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Provider information and services
Merseyrail
About
Mersey Rail is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates a network of commuter and regional services in the North West of England. Mersey Rail operates a variety of train types, including the Class 507 and Class 508 electric multiple units, and the Class 142 and Class 150 diesel multiple units. It also operates the Merseyrail Electrics, a fleet of electric multiple units. Mersey Rail offers a range of ticket types, including single, return, and season tickets. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. The most popular routes for Mersey Rail are Liverpool to Southport, Liverpool to Chester, and Liverpool to Ormskirk.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Refunds available according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund available if service is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and ramps for boarding
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be leashed
Quiet zone
Family area
Popular routes
Merseyrail train tickets
Select the route
Showing the fastest and cheapest results for Dec 04
Merseyrail
07:47AM0h44
Liverpool James Street (LVJ)08:31AMChester station (CTR)
$151One-way
0 transfers
Merseyrail
07:17AM0h44
Liverpool James Street (LVJ)08:01AMChester station (CTR)
$151One-way
0 transfers
Merseyrail
06:17AM0h44
Liverpool James Street (LVJ)07:01AMChester station (CTR)
$151One-way
0 transfers
Merseyrail
06:47AM0h44
Liverpool James Street (LVJ)07:31AMChester station (CTR)
$151One-way
0 transfers
A subsidiary of the consortium between Serco and Abellio, Merseyrail offers train service throughout the Liverpool City Centre area, the suburban area, and the rest of Merseyside. Over 100,000 passengers utilize the network weekly with about 800 trains running daily. Due to increasing overcrowding at stations and on trains, talks of expansion to increase the number of stations in Liverpool Centre and other areas is in progress. Other plans include expanding services above ground with trams and increasing better connections to the John Lennon Airport.
The network currently consists of two lines - the Northern Line and the Wirral Line - and is further associated with the City Line. The Northern Line runs from Hunts Cross in the south of Liverpool through the city center to Southport, Ormskirk, and Kirkby. The Wirral Line connects Liverpool to the Wirral Peninsula via the Mersey Railway Tunnel, with connections to New Brighton, West Kirby, Chester, and Ellesmere Port. Popular destinations include Liverpool Lime Street, New Brighton, Preston, and Hunt’s Cross, with most of the network’s branches having trains departing every fifteen minutes.
Every train operated by Merseyrail is electric. The trains received various characterizations over recent years from themed advertising of the Beatles Story and the John Hope University to receiving names such as Red Rum, Bob Paisley, and Dixie Dean.
Every train has accommodations for wheelchair users, auditory and visual information and travel updates, boarding ramps, a standard toilet, and priority seating. However, not all of the trains have accessible toilets and customer staff available onboard to assist disabled passengers.
Besides the usual group, season, off peak and other standard tickets, Merseyrail has several special offers. Full or part time students can enjoy the benefits of the GEM pass, which allows unlimited travel within a chosen area. Season tickets have a special trio option which will discount bus, train, and ferry tickets. Finally, Merseyrail will introduce a “Walrus” Smartcard and loyalty system to use all across three modes of transportation.
Popular Merseyrail routes
Wrexham General (WRX) to Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) train
from $11
Direct trains available
1h18 average duration
9trains per day
Served by
- Transport for Wales
- Merseyrail
- Avanti West Coast
Liverpool to Rhyl train
from $13
Direct trains available
1h22 average duration
7trains per day
Served by
- Merseyrail
- Transport for Wales
Liverpool South Parkway (LPY) to Liverpool Central (LVC) train
from $7
Direct trains available
0h14 average duration
8trains per day
Served by
- TransPennine Express
- West Midlands Trains
- Transport for Wales
- Merseyrail
- East Midlands Trains
- Northern Rail (3)
Rhyl to Liverpool train
from $12
Direct trains available
1h28 average duration
6trains per day
Served by
- Transport for Wales
- Merseyrail
- Avanti West Coast
Chester to Liverpool train
from $5
Direct trains available
0h38 average duration
11trains per day
Served by
- Transport for Wales
- Merseyrail
Birkenhead Hamilton Square (BKQ) to Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) train
from $4
Direct trains available
0h07 average duration
8trains per day
Served by
- Merseyrail
Liverpool to Chester train
from $5
Direct trains available
0h44 average duration
10trains per day
Served by
- Transport for Wales
- Merseyrail
Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) to Rock Ferry (RFY) train
from $5
Direct trains available
0h14 average duration
9trains per day
Served by
- Merseyrail
Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) to Wrexham General (WRX) train
from $10
Direct trains available
1h08 average duration
8trains per day
Served by
- Transport for Wales
- Merseyrail
Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) to Liverpool James Street (LVJ) train
from $4
Direct trains available
0h03 average duration
10trains per day
Served by
- Merseyrail
Merseyrail FAQs
Everything you need to know to travel with Merseyrail: amenities, cancellation policy, luggage allowance and more
Merseyrail operates across the Liverpool City Region, providing train services that connect Liverpool with destinations such as Southport, Chester, and Ormskirk.
Merseyrail trains are accessible for passengers with reduced mobility, featuring wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and ramps for boarding.
Refunds for train tickets with Merseyrail are available according to the conditions specified for each ticket type.
With Merseyrail, there is no formal check-in process required.
Yes, Merseyrail does offer compensation if you miss your connection due to a delay.
Refunds with Merseyrail for Anytime tickets are usually processed within 14 working days, while Advance tickets are non-refundable.
Merseyrail passengers have up to 28 days from the date of travel to submit their compensation request. It is important to note that advance tickets are non-refundable, while anytime tickets are refundable, and compensation is usually processed within 14 working days.
If your train with Merseyrail is delayed, you may be eligible for compensation for the inconvenience caused by the delay.
For a train delay of over 120 minutes, Merseyrail compensates 100% of the single ticket price.
For a train delay with Merseyrail between 60-119 minutes, compensation is 50% of the single ticket price.
Merseyrail trains leave from various stations within the Liverpool City Region, including Liverpool Central and Moorfields stations.
On Merseyrail trains, passengers can store 2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage. Use the overhead racks and designated luggage areas for storing your items.
Merseyrail does not operate overnight trains, as night journeys are not available.
No, you do not need to bring your passport when traveling with Merseyrail as it operates domestic train services within the United Kingdom.
You can take pets on Merseyrail trains, with small pets allowed to travel for free if they are in carriers, while dogs must be on a leash.
If your train is canceled with Merseyrail, a full refund is available.
Merseyrail allows refunds on Anytime, Off-Peak, and Super Off-Peak train tickets, but certain restrictions and administrative fees may apply.
Merseyrail trains are equipped with USB plug sockets for passenger convenience.
Subway tickets cannot be purchased onboard Merseyrail trains.
Merseyrail does not offer compensation for delays caused by weather or strikes.
WiFi is not available onboard Merseyrail trains.
Yes, Merseyrail provides quiet zones for passengers seeking a more peaceful journey.
station information and services
Most popular Merseyrail train stations
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:38
- Sun: 07:15 - 23:05
Wifi
- Free public Wi-Fi available.
Lockers
- The Excess Baggage Co. lockers and staffed luggage storage counter are located in the main concourse near the escalators across from Platform 6. Open daily 08:00 to 21:00.
Shopping
- Type of shops available: Various retail establishments including Photo Booths to purchase items whilst in the station
Parking
- Car Park: Short stay car park located on Skelhorne Street & Long Stay Car Park located on Lord Nelson Street
Dining
- Caffè Nero
- Costa Coffee
- Upper Crust
- Starbucks
- JD Wetherspoon
Taxis
- Taxi: The station taxi rank is located at Skelhorne Street side of the station. There are two customer help points located for passengers requiring assistance.
- Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis at Liverpool Lime Street station can be provided at the taxi rank. If you require a private accessible taxi please locate a member of the station staff and they will provide you with a local taxi firm company number.
Accessibility
- Full wheelchair access throughout the station, with help points at the Skelhorne Street entrance and at customer information desk in the main concourse.
WC
- Toilets Location: Male and Female toilets located on the station concourse by Lord Nelson street entrance
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National Key (RADAR) toilet is located next to the Male and Female toilets by the Lord Nelson Street entrance. If you do not have a key please locate a member of staff and they will provide you with one.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Baby changing facilities location: Female toilets
Hotel
- Pembroke Studios
- Riley’s Rooms
- Holiday Inn Liverpool City Center
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: Located on main concourse
Ticket Office
- Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:38
- Sun: 07:15 - 23:05
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Alongside station entrance
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Located in the main concourse.
Public transit options for Liverpool Lime Street
- Suburban train lines: Wirral Line (green)
- Bus lines: 9, 10, 61, 82, 79, 86C, 500
- Train lines: Northern, West Midlands, TransPennine Express, East Midlands, Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales, London Northwestern
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail replacement services depart at the Bus stop on Skelhorne Street, near the Tesco Express. L3 5GA.
Amenities at train station
ShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:40 - 21:40 Saturday 05:40 - 21:40 Sunday 07:10 - 20:40
Distance to city center
1 kmShopping
- Type of shops available: News agent
Parking
- Car Park: Chester West
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category A. Step free access is available to all platforms via lifts.
- Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Main Concourse and on Platform 7a. The National key toilets are located on the Main Concourse and on Platform 7a; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: On the concourse
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from information point
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transit options for Chester
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the bus stop outside the station front
Amenities at train station
WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 05:25 - 00:16 Sunday 07:45 - 00:16 Station staffing times may vary, please visit Merseyrail.org for up-to-date times.
Shopping
- Type of shops available: Shoe repairer Wide range of shops Convenience store Passport Photo Booth
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category A: “This station has step free access to all platforms / the platform” All platforms can be accessed via lift
- Accessible ticket machines: There are no accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on the Station Concourse. The National key toilets are located next to the public toilets on the Station Concourse; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Next to Mail entrance
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 0151 555 1111
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transit options for Liverpool Central
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: 32 Great Charlotte Street, Liverpool 1
Merseyrail destinations
Not sure where to begin your Merseyrail adventure? Check out these popular Merseyrail destinations for travel details and nearby attractions:
Other train journeys you might be interested in
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