy ticket fare found by our customers on Trainline. Fares booked further in advance than the dates displayed may be cheaper. Prices are updated daily, subject to change and indicative of price last update. Limited availability. Discount cards and coach journeys excluded, prices exclusive of booking fee.
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Trains to Liverpool from Manchester

It takes an average of 56m to travel from Manchester to Liverpool by train, over a distance of around 31 miles (50 km). There are normally 265 trains per day travelling from Manchester to Liverpool and tickets for this journey start from £2.70 when you book in advance.

First train

04:30

Last train

00:15

Departure stationManchester
Arrival stationLiverpool
Journey time

From 32m

Distance

31 miles (50 km)

Frequency

265 trains per day

Changes

Direct trains available

Price

From £2.70

Train operators

East Midlands Railway, TransPennine Express

Travelling from Manchester to Liverpool by train in 38m

🍃 Create 67% less CO2 when you choose train over car*

Is switching to train one of the best ways to lower your CO2 impact? Sure is. Keep it simple. Keep it low carbon.

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.

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from 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 do you travel to Liverpool from Manchester?

To get to Liverpool from Manchester, why not take the train? With 265 trains per day and an average journey time of 56 minutes, taking the train is a great way to travel. You can also catch the bus from Manchester to Liverpool. See our Journey Planner for up-to-date times and prices.

How long does it take to get from Manchester to Liverpool by train?

On average, it takes around 56 minutes to travel from Manchester to Liverpool by train, although you can get there in 32 minutes on the fastest services. With 265 trains per day running on this route, journey times may vary, so check our Journey Planner for more information.

How much is the train ticket from Manchester to Liverpool?

The price of a train ticket from Manchester to Liverpool can start from as little as £2.70, depending on the time of day, route and class you book. Train tickets may also be cheaper when you book in advance compared to buying them on the day.

How fast can trains travel from Manchester to Liverpool?

The fastest time a train can travel the 31 miles (50 km) from Manchester to Liverpool is 32 minutes.

How do I find cheap train tickets from Manchester to Liverpool?

As most UK train companies increase their prices as the departure date approaches, our Trainline team of experts have put together these tips to help you find the cheapest tickets.

1. Book in advance

Train tickets from Manchester to Liverpool start at £2.70§ one way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. UK train companies usually release Advance tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of time, and these can be cheaper than tickets bought on the day of travel.

2. Sign up to Ticket Alert

If you're planning a trip more than 12 weeks ahead, sign up to our Ticket Alert to get notified when Advance tickets are released for your travel date.

3. Use a Railcard

National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel throughout the year. Buy one with us and you'll be able to store it digitally in our app, so you'll always have it on your travels.

4. Book split tickets

Our handy feature SplitSave will 'split' your train journey into multiple tickets, which can be much cheaper than buying a single ticket. Find out more about split tickets.

5. Travel Off-Peak

If you can be flexible with your travel times, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets are usually cheaper in the UK. Generally, Off-Peak times are any time at weekends and outside of Monday to Friday morning and evening rush hours.

6. Consider a Season Ticket

Best for commuters, if you catch a train on the same route more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly, weekly and flexi options available, find out if a Season Ticket for Manchester to Liverpool is right for you.

For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.

§Advance adult single fare. Excludes booking fee. Prices seen by Trainline customers in the last 30 days. Availability limited.

Passenger reviews about this journey

On time EMR train

Mr Alan Imma year agoChevronRightChevronRight

On time comfortable Trans pennine express!

Anne Hobday2 years agoChevronRightChevronRight

Train was on time and no issues at all, very good service.

Ellen2 years agoChevronRightChevronRight

The train was about 10 minutes lates and it was full so no seats my grandson had to sit on my lap which wasn’t i deal

Dawn Giles2 years agoChevronRightChevronRight

Very simple to book and use

tony mcmanamon2 years agoChevronRightChevronRight

It was a train ticket. I caught trains What else is there to say!!!!!?

Alison Doyle2 years agoChevronRightChevronRight

I really enjoyed it

ali2 years agoChevronRightChevronRight

Got a seat with my colleagues so always a win! As never enough on rush bk from Manchester

Shop Aholic2 years agoChevronRightChevronRight

Great and easier for me to book quickly. The purchase was good. I love travelling

Samsam Barud2 years agoChevronRightChevronRight

On time and seated

sally keane2 years agoChevronRightChevronRight

Extremely delayed and when it came there were no seats’

Simonea year agoChevronRightChevronRight

Not the best Uncomfortable seating and unfortunate smell

SUSAN GENTa year agoChevronRightChevronRight

Train was very busy as there was a strike. Had to stand throughout entire journey so not great but at least it was running

Sue Donnelly2 years agoChevronRightChevronRight

I paid for First Class travel and the service that I received was far from FIRST CLASS. This was a Trans-Pennine operated train. My seat was broke and was tilting backwards with no support. The journey was 49 minutes in total and not once did any of the train staff come into the carriage to offer refreshments and snacks. 49 minutes in First Class without so much as a bottle of water. I have contacted Trans-Pennine Customer Relations (Adam) and the partial refund that I have been offered is derisory.

Ken Johnston2 years agoChevronRightChevronRight

My ticket would not work and had to but another, only got refunded 3 pound

Kirsty2 years agoChevronRightChevronRight

first train cancelled. no notification

Simon O'brien2 years agoChevronRightChevronRight

Late. Standard

Customer2 years agoChevronRightChevronRight

Liv-Man was ok… but return journey wasn’t great. A load of Newcastle FC fans left the train full of litter, tables sticky due all the alcohol that had been drunk and spilled.. all rubbish left behind, no staff on-board (knowing it was a big match day) to clear up the debris for the paying passengers travelling from Manchester to Liverpool

M. Smith2 years agoChevronRightChevronRight

On time, not packed, good service, personal staff.

Phillip2 years agoChevronRightChevronRight

Rated 3.3 / 5. Showing 19 out of 19 reviews.

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.

Manchester to Liverpool on a TransPennine Express train

I travelled from Manchester Victoria to Liverpool Lime Street on a TransPennine Express (TPE) service. The journey took just forty minutes, and tickets were very cheap when combined with my 16-25 Railcard. However, make sure you double-check the conditions on your ticket before travelling – I almost fell into the trap of assuming mine was an Off-Peak ticket (meaning I could take any Off-Peak service), when in fact it was an Advance Single!

Lots of services operate between the two cities daily. I could have travelled from Manchester Piccadilly or Manchester Oxford Road, but Victoria was the closest station to where I was staying. The Piccadilly/Oxford Road services take around twenty minutes longer but can be cheaper.

The journey

The train had one class and I didn’t have a seat reservation, so simply found a quiet spot and sat down. The journey went by smoothly, with the tall buildings in the northern part of the city quickly give way to rolling countryside.

This particular train did not have an onboard WiFi service but my phone remained connected to 4G throughout the journey. Keep an eye out for the Lime Street Tunnels (on your right) as you approach Liverpool Lime Street; it’s a very impressive entrance into a station!

I arrived into Liverpool in time to meet a friend in Concert Square, a lively spot just 10 minutes on foot from the station. All in all, a cheap and efficient journey from city to city.

About Freddie

Freddie, a former Trainline employee, chose to share his experience of the journey between Manchester and Liverpool.

† Average savings on advance fares booked at least one week before day of travel vs Anytime fares purchased on day of travel. Subject to availability. Excludes coach.

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