Southampton to Liverpool

[NHPixidust]

Hello,

I tried searching in the forum but couldn't find anything specific to this.  We are going on a cruise next August roundtrip from Southampton, and would like to spend some time in Liverpool before flying back home.  What is the best way to get to Liverpool?  Looks like you can take a train with a connection or two which is what we were considering doing.  Is that probably our best bet other than renting a car?

Thanks in advance!

Renee'

[gumshoe958]

Yes, the train would be easiest but as you’ve discovered there’s no direct service from Southampton to Liverpool.

 

The simplest route, which takes 5 hours, involves one change of train at Birmingham New Street or Stafford. It’s an hourly service and pre-booking is advised.

 

Otherwise you have to go via London which involves getting from Waterloo to Euston stations by tube or cab, which is marginally quicker but a bit of a pain.

 

If you’re looking up times and tickets, the stations you want are Southampton Central and Liverpool Lime Street (not Liverpool Central).

 

 

Edited September 9, 2023 by gumshoe958

[rhiannon84]

If you’re doing it as a return trip (one-way hire very expensive)and are comfortable driving a manual (likely fewer automatics available) then hiring a car allows you to have scenic detours/break up the journey.
 

I don’t know Liverpool well, but car parking is often expensive and limited in UK city centres, so you have to weigh up the flexibility of getting there & back with the cost and nuisance of finding somewhere to leave it while you’re there.

[Ocean Mouse]

Unless you plan to explore outside the city centre I would definitely recommend the train. Liverpool city centre is a nightmare to drive around even if you are used to UK roads. For your return journey it is then a direct train to London with easy journeys onward to Heathrow or Gatwick 

[Harters]

I'd also agree about the train unless the flexibility of having a car would allow you to get out and about from Liverpool's city centre and see something of our region. Driving round the city is no different from driving round any British city.  If you do decide on the car option, make sure you check out that your accommodation has parking. 

[fruitmachine]

1 hour ago, Harters said:

If you do decide on the car option, make sure you check out that your accommodation has parking. 

Or finish a leisurely journey to Liverpool at the car hire office. 

Perhaps that would give you the best of both worlds - little or no city driving, but the chance to explore off the direct route from Southampton to Liverpool.

[NHPixidust]

Thank you all for your thoughts.  I really appreciate it!!!

[downsmead]

We live in the U.K. but visited Liverpool a couple of years ago. We stayed at a hotel in the Albert Docks and parked the car in the shopping centre for the 3 days we were there. Worked out about £20 per day. It was ~ 7 min walk from the car park to the hotel.

[Simon-t]

I agree with suggestions for the train, although if you do hire a car and drive, options in Liverpool are better than many UK cities. If you stay near Albert Dock (best place to stay for tourism) the parking at the ACC convention centre nearby is secure and pretty reasonably priced.