Travelling from Liverpool to London is a journey many people make for work, leisure, or special events. With multiple transport options available, choosing the best one depends on your budget, schedule, and personal preferences. Here’s a breakdown of the most efficient ways to travel from Liverpool to London.
1. Train: The Fastest & Most Convenient Option
The train is the quickest way to get from Liverpool to London. Avanti West Coast operates direct services from Liverpool Lime Street to London Euston, with journeys taking around 2 hours and 15 minutes. Trains run frequently throughout the day, making it an ideal option for both business and leisure travellers. You can book your tickets in advance through Trainline.
Top Tip: Try Split Ticketing To Save You Money on Your Train Travel
Split ticketing is a money-saving method where instead of buying one ticket for your whole journey, you purchase multiple tickets covering different parts of the route. You still travel on the same train and don’t need to get off or change trains — but by breaking your journey into sections, you can often end up paying significantly less.
You can use Split My Fare does to do all the hard work for you. Just enter your departure and arrival stations, and the site searches for split fares that could save you money. Even better, they only charge a small booking fee if they actually find you a cheaper fare.
Let’s say you’re planning a trip from Liverpool to London, which is a popular and frequently travelled route. Depending on the day and time, a direct train ticket can cost upwards of £100. But using Split My Fare, you might be able to cut that cost dramatically — sometimes by £30 or more — just by splitting the journey at intermediate stops like Stafford or Milton Keynes.
- Cost: Prices vary depending on how far in advance you book. Standard tickets can start from £30 when booked early, but last-minute fares can exceed £100.
- Pros: Fast, comfortable, and no need to worry about traffic.
- Cons: Prices can be high without an advance booking.
2. Coach: The Budget-Friendly Choice
For those looking for a cheaper travel option, coaches run regularly between Liverpool and London. Companies like National Express and FlixBus offer direct services, with journeys taking between 5 and 6 hours.
- Cost: Tickets can be as low as £10-£20, making it the most affordable choice.
- Pros: Cheap and comfortable, with WiFi and charging points on most services.
- Cons: Takes much longer than the train and can be affected by traffic.
3. Driving: Flexible but Time-Consuming
If you prefer to drive, the journey from Liverpool to London is around 220 miles and takes approximately 4 to 5 hours. This option provides flexibility, but fuel costs, tolls, and congestion charges in London can add up.
- Cost: Fuel costs around £40-£60, depending on fuel prices and car efficiency. Additional expenses include tolls and parking.
- Pros: Flexible departure time and control over your journey.
- Cons: Traffic delays and high costs for parking in London.
4. Flying: Quick in the Air, But Worth It?
Liverpool John Lennon Airport offers flights to London, but they are not direct (you ususally have to fly tO Dublin, then London). So unless you’re happy sit around the airport (you can grab something to eat at Monty’s), flying isn’t a good choice. The quickest option is to fly to London Heathrow or Gatwick via a connecting airport, which often takes around 3-4 hours, including transfers and waiting times. It’s definitely not worth it with the other options available.
- Cost: Flights can range from £50-£150, plus airport transfers.
- Pros: Can be a viable option if connecting to an international flight.
- Cons: Not a practical option due to limited direct flights and long airport procedures.
So, What’s The Best Way To Get To London?
- Fastest? Train (2hr 15m)
- Cheapest? Coach
- Most flexible? Driving
- Most comfortable? Train
If you need to get to London quickly and comfortably, the train is the best option. If you’re travelling on a budget, coaches are a great alternative. Driving can be convenient for those who need flexibility, but traffic and costs can be a downside. Whatever your preference, there’s a way to travel from Liverpool to London that suits your needs.
