Ideal for budget-conscious travellers, students, airport travellers
No booking fees on the app
Best Price Promise
Delay Repay
24/7 customer support
Liverpool Lime Street to Manchester Piccadilly train times and prices
Plan your journey from Liverpool Lime Street to Manchester Piccadilly with ease. Explore the first and last train times, departure and arrival stations, distance, journey time, and price options to make the most of your trip.
Price*
From €4.03
Departure station
Arrival station
Journey time
39m
Distance
31 miles (50km)
First/last train
00:18 / 23:36
Frequency
102
Train operators
* Note: Lowest prices are based on an analysis of recent historical pricing data. Live fares fluctuate based on demand and how far in advance you book.
7-day train ticket price trend
Travelling from Liverpool Lime Street to Manchester Piccadilly by train? Find fares from as low as €4.03. Benefit from Advance tickets, Off-Peak train tickets, and Railcards for extra savings. Enjoy the most cost-effective and pleasant journey with TrainPal. For more tips on saving money, visit our UK cheap train ticket guide.
Cheapest
€4.03
On Thu 5
Live timetable and departures
The journey from Liverpool Lime Street to Manchester Piccadilly on the fastest train in 39m, usually 52m. Each day, 102 trains leave from Liverpool Lime Street, starting at 00:18 and ending at 23:36. Get real-time updates on train schedules, delays, and cancellations. Save time, effort, and money with TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
23:00 Liverpool Lime Street | 1h 1m, Direct | 00:01 Manchester Piccadilly | Northern | Find tickets |
23:19 Liverpool Lime Street | 50m, Direct | 00:09 Manchester Piccadilly | TransPennine Express | Find tickets |
23:36 Liverpool Lime Street | 1h 1m, Direct | 00:37 Manchester Piccadilly | Northern | Find tickets |
View More Trains
Compare train operators from Liverpool Lime Street to Manchester Piccadilly
- TransPennine Express
- Northern
- East Midlands Railway
TransPennine Express is a well-regarded train operator serving intercity and regional routes across Northern England and Scotland. You’ll enjoy a comfortable, modern onboard experience on journeys like the Anglo-Scottish route along the West Coast Main Line, linking Manchester and Liverpool to Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Standard
Firmly padded seats with pull-down tray tables
Generous leg space at table seats
Automatic seat reservations with Advance tickets
Air-conditioning present but prone to mechanical failures
Express Café for at-seat or trolley-based refreshments
Luggage
Pet
Onboard facilities
Bike
Accessibility
Seat Facilities
First Class
Ideal for business travellers, leisure travellers, long-distance passengers
Wider, more plush reclining seats with tables
Generous legroom
Automatic seat reservations
Air-conditioning present but prone to mechanical failures
Luggage
Food & Drink
Seat Types
Pet
Onboard facilities
Bike
Accessibility
Seat Facilities
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"First Class catering varies by route with TPE. Routes from Liverpool Lime Street to Glasgow Central or Newcastle, or from Manchester Airport to Glasgow Central or Edinburgh, will have a hot food service, while the rest will serve the more limited Express Plus menu for snacks and drinks."
"While you won’t find a designated quiet zone on TPE trains, you can use the TPExpress app to view live information on which carriages are busy and which are quieter before you board. This is a handy choice if you haven’t booked a seat reservation."
Essential onboard policies
-
Luggage
- Most UK train operators allow passengers to bring a reasonable amount of luggage free of charge.
- This is commonly considered three items per passenger, typically 2 larger bags and 1 smaller bag. Larger items cover suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
- Bags go in overhead racks, under seats, or in designated floor-level luggage stacks.
- Occasionally, some providers have stricter policies, such as Lumo, which enforces a limit of 1 medium suitcase and 1 small under-seat bag per person.
-
Bicycle
- Standard bicycles and folding bikes are generally allowed.
- Bike reservations are required on some services and are usually free.
- Some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes.
- Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are not permitted.
- We strongly recommend checking the specific cycle policy on your train operator's website before you travel.
-
Children
- Children under 5 usually travel free when accompanied by a fare-paying passenger.
- Children aged 5–15 get 50% off, and 16-year-olds can use the 16-17 Saver Railcard for 50% off.
-
Pets
- Each provider generally allows up to two animals per passenger free of charge, but individual operators can have additional restrictions.
- Throughout the journey, dogs must be on a lead, and any other pets must remain in their carrier.
- Animals are not permitted on seats or in restaurant carriages.
-
Passenger assistance
- Passengers with disabilities or additional needs can arrange free assistance with their train operator.
- This includes help at the station, boarding and leaving the train, and making connections. Assistance can also include ramps for wheelchair users and help finding accessible facilities or the correct platform.
- Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets are available on many trains, although facilities vary by service.
- To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.
Departing from Liverpool Lime Street
Address:
Lime Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, L1 1JD, United Kingdom
Public Transport Links:
Bus: Arriva and Stagecoach operate frequent buses across the city and nearby towns. Hop on/off on Lime Street, Skelhorne Street and Elliot Street. Areas served include Kirkdale, Allerton and Wavertree.
Taxi pick-up and drop-off: The main official taxi rank is located on Skelhorne Street (near the rear entrance and short-stay car park), with dedicated drop-off zones around the station perimeter.
Platforms:
Ten platforms in total. Platforms 1-5 are used by short-distance and regional services, whereas platforms 6-10 handle longer-distance intercity trains, such as those operated by Avant West Coast.
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"Navigating Liverpool Lime Street is generally straightforward, but it’s best to allow extra time during busy hours, especially when moving between the main line platforms and the underground Merseyrail Wirral Line. Using the lift or escalators near platform 1 to access the underground loop is often quicker and helps avoid the crowds."
FAQs about Liverpool Lime Street Station
When does Liverpool Lime Street station open?
Liverpool Lime Street opens just before train operating hours, around 04:35 on weekdays, 04:45 on Saturdays and 07:45 on Sundays.
How far is Anfield from Liverpool Lime Street station?
Anfield Stadium is 2 miles (3.2 kilometres) away from Liverpool Lime Street station.
Is there luggage storage at Liverpool Lime Street station?
Yes, the left luggage office at Liverpool Lime Street is by the escalators opposite the information point and platform 6. You can drop off and retrieve your belongings 07:00–23:00 from Monday to Saturday and 08:00–23:00 on Sundays and public holidays.
What shops are in Liverpool Lime Street station?
Liverpool Lime Street has a range of shops and food outlets, from Boots and WHSmith to Upper Crust, M&S and Costa.
Are there toilets at Liverpool Lime Street station?
Yes, there are male, female and accessible toilets by the Lord Nelson Street entrance. First Class ticket holders for an Avanti West Coast train can use the loos in the First Class lounge.
Arriving at Manchester Piccadilly
Address:
Piccadilly Station Approach, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M60 7RA, United Kingdom
Onward Transit Options:
Tram: Piccadilly tram station is on the Blue and Yellow lines of the Metrolink network, serving Manchester Airport, Bury, Altrincham and other areas.
Bus: First and Stagecoach operate many routes across the city and Greater Manchester, including Fallowfield, West Didsbury and Cheetham Hill. Both of the city’s free bus routes also stop at the station.
Taxi pick-up and drop-off: You can catch a cab or have the driver drop you off at the station’s taxi rank on Fairfield Street.
Top Things to Do & Nearby Attractions:
Piccadilly Gardens (9-min walk)
Manchester Art Gallery (14-min walk)
The John Rylands Library (20-minute walk)
Manchester Cathedral (22-min walk)
AO Arena (22-min walk)
Airport Transfers:
About seven direct services run to Manchester Airport every hour (taking 13–21 minutes). Trains are operated by Northern, TransPennine Express and Transport for Wales (TfW).
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"Use the lift to the left of the waiting area or on Fairfield Street to avoid the concourse crowds and long stair routes. It is ideal for getting around the station with luggage and moving between rail platforms, the tram stop and taxi rank."
FAQs: Manchester Piccadilly Station
Is there parking at Manchester Piccadilly station?
Yes, the station has a 24-hour long-stay car park on Boad Street with 856 spaces and 32 accessible bays. For short stays and drop-offs, use the car park on Fairfield Street (open 24 hours). There are 47 spaces and three accessible parking bays.
What time does Manchester Piccadilly train station open?
Manchester Piccadilly generally opens about 20 minutes before the first train, around 02:40.
Are there lockers at Manchester Piccadilly station?
There aren’t any self-service lockers at Manchester Piccadilly, but the station does have a left luggage office. The office is located between platforms 10 and 11. Drop off and pick up your belongings from 07:00–23:00, Monday to Saturday and 08:00–23:00 on Sunday.
What food places are in Manchester Piccadilly station?
Manchester Piccadilly station has a range of coffee kiosks, fast food outlets and grocery shops. Options include Tortilla, M&S and Caffè Nero.
Does Manchester Piccadilly station have toilets?
Yes, there are toilets opposite platforms 11 and 12 at Manchester Piccadilly. Additional facilities are on the upper concourse and near the waiting lounge by platforms 13 and 14. Accessible toilets and baby changing facilities are available.
TransPennine Express: Liverpool Lime Street to Manchester Piccadilly trains
Travel from Liverpool Lime Street to Manchester Piccadilly in approximately 52 minutes with TransPennine Express trains.
TransPennine Express runs direct trains from Liverpool Lime Street to Manchester Piccadilly, passing through key towns like Warrington, with views of the Mersey Valley countryside along the way. TransPennine Express offers services across the North of England and into Scotland. Key destinations include Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds, York, Newcastle and Edinburgh.
Departing from Liverpool Lime Street
Liverpool Lime Street station is located in the heart of Liverpool, only a few minutes away from key city attractions like St George’s Hall and the Liverpool Empire Theatre. It's easily accessible by local buses, taxis and Merseyrail services via the nearby Liverpool Central and Lime Street Low Level stations.
Lime Street offers direct train services to major destinations such as Manchester, London Euston, Birmingham, Leeds and Newcastle. The station is served by several key train operators, including Avanti West Coast, Northern, TransPennine Express, East Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway.
Main stops
When you’re travelling from Liverpool Lime Street to Manchester Piccadilly, you’ll stop at various places along the way. This includes Liverpool South Parkway, Warrington West, Warrington Central and Manchester Oxford Road.
With Northern, you’ll stop at Edge Hill, Watertree Technology Park, Broad Green, Roby, St Helens Junction, Deansgate and Manchester Oxford Road, among others.
Arriving at Manchester Piccadilly
Manchester Piccadilly is the city's main railway station. It’s located in the heart of Manchester, just a short walk from the city centre and tram, bus and taxi services. From Manchester Piccadilly, you can catch direct train services to London Euston, Birmingham, Liverpool, Sheffield and Leeds.
The station is served by major train operators such as Avanti West Coast, Northern, TransPennine Express and CrossCountry.
There’s lots to see and do nearby, including Northern Quarter's vibrant shops and cafes, the Manchester Art Gallery, and the famous Canal Street, all of which are within walking distance.
TransPennine Express train classes
- Standard Class: Standard Class on TransPennine Express offers comfortable seating, onboard Wi-Fi and power sockets on most services. Railcard holders can buy cheap train tickets, making Standard Class an affordable option.
- First Class: Liverpool Lime Street to Manchester Piccadilly First Class is available on selected TransPennine Express services and offers more space and upgraded seating. Complimentary refreshments are included on some routes, creating a more relaxed and premium travel experience.
TransPennine Express train travel advice
TransPennine Express offers a fully equipped service from Liverpool Lime Street to Manchester Picadilly, including:
- Luggage - TransPennine Express offers luggage space on trains, so you can travel with multiple suitcases between Liverpool and Manchester.
- Bicycles - Bikes are welcome on TransPennine Express services, though spaces are limited.
- Children - Children under 5 travel free with a paying adult on all TransPennine Express services. Kids aged 5 to 15 get half-price fares, and railcards allow you to buy cheap train tickets to travel as a family.
- Pets - Up to two pets per passenger can travel free on TransPennine Express trains. Dogs must be on a lead, and smaller animals should be in carriers.
- Passenger Assistance - Travellers who need extra support can book assistance in advance for help at stations and onboard.
Northern: Liverpool Lime Street to Manchester Piccadilly trains
Northern Railway has direct trains running Liverpool Lime Street to Manchester Piccadilly, offering views of suburban towns and stretches of open countryside along the way. Northern Railway is the main regional train operator in the North of England, serving a wide network across Merseyside, Greater Manchester, Yorkshire, Lancashire and the North East.
Northern Railway train classes
- Standard Class: Standard Class on Northern Railway is comfortable, with spacious seating, Wi-Fi and power sockets on most trains. If you have a railcard, you can buy cheap train tickets and travel between Liverpool and Manchester affordable.
- First Class: Northern does not offer First Class on its trains.
Northern train travel advice
Here’s everything you need to know about choosing Northern Railway for your journey from Liverpool to Manchester.
- Luggage - Northern provides storage areas for luggage, including racks for larger bags and space under the seats for smaller items. Northern encourages passengers to be mindful of space.
- Bicycles - Bikes are welcome on Northern services, but space is limited and offered on a first come, first served basis. If you can, reserve a space in advance.
- Children - Children under 5 travel free with a paying adult on Northern trains, and those aged between 5 and 15 can get half-price tickets. If you have a railcard, you can buy cheap train tickets to travel as a family.
- Pets - Northern allows up to two pets per passenger, and these can travel free of charge. Dogs must be kept on a lead, and smaller animals should be carried in a carrier.
- Passenger Assistance - Travellers who need help can lean on Northern Railway, which offers help at stations and onboard trains.
*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.
Delay Repay & Refund Policies from Liverpool Lime Street to Manchester Piccadilly
Apply for TransPennine Express Delay Repay
If your TPE train is delayed, you can claim compensation depending on the length of your delay:
15–29 minutes: 25% of a single ticket or 12.5% of a return ticket.
30–59 minutes: 50% of a single ticket or 50% of the delayed portion of a return ticket.
60–119 minutes: 100% of a single ticket or 100% of the delayed portion of a return ticket.
Over 120 minutes: 100% of a single ticket or return ticket. (Note: Two separate Advance Single tickets do not count as a return; you can only claim for the specific delayed ticket).
Apply for Northern Delay Repay
Northern bases Delay Repay compensation on the length of your delay when you reach your final destination and the type of ticket you hold.
15 to 29 minutes: 25% of the cost of a single ticket, or 12.5% of a return ticket
30 to 59 minutes: 50% of the cost of a single ticket, or 25% of a return ticket
60 to 119 minutes: 100% of the cost of a single ticket, or 50% of a return ticket
120 minutes or more: 100% of the total ticket cost, including the full cost of a return ticket
Apply for East Midlands Railway Delay Repay
EMR bases Delay Repay compensation on the length of the delay when you reach your final destination, and not the delay to an individual train.
15 to 29 minutes: 25% of a single ticket or 12.5% of a return ticket
30 to 59 minutes: 50% of a single ticket or 25% of a return ticket
60 to 119 minutes: 100% of a single ticket or 50% of a return ticket
120 minutes or more: 100% of either a single or a return ticket
FAQ
-
How much is a train from Liverpool Lime Street to Manchester Piccadilly?
Tickets from Liverpool Lime Street to Manchester Piccadilly typically cost €13.87, but can be as cheap as €4.03 when booked in advance. Other factors that may affect the ticket price include time of day and ticket type, so be sure to research before purchasing.
-
How long is the train from Liverpool Lime Street to Manchester Piccadilly?
The journey should take, on average, 52m, though it can be as quick as 39m when booking specific services. Be sure to click the "Fastest" tab when searching your route to find out.
-
Is there a direct train from Liverpool Lime Street to Manchester Piccadilly?
Yes, there is a direct train between Liverpool Lime Street and Manchester Piccadilly. However, you will find indirect services listed too, including where you will have to make a changeover. Check each listing for either ‘direct’ or how many stops are required when purchasing your ticket.
-
How far in advance can I book my train from Liverpool Lime Street to Manchester Piccadilly?
You can typically book tickets from Liverpool Lime Street to Manchester Piccadilly up to 12 weeks before departure.
-
Do Liverpool Lime Street to Manchester Piccadilly trains offer Wi-Fi?
Although WiFi is becoming increasingly present on rail services, it can still depend on who provides your specific route. For instance, Merseyrail and older Northern models do not offer WiFi currently; all other providers do, however.
-
How far is Liverpool Lime Street from Manchester Piccadilly?
The distance between Liverpool Lime Street and Manchester Piccadilly is approximately 31 miles (50km), depending on the specific stations you travel between.
-
How frequent are trains from Liverpool Lime Street to Manchester Piccadilly?
There is 102 train running from Liverpool Lime Street to Manchester Piccadilly per day. Please note that trains run more regularly during peak hours.
-
How can I buy the cheapest tickets from Liverpool Lime Street to Manchester Piccadilly?
To get the cheapest ticket, we recommend buying in advance, as early as 12 weeks before departure. We'd also strongly suggest travelling during off-peak hours where possible and getting a Railcard, which typically offers ⅓ off your ticket cost and is available to most travellers!
-
How do I check if my train is delayed or cancelled?
Keep a close eye on your journey via the TrainPal app, which offers real-time information on train status and notifications of any train strikes that will impact you.
-
Can my tickets be refunded or changed?
In the UK, refund and change policies for train tickets vary by type. Advance tickets are generally non-refundable but may be changeable for a fee. Flexible tickets, like Anytime and Off-Peak tickets, offer more options for refunds and changes. Review the specific terms and conditions of your ticket or refer to UK train ticket types for precise details.
More train routes
* Prices are dynamic and subject to change. Ticket prices vary based on time of day, route, and class. This pricing does not apply to discounted Split tickets and Railcards.
New user welcome pack