Useful Information to Help You Start Your Trip to Liverpool
Our Liverpool Travel Essentials lays out the essential information you need to help planning your trip to one of the most popular destinations in the UK. No matter how frequently you travel, some questions will always need answers: What’s the weather like? How can I get from the airport to my hotel? What currency and type of plug do I need? We have all these answers plus other basic info about the best time to go, getting there, getting around, and a few useful travel tips.
It’s all compiled in this Liverpool Travel Essentials. After reading this short and easy-to-read guide, you will be a little more prepared to start your trip in Liverpool.
When is the best time to travel to Liverpool?
Liverpool has a temperate maritime climate, with cool winters and moderately mild summers.
Average temperatures range from 3ºC in winter to 19ºC in summer.
Most rainfall occurs from October to April, yet you can expect a few rainy days even in summer.
The warmest time of the year is from May to September. As for weather, it’s the best time to visit Liverpool.
Mid-summer, July and August, is peak tourist season. Expect hotel and flight prices to rise accordingly.
Originally known as Speke Airport, Liverpool John Lennon Airport was renamed in 2001 in honor of one of the city’s most famous citizens. The airport sits on the north bank of the River Mersey, 7 miles east of the city center. It hosts a good range of facilities including eateries, shops and banking services. There are several transfer options to reach central Liverpool:
A taxi to the city center takes around 30 minutes. The taxi rank can be found just outside the terminal building.
The bus takes around 45 minutes. You can purchase your ticket online or directly in the bus. The bus stop is right in front of the terminal.
Car rental agencies can be found in the arrivals hall.
Liverpool Lime Street is the main railway station in Liverpool. One of the oldest train stations still in use in the UK, it was open in 1836 and sits right in Liverpool city center. This historical train station hosts a good choice of facilities including coffee shops, ATM machines and various shops. From here, you can get to your hotel by bus, local train or taxi.
How to get around Liverpool?
Travel tips
The most pleasant way to explore central Liverpool is on foot. The city center is rather compact and it hosts landmarks and attractions such as the Cavern Pub, the Albert Dock and the Merseyside Maritime Museum which can be found within 1 km of the Town Hall.
For longer journeys, the city’s transportation services are efficient and affordable. Run by Merseytravel, a connected bus, urban train and ferry network can take you almost anywhere in Liverpool.
The ticketing system looks rather complicated at first sight as a wide range of tickets and passes are available: urban train only, bus only or a combination of bus, train and ferry.
Liverpool is also divided into 10 areas of travel. The city center belongs to the area C.
The urban train network is underground in the city center.
A 1-day bus ticket in the Merseyside area covers 7 out of 10 areas.
A 1-day Saveaway ticket covers all public transport in the entire city including suburbs.
Taking a taxi
Many taxi and black cab companies operate in Liverpool. The most popular of them include LCR Taxis, Alpha Taxis, and Delta Taxis.
Over 20 black-cab ranks can be found near the train stations, city landmarks and shopping areas throughout the city center.
Taxis can be hailed on the street unless a taxi rank is at hand nearby.
Prices are higher at night, on weekends and on special days such as Christmas.
Payment of the fare by credit card is usually possible but it’s best to ask the driver before you start your journey.
Popular mobile phone apps such as Uber, MyTaxi and GetTaxi, just to name a few, can be used to hail a taxi in Liverpool.
Liverpool features a bike sharing scheme named CityBike. It’s a great way to explore the city on clear days. All you need to do is to register online and instantly receive login and PIN by email and SMS. Over 50 docking stations can be found throughout the city center.
What: The UK’s most anticipated horse racing event. The weekend event culminates in a steeplechase that is watched on television across the country.
When: April
Where: Aintree
International Beatleweek
What: A celebration of Liverpool’s most famous sons and rock’n’roll legends, The Beatles. Hundreds of bands play in venues throughout the city, with most of the action taking place in The Cavern Club.
When: August
Where: The Cavern Club and other city venues
Liverpool Pride
What: Liverpool Pride celebrates annually the LGBTQ+ community. It promotes equality and freedom through various festive events, including parades through the city center.
When: Late July or early August
Where: Tithebarn Street
This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.
