Getting Around Liverpool: Transportation Options

As one of England’s greatest cities and one of the country’s busiest ports, Liverpool is awash with history, music, sport, and stunning architecture. Best of all, everything is easily accessible using public transport.

If you’re staying in the heart of the city, get around under your own steam—Liverpool is endlessly walkable, cyclable, and these days e-scooter-able. For out-of-town sights and some farther-flung destinations, the city’s network of cheap, interconnected transport options means you’ll hardly ever need a car.

Walking Around Liverpool Couldn’t Be Easier

If you truly want to get to know a city, explore it using your own two feet. Liverpool is wonderfully compact and safe to walk around—even at night if you’re sensible.

The waterfront is an especially nice place for a stroll, with the riverside promenade stretching for miles from Pier Head to Aigburth and beyond. In the center, you might encounter a few hills, especially if venturing up Duke Street towards the picture-perfect Georgian Quarter or to the Metropolitan Cathedral atop Mount Pleasant. However, in general, the city is relatively flat and extremely pleasant to stroll around.

Use the Train to Travel Into and Around Liverpool

The train is one of the best ways to access Liverpool. It’s well-connected to several major cities, including London, Manchester, and York. Moreover, you’ll usually arrive at the grand Liverpool Lime Street—one of the world’s very first railway stations.

Merseyrail, part of the wider Merseytravel network, is Liverpool’s major train company and it runs regular services in and around the city. Despite the center’s manageable size, you might still want to hop between its four main stations like Lime Street, Central, Moorfields, and James Street, which are conveniently positioned for the main attractions. Additionally, hoping to explore one of Liverpool’s nearby beaches? The majority of them are reachable by train.

Go Green by Taking the Bus

Liverpool’s extensive network of bright-green Arriva buses is managed by Merseytravel. Over 30 routes fan out from the city’s bus stations: Liverpool ONE and Queen Square.

Locals tend to use the buses a lot because they go to parts of the city inaccessible by train. Furthermore, bus travel is one of the most eco-friendly ways to navigate Liverpool. Moreover, several new hydrogen-powered buses will be on the roads soon.

Bus 500 Goes from John Lennon Airport to Liverpool City Center

Arriving into the city by air? The 500 double-decker bus operates from Liverpool John Lennon Airport to the city every 30 minutes between 4 am and midnight.

Take the Ferry for the Best Views of the Liverpool Skyline

The River Mersey was once the city’s lifeline and continues to be a source of major attraction. One of the nicest things to do in Liverpool—regardless of whether you want to cross the water—is to take a ferry from Pier Head to Woodside on the Wirral Peninsula.

Various ferries cross the River Mersey, some of which are cheaper than others. The River Explorer Cruise is a popular pick for visitors and features informational commentary about the riverfront and its many famous buildings. Tickets are reasonably priced, and the full cruise lasts just under an hour.

Top Tip: If you’ve got some time to kill before your return trip, check out Woodside Ferry Village. The modern food hall features a range of tempting independent stalls and an outdoor dining terrace with splendid views of Liverpool’s skyline.

Can I Get Around Liverpool by Bike?

Thanks to its vast waterfront promenade and numerous dedicated cycle lanes, Liverpool is an easy city to explore by bike. Most key attractions have secure bike lockups nearby. Cycling is also a brilliant way to access southern suburbs like Sefton Park.

CityBike is Liverpool’s bike hire scheme, with numerous pick-up stations scattered throughout the city. There is a minimal fee to unlock your chosen bike, with straightforward pricing options for both pedal and e-bikes.

Zoom About the City on an E-Scooter

In addition to hiring a bike, you could try out Liverpool’s e-scooter rental service. There are many scooters available for hire for both short and long durations.

While they can be a lot of fun, be cautious of using e-scooters on busy roads or after dark. It’s illegal to use e-scooters on pavements in Liverpool and you’ll need a UK provisional driving license (or equivalent) to hire one.

Driving in Liverpool

Driving around the city center is best avoided due to its confusing one-way system. Regular roadworks along The Strand, the main road running adjacent to Liverpool’s Waterfront, can add to traffic difficulties. If staying in one of Liverpool’s outer neighborhoods, a car might be handy, particularly if it offers off-street or on-street parking.

Getting a Taxi in Liverpool Is Easy

Sometimes a taxi is the simplest way to get around the city, especially at night. There is a black cab rank right outside Liverpool Lime Street station, or you can hail black cabs on the street. Uber operates across the city too, making it easy to find a ride when needed.

Accessible Transportation in Liverpool

Liverpool works hard to provide accessible travel. Many buses can accommodate wheelchair users and the ferries are completely accessible as well. Trains feature extra-wide doors and designated spaces for wheelchairs, ensuring ease of travel.

Transport Passes in Liverpool

One of the best ways to save money in Liverpool is by selecting the right transport pass. Various affordable options are available, including a pass that gives you unlimited travel by bus, ferry, and train for an economical price.

If you’re in the city for an extended period, options are available for weekly tickets that can be used across all three modes of transport. These allow you to maximize your exploration of this vibrant city.