Liverpool Lime Street to Chester Trains From £2.40*

Heading from the heart of Liverpool to the historic city of Chester? Direct trains operated by Transport for Wales (TfW)connect Liverpool Lime Street to Chester in as little as 43 minutes. Covering a distance of 15 miles, there are 115 services per day, with the first train departing at 05:38 and the last at 23:43.

The train passes through stretches of green countryside, offering glimpses of semi-rural Cheshire and Merseyside, making it an enjoyable and efficient link between two vibrant cities.

Transport for Wales operates rail services across Wales and parts of England, including links between Cardiff, Swansea, Newport, Wrexham, and regional towns. Managing all 223 National Rail stations in Wales, TfW aims to provide sustainable, integrated transport solutions that connect communities and boost local economies.

Departing from Liverpool Lime Street

Liverpool Lime Street sits right in the city's heart, on Lime Street itself. The station comprises two levels: Lime Street High Level, a mainline terminal and the oldest grand terminus still in use worldwide, and Lime Street Low Level, part of the Merseyrail network. Both are seamlessly integrated for passenger use, although Network Rail and Merseyrail manage separately.

Getting to Lime Street is simple. The main bus station on Roe Street is a short 4-minute walk away, and services run by Arriva and Stagecoach. Taxis are available at several ranks, including Skelhorne Street and Lord Nelson Street. For airport transfers, the 500 Airport Flyer connects via Liverpool ONE bus station, which is easily accessible by local services such as the 10A and C4/C5 buses.

Trains from Liverpool Lime Street serve a broad range of destinations. These include routes to London Euston, Manchester Piccadilly, Birmingham New Street, and long-distance services to Glasgow and Edinburgh. Operators include Avanti West Coast, Northern, TransPennine Express, East Midlands Railway, and Merseyrail, offering national and local services.

Main stops

Direct TfW trains between Liverpool Lime Street and Chester are short, but depending on the schedule, some services may stop at Huyton, Helsby, or Rock Ferry.

Arriving at Chester

You'll arrive at Chester railway station, situated in Newtown, Chester. Originally opened in 1848 and now a Grade II listed building, the station underwent major refurbishments in 2007 to modernise passenger facilities and improve accessibility. Its elegant Victorian architecture makes for a memorable arrival.

From Chester, rail services connect you to London, Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, and even Edinburgh and Glasgow via major operators like Avanti West Coast.

The station is well placed for local attractions: Chester Cathedral, Chester City Walls, and Chester Racecourse are all easily accessible, making it a great starting point for sightseeing.

Transport for Wales train classes

Transport for Wales (TfW) trains offer only Standard Class on services between Liverpool Lime Street and Chester; there is no First Class on this route. However, Standard Class provides a comfortable ride with Wi-Fi, power sockets, bicycle spaces, and accessible toilets on many services.

The type of train used can vary. The newer Class 197 units offer spacious seating, modern interiors, and digital travel updates. Older Class 150 trains are more basic but provide essentials like visual information screens and charging points.

For passengers looking for a premium travel experience, First Class is available on select longer-distance TfW routes, such as those running between Cardiff, Swansea, and Manchester or Holyhead.

Transport for Wales train travel advice

To get the most out of your TfW journey, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Luggage: You can bring up to three items; two large and one small. Store them under your seat or in designated areas.
• Bicycles: Book in advance to bring a non-folding bike. E-bikes are allowed under the same terms. Foldable bikes may be permitted on buses at the driver's discretion.
• Children: Up to two children aged 5 to 10 can travel free with a fare-paying adult of 16+, with a free child ticket required. Free off-peak travel also applies to under-16s.
• Pets: Dogs must be on a lead or carrier and cannot take up seats. Guide dogs are always allowed, but pets are not permitted on replacement bus services.
• Passenger Assist: Book assistance via the Passenger Assistance website, app or by calling 03330 050 501. Assistance is available for boarding, navigating stations, and luggage handling.

A quick hop from Liverpool Lime Street to Chester is also possible with Merseyrail, offering direct trains in around 45 minutes.

The Wirral Line route offers glimpses of urban Liverpool transitioning into suburban Wirral and the green spaces of Cheshire, making it suitable for daily commuters and tourists.

Merseyrail is the Liverpool City Region's electrified commuter rail system, operating the Northern, Wirral, and City Lines. With services running every few minutes across 68 stations, it links Liverpool with Southport, Chester, Ellesmere Port, and parts of Cheshire and Lancashire, making it a vital part of the region's public transport.

Merseyrail train classes

Merseyrail trains don't offer separate travel classes; all passengers travel in Standard seating. The new Class 777 Stadler trains provide a consistent and modern experience across the network.

Each train features a 2+2 seating layout, USB and standard plug sockets, dedicated wheelchair spaces, and extra standing room for busy times. There are no toilets on board, which is something to be aware of for longer journeys, but seating is designed for short to medium durations and offers a comfortable ride for all.

Merseyrail train travel advice

If you're using Merseyrail, here's what you need to know:

• Luggage: You can bring a reasonable amount, but you must manage it yourself. Luggage racks are available onboard.
• Bicycles: Two bicycles can be taken per train, first-come, first-served. Tandems and tricycles are not permitted.
• Children: Under 5s travel free, and ages 5 to 15 get 50% off. A Family Ticket of £14 covers up to five people for unlimited off-peak travel.
• Pets: Dogs on leads and pets in secure carriers are allowed, but not on seats. You may need to move if others object.
• Passenger Assist: For Merseyrail-only journeys, assistance must be booked at least one hour in advance. Help is available for boarding, navigating stations, and carrying luggage.

*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.