The Liverpool to London train route is one of the busiest long-distance rail corridors in England. Fast, direct services run frequently throughout the day, connecting Liverpool Lime Street with London Euston in just over 2 hours. This route is ideal for business travel, weekend trips, football fans, and anyone travelling between the northwest and the capital.
1. Journey Overview
- Fastest journey: ~2 hours 1 minute
- Typical journey time: 2h 5m – 2h 20m
- Distance: ~178 miles (286 km)
- Direct trains: Yes — frequent
- Frequency: 1–2 trains per hour
- Main operators: Avanti West Coast, London Northwestern Railway
2. Major Stations
Liverpool Lime Street
Located in the heart of the city, Lime Street offers shops, cafés, ticket machines and easy connections to Merseyrail services.
London Euston
One of London’s busiest terminals with Underground links (Victoria and Northern lines), shops, dining options and step-free access. For more details, see the London Euston station guide.
3. Route Highlights
Most direct trains run via:
- Runcorn
- Crewe
- Milton Keynes Central
Avanti West Coast services are the fastest and most comfortable, while London Northwestern services offer cheaper fares with slightly longer travel times.
4. Onboard Experience
- Free Wi-Fi on most trains
- Power sockets available at seats
- Food and drink onboard Avanti West Coast
- First Class and Standard Premium seating on Avanti
- Spacious luggage storage and overhead racks
5. Best Time to Travel
- Peak: Early morning and late afternoon
- Off-peak: Cheaper and quieter
- Weekends: Busy during events and football matches
6. Ticket Tips
- Book early for the biggest savings
- Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets offer great value
- Railcards save around 33% on fares
- Split-ticketing can sometimes reduce the cost (e.g., via Crewe)
- Advance tickets recommended for fixed-time journeys
7. Useful Connections
Travellers connecting through Manchester can also check related guides:
8. Why Choose the Train?
- Fastest city-centre to city-centre option
- No airport transfers needed
- Environmentally friendly alternative to driving or flying
- Comfortable onboard experience with Wi-Fi and power outlets
Part of our Train Routes in the UK series.